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Subaru B11S

Pulled out of the hat at the recent 73rd International Geneva Motor Show, the new Subaru concept GT hints at the style of the next Impreza and borrows cues from some big names.

The exterior design is some what of a composite, with the controversial front fascia more than reminiscent of the impending Bugatti Veyron. The profile has elements of Maserati 3200GT while the rear is all Lexus SC430. Japanese contributors include NSX, 300ZX and Subaru's own SVX...

Inside however, the B11S style is it's own... understated and high-quality. Contrasting with the white pearl body, the interior is trimmed in blue suede- Subaru's characteristic colour. Practical features include folding rear seats that allow access to and from the boot for luggage or sports equipment.

Rear side doors open suicide style, latching in the middle without a conventional B-pillar. Developed specifically, the frosted glass roof gives an open-air feel and creates a soft light inside the vehicle.

The 1580kg B11S will soon be equipped with a new horizontally-opposed, twin turbocharged 6-cylinder engine. Currently being developed, the engine will achieve a maximum output of 294 kW and a maximum torque of 550 Nm. Who said Japanese turbocharging was dying?

The new all-wheel drive train includes an electronic-hydraulic 5-speed automatic transmission and VTD (variable torque distribution). While standard torque distribution ratio front to rear is set at 35% and 65% respectively, the VTD controls the torque distribution between front and rear according to conditions, balancing yaw and enhancing high-speed stability.

Similarities with other vehicles aside, the B11S comes together in it's own style and creates a polished impression. Look for it coming soon to a motor show near you.

V35 GT-R

Is this the long awaited face of the new GT-R? British magazine Auto Express, says Yes... These 'exclusive' pictures were published in December 2002, along with the mags V35 GT-R story, and claim to show how the new car will look when released in 2004.

The story also touts a degree of British involvement in the V35's development;
- Lotus working on the hydraulic active suspension and promising traction & handling at speed, along with a relatively soft ride.
- Cosworth dealing with the V6's block, head, pistons and crank. They'll ensure that these parts are strong enough to handle the fitment of twin electrically assisted turbos, and the production of 260kW & 450Nm.

The car will reportedly debut with a six-speed Getrag gearbox, with a CVT following in early 2005... assuming the slippage problems of prototypes have been dealt with.

Brakes are larger Brembo's and an updated Atessa 4WD system is said to feature. This system controls an active limited slip diff, which varies torque distribution in response to traction loss and changes in engine output.

The UK magazine's pictures and story, while titillating, may be viewed with some skepticism however. It seems that the pictures were first shown in 'Holiday Car', a Japanese publication that reports new model rumors... According to Holiday Car, the pictures are nothing more than speculation... no Nissan input.

The accuracy of such reports will be known in October. The final production shape of the V35 GT-R is to be unveiled at that months Tokyo Motor Show.