From Edmund's Inside Line

Subaru Hybrid Legacy, All-Electric Minicar in the Works
Date Posted 08-19-2005

TOKYO — Subaru plans to debut a hybrid version of the Legacy with a turbocharged engine that delivers 30-percent better fuel economy than a conventional gasoline-powered model, according to media reports here.

The hybrid Legacy is expected to debut in Japan in 2007. Fuji Heavy Industries, the maker of Subaru cars, said the Subaru hybrid will use a small turbocharged gas engine, compact electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack developed by NEC Corp., a major Japanese electronics maker. Fuji Heavy says it expects the battery for the hybrid to last 15 years.

What this means to you: Strong sales of current hybrid models have told manufacturers that there's money to be made in the gas-electric vehicle market. Subaru will be just one of many carmakers that will jump into hybrid in 2007.