How 591hp Subaru VIZIV GT wagon was inspired by a dried fish [video]

Check out this latest performance car from Subaru! The Japanese automaker used a dried fish for inspiration.

The "Subaru VIZIV GT Vision Gran Turismo" is the most aggressive sports car in Subaru history and it’s design was inspired by a dried fish. It’s called the "Subaru VIZIV GT Vision Gran Turismo" and its ready for the track on Gran Turismo 6 now. But the high-performance sports car from Subaru got its design inspiration from a fish called Katsuo, a fish that’s been used in the Japanese diet for centuries. The fish is dried until it becomes rock solid and then it’s cut into thin slices using a special carving tool. Subaru engineers used it for inspiration and carved out the new high-performance Subaru wagon.

The new Subaru VIZIV GT Vision Gran Turismo follows on the heals of Subaru's "Subaru VIZIV 2 Concept" that was revealed at the 2014 Geneva show in March. The new model takes the concept to another level and gets a chiseled body, large diffuser, a roof integrated rear spoiler, and a shooting brake silhouette that is aerodynamically enhanced. If it drives as good as it looks, it should be a top performer.

Lightweight and powerful

Subaru says that weight reduction was a focus in the design of the body and carbon materials have been utilized everywhere. The car weights in at just 1,380 kg despite being equipped with batteries and motors for its hybrid powertrain. It’s powered by a 2-liter boxer engine and comes mated to one high power motor in the front and two in the rear, which achieves a total system power output of 591 horsepower and 800 Nm (593 lb.ft) of torque. The high-performance Subaru should have excellent cornering ability and driving dynamics due to Subaru’s years of motorsports experience with its symmetrical all-wheel-drive setup.

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Also inspired through STI’s motorsport involvement

The fish-inspired "Subaru VIZIV GT Vision Gran Turismo" is the most aggressive sports car in Subaru history. The technology and spirit of the high-performance car was also inspired through STI’s motorsport involvement. Subaru’s involvement in rallying and the Nurburgring 24-hour race also combined with the design philosophy. Subaru built the new race car by fusing all these factors together.

The high-performance 591hp Subaru VIZIV GT wagon may have been inspired by a dried fish, but it still looks pretty cool and ready to take on the competition on Gran Turismo 6. Check out the design video.