What is it?
Subaru HM-01
What's special about it?
Subaru has gained a cult following in America for its unpretentious all-wheel-drive cars. New England is lousy with liberal arts types in their trusty, sensible Legacys, just the demographic to be concerned about the environment. The HM-01 concept is a hybrid-powered all-wheel-drive vehicle and offers a glimpse into the future of Subaru's compact two-door car. Powered by a 0.7-liter inline four engine with a continuously variable transmission with an idle-stop function that drives the front wheels, it's supplemented by a lead-battery-driven electric motor that distributes power to the rear wheels.
But the HM-01 is equally about Subaru's new design philosophy. Until now, Subarus were typically rather homely, ungainly vehicles, emphasizing function over form. They were cars you needed, not wanted. Sure, driving the WRX is like a party in the seat of your pants, but can you really call it a good-looking car? Subaru is leaning toward more sleek, integrated lines for its vehicles. The HM-01, according to Subaru, evokes the styling of the 1958 360. This version seems to be a little too tall and narrow for American tastes, but we always felt that Subarus would be a lot more popular if their design were a little more mainstream and modern.
Why should you care?
If you live in a climate zone where you need the security of all-wheel drive, but your environmental consciousness has been itching you where you can't scratch, this could be the solution. — Liz Kim
Subaru HM-01
What's special about it?
Subaru has gained a cult following in America for its unpretentious all-wheel-drive cars. New England is lousy with liberal arts types in their trusty, sensible Legacys, just the demographic to be concerned about the environment. The HM-01 concept is a hybrid-powered all-wheel-drive vehicle and offers a glimpse into the future of Subaru's compact two-door car. Powered by a 0.7-liter inline four engine with a continuously variable transmission with an idle-stop function that drives the front wheels, it's supplemented by a lead-battery-driven electric motor that distributes power to the rear wheels.
But the HM-01 is equally about Subaru's new design philosophy. Until now, Subarus were typically rather homely, ungainly vehicles, emphasizing function over form. They were cars you needed, not wanted. Sure, driving the WRX is like a party in the seat of your pants, but can you really call it a good-looking car? Subaru is leaning toward more sleek, integrated lines for its vehicles. The HM-01, according to Subaru, evokes the styling of the 1958 360. This version seems to be a little too tall and narrow for American tastes, but we always felt that Subarus would be a lot more popular if their design were a little more mainstream and modern.
Why should you care?
If you live in a climate zone where you need the security of all-wheel drive, but your environmental consciousness has been itching you where you can't scratch, this could be the solution. — Liz Kim
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