The boxer engine layout has been Subaru’s signature for decades. The EJ series is the brand’s most iconic motor, despite its quirks, and is found in models like the GC- and GD-generation Imprezas. The FA series, used in the BRZ and latest WRX, brings a modernized take to the iconic layout, especially in the realm of performance.
The boxer has long been Subaru’s bread and butter, especially in performance cars. You’d think that it’s the powertrain that’s found in the brand’s most powerful model, right? Not necessarily, as shown with the Japanese marque’s latest unveiling.
At this year’s New York International Auto Show, Subaru unveiled the Getaway, a 3-row mid-size SUV and the brand’s most powerful model yet, albeit with the boxer not being the powertrain of choice here. As the Getaway is a fully electric SUV based on the Toyota Highlander EV platform, as part of Toyota and Subaru’s partnership for battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
Propelling the Getaway is either a 77.0 kWh or a 95.8 kWh battery, with the latter offering up to 482 km of range, and both models sending up to 420 hp to all four corners. Aside from the power numbers, the torque characteristics unique to BEVs, Subaru’s specialty in all-wheel-drive systems, and the Getaway’s suspension setup, smooth and linear power delivery is no problem for this BEV.
As of now, there have been no talks of the Getaway hitting Philippine soil, as the EV is for the American market. However, if we do see it arrive locally, the Getaway could find itself going up against the Kia EV9 and Tesla Model Y.
While as sad as it is that the model from the six stars isn’t one with its renowned engine, electrification has been slowly rearing its head in the blue-clad brand’s production. From new spy shots of the latest WRX, implying its turbo days are over, the Forester Hybrid taking the latest Japan Car of the Year award, to the Uncharted bringing an electrified twist to Subaru’s off-road capabilities, it’s clear that, be it from fuel efficiency, emissions, or even performance standpoints, electrification is starting to show its prowess in the automotive industry, and it’s just a matter of how electrification is utilized.
