Subaru has released further details about the first all-electric vehicle it will sell globally from next year, a platform that would fit Nitro Rallycross’s incoming all-electric category.
The Solterra electric SUV will be built on the all-new e-Subaru platform co-developed with Toyota and will go on sale in the United States and Canada, as well as Japan, Europe, and China.
The name combines the Latin words for sun and earth to highlight both Subaru’s long-standing prowess in the off-road segment, as well as it’s commitment to an environmentally-friendly future.
Likewise, the new platform – the second project worked on with Toyota after the 86/BRZ sports car – unites Toyota’s electrification experience with Subaru’s own market-leading all-wheel-drive expertise.
It will join the Outback, Forester, Crosstrek and Crosstrek Plug-in Hybrid in Subaru’s growing line-up of SUV products, and could point towards its future motorsport activities Stateside as well.
From 2022 Nitro Rallycross will introduce an all-electric category utilizing the purpose-built FC1-X vehicle, an SUV-like platform that is being co-developed by Olsbergs MSE and QEV Technologies.
While that car will form the backbone of a single-make series, manufacturers are expected to provide bespoke bodywork for the vehicles, presenting Subaru with an ideal opportunity to market the Solterra as it hits the market.
Subaru is also thought to be one of three manufacturers working alongside NRX with a view to future participation, although it has refused to be drawn on the subject officially with a spokeswoman telling DirtFish recently that “we are not able to comment on our future in rallycross beyond what we have mentioned already”.
The company will enter the 2021 edition of the series with long-term partner Vermont SportsCar while the Subaru Motorsports USA brand will also be a sponsor of the championship in its first year.
Vermont SportsCar meanwhile has committed to the electric transition, and has said that it will adopt EV racing regardless of if Subaru chooses to remain involved.
