Subaru Grows a Better Backbone

Subaru’s next generation of models will ride atop a platform that is stiffer, less prone to body roll and can incorporate a variety of propulsion sources, Motor Authority reports.

The new modular platform will underpin all future Subaru vehicles except the BRZ, starting with the Indiana-built 2017 Impreza.

Besides its adaptability to a range of models, the company says the key selling point of the Subaru Global Platform is a greatly increased stiffness that lends itself to safety and handling.

“The new platform dramatically increases rigidity throughout the body and chassis (a 70- to 100-percent increase over present models) and incorporates substantial improvements to the suspension system and achieve a lower center of gravity, bringing about highly responsive steering that allows drivers to control the vehicle precisely as they want,” Subaru stated.

By strengthening the joints throughout the frame and mounting the rear stabilizer bar to the body, Subaru claims future models will have less vibration and exhibit less body lean in cornering. The new platform also means new models will have a slightly lower center of gravity (five millimetres), because if there’s one brand of cars people fear tossing around, it’s Subaru.

While their model line is gas-only for the time being — and Subaru says boxer engines will remain — the automaker’s new platform is built to support future hybrid, plug-in and fully-electric drivetrains.

Subaru remains on a winning streak, posting a sales increase of 13 percent in 2015 and boasting increased sales every year since the 2008 recession. Once a niche brand, Subaru has trekked solidly into the mainstream

Having a single platform underpinning almost all of its new vehicles can’t help but boost efficiency in the production process. Different models will be able to share the same assembly line at Subaru’s Lafayette, Indiana plant, which recently saw a $140 million investment aimed at increasing output.