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For forty-seven years, Subaru has been making AWD vehicles. This summer they built their 20 millionth.
20 Million and Counting
This summer Subaru announced the production of its 20 millionth all-wheel drive vehicle. It was a significant milestone for the underdog Japanese automaker, and while all-wheel drive has today become as synonymous with the Subaru brand as pet ownership, camping, and the Boxer engine this was not always the case.
From There to Here
Founded in a 1953 merger, Fuji Heavy Industries debuted the first Subaru, the 1500, just a year later. The 1500 was a far cry from the Subarus of today. Its front engine rear-wheel drive layout wouldn’t be used again until the debut of the BRZ sports coupe in 2012. Subaru wouldn’t make it to American shores until 1968 with the help of Malcom Bricklin, founding partner of Subaru of America and importer of the Yugo. That first US Subaru was the 360. A car so small and underpowered that it was decried as the most dangerous car on American roads. Thankfully, the thoughtfulness of design improved.
The first four-wheel drive vehicle Subaru made was the Leone estate van back in 1972. It holds the distinction as the first mass-produced four-wheel drive vehicle made in Japan. A few years later, in 1974, the 4WD version of the Leone made it to the US (for the ’75 model year). By this point 4WD had been expanded to the DL and GL trims of the Leone which offered a diverse assortment of body styles that included coupes, sedans (2- and 4-door), a wagon, and even the Brat ute.
This early 4WD system was “on-demand” meaning the driver could switch between front-wheel and all-wheel drive. Later, Subaru would develop a “full-time” 4WD system which would eventually evolve into the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system of today. That system can be found nearly all current Subaru models and accounts for 98 percent of sales, minus the aforementioned BRZ.
What’s Next
Subaru says its electrification plans, already in motion with the e-Boxer hybrid powertrain in Japan and elsewhere, will bolster the handling and grip provided by their all-wheel drive system. The low center of gravity provided by the flat Boxer engine is accentuated by hybrid battery packs and the electric motors allow for even better control over the all-wheel drive system.
This means the upcoming Solterra EV and the bevy of hybrid options soon to make their appearance in the US will feature even greater grip and handling than the current crop of gas powered Subarus.
Oddly, Subaru did not mention which AWD model the 20 millionth car belonged to.
