Subaru recently revealed a range of innovative concepts at the Japan Mobility Show, with one standout being the ‘Subaru Air Mobility Concept.’ This marks a departure from traditional automotive offerings as flying car concepts have gained traction in recent years across the automotive industry. Subaru is now exploring new horizons in mobility.
While specific details about Subaru’s concept are limited, the company has expressed its increasing interest in the potential of flying cars, foreseeing a revolution in air travel. The vehicle, which may still be in the development phase for flight capabilities, represents the culmination of advancements in electric powertrain technology and automation, expanding the possibilities. A dedicated team of aerospace and automotive engineers is actively working on flight demonstrations for this concept, heralding a new era of transportation.
ALSO READ: Revolutionary Lexus LF-ZL Concept: Unveiling the Ultimate AI-Enhanced Flagship EV
The vehicle itself resembles a large drone with six propellers and a car-like cockpit. The only distinctive Subaru design elements are the C-shaped headlights, taillights, and Subaru branding. The design, with its subtle lighting effects, seems to draw inspiration from the STi E-RA concept unveiled the previous year.
Although it’s confirmed that the vehicle will be electrically powered, details regarding its range and potential flight speed remain undisclosed. In the realm of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, the recently unveiled Airspeeder Mk4 stands out with impressive power and speeds of up to 225 mph. However, it’s essential to note that the Airspeeder is designed for racing purposes, and consumer product expectations may vary.
Notably, the Airspeeder uses a hydrogen electric powertrain instead of a purely electric one. This choice may be motivated by the need for quick refueling and weight-saving considerations. It will be interesting to see if Subaru explores similar technology. While Subaru has not been closely associated with hydrogen technology, Toyota, one of its minority stakeholders, has actively delved into hydrogen-based technologies.
Toyota has conducted extensive testing and implementation of hydrogen technology in motorsports and consumer applications, including hydrogen fuel cells and hydrogen combustion. The hydrogen-fueled Mirai, for instance, has been available for purchase in California for several years and received a significant update in 2022. Given the close relationship between Subaru and Toyota, it is possible that Subaru may benefit from Toyota’s extensive expertise in hydrogen technology, as they have collaborated on various vehicle projects, such as the BRZ/GR86 and Solterra/bZ4X.
