A hallmark of most Subaru vehicles is the Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive (SAWD) system, and this year, Subaru celebrates five decades of the drivetrain layout that has enabled its models to conquer a range of driving conditions.
The system made its debut as a part-time feature on Japan’s first mass-produced AWD passenger car, the Leone 4WD Estate Van, in September 1972. Since then, a total of 21 million Subaru vehicles have made their way on roads all over the world with SAWD, amounting to 98 percent of the brand’s sales.
Legions of Subaru customers and fans are already familiar with the SAWD system, which distributes the torque equally between the front and rear axles. The drivetrain works in concert with the horizontally opposed or Boxer engine. This combination of balance and low center of gravity has resulted in all-weather stability and traction on practically all road surfaces.
The SAWD has undergone an evolution as well ever since it was made available to the market. From the original part-time mechanical setup in 1972, Subaru introduced the full-time version on the non-turbo variant of the XT in 1986 featuring active torque split, with an electronically controlled derivative debuting a year later.
Variable Torque Distribution AWD made its appearance on the Subaru SVX in 1991, accompanied by Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) in 1998 that enables all torque to be directed at a single wheel. Symmetrical AWD is currently standard issue on practically all Subaru models (except the BRZ sports car) using either a manual transmission or CVT, with the former employing a viscous limited-slip differential AWD system.
On hybrid Subaru models, the AWD system uses a highly responsive electric motor
Subaru continues to update its SAWD technology even in the age of electrification. A highly responsive electric motor allows for more precise control of the all-wheel drivetrain on hybrid e-Boxer models. Meanwhile, the release of Subaru’s first electric vehicle, the Solterra, introduces dual-motor AWD, with the benefit of instantaneous torque.
“As one of the core technologies that underpin Subaru’s commitment to safety and driving enjoyment, Subaru’s AWD system has been continuously enhanced over half a century,” said Subaru Corporation President & CEO Tomomi Nakamura. “Toward the age of electrification, we will further refine our long-cultivated AWD capability with electrification technology and continue to pursue the ‘Subaru Difference.’”
Know more about each car brand’s distinctive technologies at Philkotse.com.
Know more about Subaru
Subaru Philippines is offering seven new models in the local market. The Subaru price list ranges from Php 1,908,000 to Php 3,780,000. All seven models are passenger vehicles. Included in the Subaru lineup are Subaru XV, Subaru Evoltis, Subaru Forester, BRZ coupe, WRX wagon, Outback, and WRX sedan.
In addition to the monthly Subaru car price list, Philkotse.com offers the best promotions from all dealers in the Philippines. These include prepaid and paid programs, as well as the lowest monthly contribution that car buyers can benefit from.
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