Subaru Celebrates 40 years of All Wheel Drive

Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the manufacturer of Subaru automobiles, today announced that this year marks the 40th anniversary of the debut of Subaru all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles since the Subaru Leone Estate Van 4WD was first introduced in Japan in 1972. During the past 40 years, FHI has continued to be a pioneer of passenger AWD vehicles. The total production of Subaru AWD vehicles has reached 11,782,812 units (as of January 31, 2012). This is approximately 55.7% of Subaru vehicle total sales.

The AWD system provides traction effectively by distributing the engine power to all four wheels in a balanced manner. With the combination of Symmetrical AWD (SAWD) and Subaru’s Horizontally-Opposed Boxer Engine,the whole power train is mounted with side-to-side symmetry and the transmission sits back from the front axle within the wheelbase. This layout optimizes longitudinal-transverse weight balance.

Those characteristics bring stable traction on multitude of road surfaces and driving conditions. Excellent stability at high speeds and superb cornering and responsiveness are also realized, making SAWD a core technology that underpins Subaru’s safety philosophy and enjoyment of driving.

Through continuous Research & Development over 40 years, FHI has refined its AWD technologies: from a technology capable of rough road driveability to a unique technology that achieves high stability in rainy, snowy or high speed condition, allowing Subaru AWD systems to meet each model’s character. The latest technology includes four-wheel traction management which gives firm and accurate grip to all four wheels all the time. Thisfour-wheel control expertise is also utilized for the development of front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive vehicles, broadening Subaru’s driving pleasure to more customers.

FHI will achieve “Enjoyment and Peace of Mind” in its vehicles through Subaru brand statement “Confidence in Motion” by continuing to utilize unique technologies.

Credits: wilswong