Subaru B9 Scrambler : 2003

The low, squat two-seater Scrambler combines motor-cycle agility with off-road competence thanks to symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and variable-height air suspension with automatic self-levelling and a ride-height range of between 150 and 200 mm.

The B9 Scrambler boasts a petrol/electric hybrid engine which uses an electric motor up to speeds of around 50 mph, only turning to fossil fuel when the charge drops below a certain level.

"The hybrid system in the Subaru B9 SC is ideally suited to work with the brand's existing Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems and could be adapted to current vehicle platforms. The hybrid drive technology itself differs significantly from that used in most current production and proposed hybrid vehicles. In most hybrids, an electric motor is used to assist an internal combustion engine. The Sequential Series Hybrid Electric Vehicle (SSHEV) propulsion system in the Subaru B9 SC works the other way around."

"The SSHEV system teams a powerful electric motor with a 2.0-liter DOHC Subaru boxer 4-cylinder gas engine. At low and midrange speeds, the gasoline engine is used primarily to charge the advanced laminated lithium-ion batteries. At speeds over 50 mph, the B9 SC runs only on its gasoline engine. Thus, the internal combustion engine always runs in its most efficient speed range. To provide extra performance on hills and when the driver demands quicker acceleration, the SSHEV system seamlessly combines output from both the electric motor and gas engine through a special two-way clutch. The compact SSHEV propulsion system could easily be housed within the footprint of the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system used in current Subaru models. The SSHEV system places a generator between the Subaru Boxer engine and the transmission. A two-way clutch, the high-performance electric motor and the AWD transfer gearing are all neatly integrated into the transmission case."

"Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, height-adjustable suspension and large wheels with run-flat tires give the Subaru B9 SC concept trail-driving capability, making it a sports car for all roads. The concept vehicle's lower body features a special protective paint that also wraps over the upper body behind the doors to provide unity to the design. The windshield is made of a special mirror reflective glass."

(image credits: Fuji Heavy Industries)