Note to design staff – EVs don’t need a grille or awkward old-style grille surrounds.
Subaru of America today revealed its first-ever all-electric SUV, the 2023 Subaru Solterra, at what remains of the Los Angeles Auto Show in the Surging Covid-plus-Flu era.The product reveal comes one week after the actual debut was down in Japan. (Toyota Subaru JV Spawns Global Debut of Solterra EV)
The “late to the EV party” Solterra has new electrification and in-vehicle technology. The Solterra name was created using (marketing babble alert> “the Latin words for ‘Sun and Earth’ to represent Subaru’s commitment to deliver traditional SUV capabilities in an environmentally responsible package.”
Click to Enlarge.
Solterra has a new AWD system that powers the front and rear wheels with separate motors. By “precisely controlling the four tires” with the swift response of the electric motors and the flexible driving force distribution between front and rear, Solterra “fully uses the grip available at the four wheels and offers a driving with confidence and peace of mind,” Subaru claims.
As other Subaru SUV models, Solterra has the X-MODE AWD control system with a new Grip Control function, which enables the vehicle to run at a constant speed while stabilizing the vehicle even on rough roads. The all-new model features Grip Control that incorporates Hill Ascent and Descent Assist. With 8.3 inches of ground clearance and 215 horsepower from front and rear electric motors, Solterra can provide versatility in both off-road and city driving.
With up to 126 cubic feet of passenger and cargo space, good leg room, and a nearly flat floor, the 5-passenger two-box design allegedly gives occupants the airy, open feel of a much larger vehicle. The Solterra offers up to 30 cubic feet of useable cargo space behind the rear seats, and also has a 60/40 folding seatback and two-position load floor for cargo and passenger flexibility. The wide 41.3-inch rear gate opening with low lift-over height allows easy loading and unloading. Optional raised roof rails add more cargo-carrying options for owners’ adventures.
Solterra is equipped with an all-new multimedia system with an available 12.3-in touchscreen. The new system comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and an optional wireless charging phone dock in the center console. Smartphone app connectivity includes remote climate control and remote lock/unlocking. The remote climate control system can automatically warm up or cool down the vehicle before departure, even when garaged.
Solterra joins the crowded line-up of Subaru SUVs, including Outback, Forester, Crosstrek and Crosstrek Plug-in Hybrid. The all-new Solterra will go on sale mid-2022. Betcha it appears in Japan first…
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About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
Re-Run: Subaru of America Unveils 2023 Solterra EV
Note to design staff – EVs don’t need a grille or awkward old-style grille surrounds.
Subaru of America today revealed its first-ever all-electric SUV, the 2023 Subaru Solterra, at what remains of the Los Angeles Auto Show in the Surging Covid-plus-Flu era.The product reveal comes one week after the actual debut was down in Japan. (Toyota Subaru JV Spawns Global Debut of Solterra EV)
The “late to the EV party” Solterra has new electrification and in-vehicle technology. The Solterra name was created using (marketing babble alert> “the Latin words for ‘Sun and Earth’ to represent Subaru’s commitment to deliver traditional SUV capabilities in an environmentally responsible package.”
Click to Enlarge.
Solterra has a new AWD system that powers the front and rear wheels with separate motors. By “precisely controlling the four tires” with the swift response of the electric motors and the flexible driving force distribution between front and rear, Solterra “fully uses the grip available at the four wheels and offers a driving with confidence and peace of mind,” Subaru claims.
As other Subaru SUV models, Solterra has the X-MODE AWD control system with a new Grip Control function, which enables the vehicle to run at a constant speed while stabilizing the vehicle even on rough roads. The all-new model features Grip Control that incorporates Hill Ascent and Descent Assist. With 8.3 inches of ground clearance and 215 horsepower from front and rear electric motors, Solterra can provide versatility in both off-road and city driving.
With up to 126 cubic feet of passenger and cargo space, good leg room, and a nearly flat floor, the 5-passenger two-box design allegedly gives occupants the airy, open feel of a much larger vehicle. The Solterra offers up to 30 cubic feet of useable cargo space behind the rear seats, and also has a 60/40 folding seatback and two-position load floor for cargo and passenger flexibility. The wide 41.3-inch rear gate opening with low lift-over height allows easy loading and unloading. Optional raised roof rails add more cargo-carrying options for owners’ adventures.
Solterra is equipped with an all-new multimedia system with an available 12.3-in touchscreen. The new system comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and an optional wireless charging phone dock in the center console. Smartphone app connectivity includes remote climate control and remote lock/unlocking. The remote climate control system can automatically warm up or cool down the vehicle before departure, even when garaged.
Solterra joins the crowded line-up of Subaru SUVs, including Outback, Forester, Crosstrek and Crosstrek Plug-in Hybrid. The all-new Solterra will go on sale mid-2022. Betcha it appears in Japan first…
AutoInformed on
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.