Potential AWD BRZ/FR-S/GT-86?

**faded-a-fool** · #1: 05-19-2013, 09:42 AM

Hey everyone,

Ran across this article on motortrend.com about a BMW/Toyota collab below.

http://m.motortrend.com/features/aut..._taking_shape/

However this isn't what caught my eye. This statement from the article did..."Our source tells us Toyota has been working on an all-wheel-drive GT86 equipped with front in-wheel motors and that this setup could make it into the new BMW-Toyota sports car."

That indeed would be interesting.

Apologies if this has already been discussed

**Knight705** · #2: 05-19-2013, 03:42 PM

sounds like a hybrid setup. electric hub motors for front, and standard engine powering rear wheels.

**faded-a-fool** · #3: 05-19-2013, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knight705

sounds like a hybrid setup. electric hub motors for front, and standard engine powering rear wheels.

You're probably right. Not much room up front for the standard Subaru AWD drivetrain.

**mungewell** · #4: 05-19-2013, 04:12 PM

I think that the existing FRS has the engine mounted too far back to be able to bring drive axles out to the front wheels. In wheel electric motors might work, but think what the battery weight would do car's performance....

**pauli** · #5: 05-20-2013, 08:08 AM

Test mule.

**ehsnils** · #6: 05-20-2013, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pauli

Test mule.

Probably.

But to meet the fuel efficiency requirements of the future it's necessary to test all options. It may be sufficient with a decent capacitor bank to keep the weight down and lower the consumption considerably in city traffic with a lot of start/stop driving.

**Higuma** · #7: 05-20-2013, 06:35 PM

Toyota and other manufacturers already have a number of "E"awd vehicles on the road here in Japan - full FWD set up combined with electric motor in hub for on demand rear drive....

Just a matter of reversing the seating location and away you go...

**deathwagonx** · #8: 05-21-2013, 04:20 PM

it will never be true suby awd because of the differential problem. they have to lift the motor up too high to fit the front diff underneath, thus raising the center of gravity.

This is why the new concept WRX has such a long wheelbase, and also why the new 2014 FXT motor sits the way it does.

**GEE-OTTO** · #9: 05-22-2013, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deathwagonx

it will never be true suby awd because of the differential problem. they have to lift the motor up too high to fit the front diff underneath, thus raising the center of gravity.

This is why the new concept WRX has such a long wheelbase, and also why the new 2014 FXT motor sits the way it does.

Interesting.

**The B4** · #**10:** 05-23-2013, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deathwagonx

it will never be true suby awd because of the differential problem. they have to lift the motor up too high to fit the front diff underneath, thus raising the center of gravity.

This is why the new concept WRX has such a long wheelbase, and also why the new 2014 FXT motor sits the way it does.

What? the front diff is located in the transmission housing. The issue with Subaru's packaging has always been the front overhang as the engine needs to be forward of the front axle to be longitudinally mounted and remain symmetrical. Subaru's engine mounts are noticeably lower than what you find in most cars.

**Captain Ned** · #**11:** 05-23-2013, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deathwagonx

it will never be true suby awd because of the differential problem. they have to lift the motor up too high to fit the front diff underneath, thus raising the center of gravity.

This ain't no Jeep CJ5 with 2 live axles. The B4 is 100% correct.