Subaru To Underpin All Cars With Just One Platform? New Seven-Seat SUV Too

If the reports are true, Subaru will have one modular platform that will underpin its entire line-up of cars by 2016. With that, the new architecture, that goes by the name of the Subaru Global Platform, will be used from the Subaru Impreza to the all-new seven-seater SUV that’s expected to replace the ageing Tribeca.

However, modular/ scalable platforms aren’t new: European carmakers such as Volkswagen and Volvo have already adopted this strategy, seeing as how having just one platform for various vehicles saves a bucket of cash in the process – they’re also responsible for some seriously improved development times.

Set to be unveiled in two years’ time, the all-new Tribeca replacement will be the first Subaru model to utilise the new modular architecture.

In order to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, the Japanese carmaker will also introduce new engine technologies such as lean-burning, cylinder deactivation and direct injection in 2016.

Subaru is reportedly working on a plug-in hybrid powertrain as well.

The BRZ will be the only exception to this one-platform strategy. Like the current model, the second gen sports coupe will likely sit on a special chassis that is co-developed with Toyota.