Subaru unveils Plug-in STELLA Concept

Use to heard of plug-in electrical appliances only? Now we can all plug in our car! Subaru automobiles today announced the successful development of its Subaru Plug-in STELLA Concept model, a prototype electric vehicle (EV). Subaru will provide five units of the Plug-in STELLA Concept for use at the Hokkaido Toyako Summit to be held July 7 through 9, 2008. Four of the five will be used to transport government officials and other participants at the summit, while one vehicle will be displayed at the Environmental Showcase, an exhibition and demonstration area in the International Media Center, and it will also be available for a test drive.

Subaru has placed emphasis on its mission to pursue the perfect integration of a pleasant and reliable driving with environmental considerations. While seamlessly improving the power units design and introducing such cleaner engines as the Horizontally-Opposed diesel engine in Europe (available since March of this year), the company has positioned EVs as another viable solution for environmental preservation, and it plans to accelerate its EV development work.

These plug-in concept are gaining momentum right now as it makes more sense, from the current fuel pricing point of view. Volkswagen AG and Citroen are also developing their own EVs, as the case of Toyota and Honda with their hybrid-EV projects. I wonder if the Stella will ever reach our shores. Likely not, considering the G's unfavorable tax structure with no clear incentives for environmental friendly cars. Refer to the Honda Civic Hybrid price and you know what i mean.

Talking about Subaru, do take a look at the new 7 seater Subaru Exiga. One good review is available from Paul Tan's blog here . Top of the line 2.0GT version comes with 211hp turbocharged engine, Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) system and SI-Drive, which offers three different driving modes: Intelligent; Sport; and Sport Sharp. Yummy....