For over 50 years, Subaru has been at the very forefront of automotive safety, striving to secure the protection of all occupants at all times. So it's no surprise that the manufacturer with a full line of vehicles already acclaimed for their safety is raising the bar again with the Subaru Global Platform. This advanced architecture, used for the first time in the all-new 2017 Impreza and 2018 Crosstrek, will play a key role in the next generation of all Subaru vehicles.
Engineered to outperform
The Subaru Global Platform has been engineered with three main objectives in mind: increasing straight-line stability, reducing noise and vibration, and boosting ride comfort. The new architecture features a 70-100% increase in structural rigidity (depending on the models being compared), incorporates significant enhancements to the steering and suspension systems, and allows for an even lower centre of gravity, which means even more responsive and sportier handling for the driver. This design also reduces the amount of vibration felt through the steering wheel, floor and seats, while producing a level of quietness that exceeds current best-in-class standards. Lastly, by utilizing more rigid suspension mounting, the Subaru Global Platform reduces body roll by 50% compared to current models, ensuring a comfortable and controlled ride over even the roughest surfaces.
Built for the future
From great strength comes great security - this is why the super-strong Subaru Global Platform creates incredible levels of protection. Greater active safety is achieved through increased structural rigidity, improvements to the steering and suspension systems, and a lower centre of gravity. All of these enhancements combine to create a more stable driving experience and greater accident avoidance capabilities. From a passive safety standpoint, superior rigidity results from an advanced architecture and the increased use of high-tensile steel plates. This enables 40% more efficient crash energy absorption compared to current Subaru vehicles using the previous frame architecture. The Subaru Global Platform shows the potential to meet or exceed the anticipated standards for collision safety in the year 2025.
Flexible - without all the flexing
The Subaru Global Platform is so named because it can be adapted to the requirements for everything from a compact hatchback to a 7/8-seater SUV. This level of flexibility has many benefits to the Subaru customer and to the environment. Existing Subaru factories around the world can be quickly turned over to produce different models according to what types of vehicles customers want and need. In addition, this revolutionary design can be modified to accept a variety of powertrains; ranging from our current gasoline SUBARU BOXER engines to future alternate powertrains down the road. The result: a truly flexible and environmentally friendly way to meet the needs of drivers for years to come.
