Subaru has earned its reputation for reliability so unveiling a flying car concept has taken the world by surprise.
The air mobility concept vehicle is proof that the brand, whose legacy stretches back over a century, isn’t resting on its laurels.
Its vision of the future was unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo.
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Subaru wants its mobility initiatives to “strengthen the bonds of society” while allowing customers to enjoy with “total peace of mind”.
To demonstrate these principles in action, it revealed its “Subaru Air Mobility” and “Subaru Sports Mobility” concepts.
One of the most striking exhibits at the show, the Subaru Air Mobility concept looks like a giant drone.
The Subaru flying car hung above the stage as a symbol of how Subaru wants to help the “air mobility revolution” take off.
The other-worldly, flat, C-shaped flying car boasts Subaru-branded head- and taillights.
Six propellers sit inside circular, silver body panels with a driver cabin fixed in the centre, covered in black glass.
As electrification and automated driving technologies continue to evolve, Subaru believes that this will extend to aircraft.
Their aim: a world of “more free movement”.
Subaru believes that this model, which is under development by automotive and aerospace engineers, will take mobility to new heights.
Aside from the flying car, there was also a Sports Mobility concept placing the driving at the centre of the car.
This was focussed strongly on a central theme of “more freedom in mobility”.
It’s been a long time since people fretted about EVs short battery life.
Subaru believes that its new battery electric vehicle (BEV) concept could change that for good.
It would allow EVs to not just be a plus for the environment, but also be a symbol of liberty and pleasure.
As being technologically advanced, Subaru is also conscious of how getting design basics right is crucial to an enjoyable drive.
That’s why the Sports Mobility concept has relatively few body panels and minimized character lines.
Low to the ground seating and an aerodynamic, three-dimensional design allows the driver to experience airflow while feeling totally protected.
It also increases visibility and perceptibility.
These models make up part of what Subaru calls its “One Life Project”.
It aims to become a company that works with its designers, engineers, dealers and customers to become a “company that creates smiles”.
And, after those announcements, the audience at the show certainly did have smiles on their faces.
The Japan Mobility Show opens to the public from 27 October to 5 November.
