Subaru SUV concept rolls on Falkens

NEW YORK — Japanese car maker Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. has fitted 21-inch rim-diameter Falken concept tires on its Subaru Ascent SUV Concept that is being unveiled this week at the New York International Auto Show, according to Falken-brand producer Sumitomo Rubber North America Inc.(SRNA).

The Ascent is a four-door, three-row, seven- or eight-passenger hatchback SUV that will replace the out-of-production Tribeca in Subaru's North American lineup, Subaru of America said at the opening of the New York show.

With a wheelbase of 117 inches and overall length of 198.8 inches, the Ascent is in the same ballpark, sizewise, with the Ford Explorer, Mazda CX-9 and Chevrolet Traverse.

Fuji Heavy Industries, however, expects customers for the Ascent to come its existing Subaru clientèle looking for a larger vehicle.

Both the concept and production Subaru Ascent ride on a modified version of the Subaru global platform, with power coming from an all-new turbocharged, direct-injected engine in Subaru's favored horizontally opposed layout

The vehicle at the New York show is mounted on Falken concept tires that feature a directional tread pattern, size 275/50R21. SRNA did not disclose other technical details about the tires, saying only the tire's "bold design evokes the power, toughness and SUV stylishness" of the Ascent.