Subaru Forester XTI Concept
While the internet automotive blogs and websites have been abuzz with news and press releases concerning the upcoming SEMA auto show, we have heard very little about wagons, hatchbacks, and shooting breaks- until now. Subaru has just released a teaser image and specs concerning its Forester XTI Concept. Utilizing their new Forester, Subaru has given the stock wagon the necessary tuning for us to christen it a "Sport Wagon." Most significantly, the engine has been swapped out for the 2.5L flat-four banger from the new WRX STI. With a new exhaust system, Subaru’s proven turbocharged and intercooled mill now produces a healthy 310 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. With these performance enhancements, Subaru claims the Forester XTI can hit 60 mph in under 5 seconds. Add all-wheel drive, light-weight 18-inch wheels with Yokohama Advan Neova tires, adjustable coil-over suspension, and a 6-speed manual transmission, and this Subie is undoubtedly a winner. With any luck, this concept will be well received at SEMA and will enter production as the "Forester STI." If so, all you Saab Turbo X SportCombi owners better start checking your rear-view mirror for the Japanese competition.
PRESS RELEASES:
SUBARU UNVEILS HIGH-PERFORMANCE FORESTER XTI CONCEPT
* 315-Horsepower Crossover with WRX® STI® Engine, 6-Speed Transmission
* DCCD All-Wheel Drive and Brembo Brakes from WRX STI
* Adjustable Coil-Over Suspension
* Custom Bodywork and Paint
Cherry Hill, N.J., October 31, 2008 – Subaru of America, Inc. today revealed the Forester® XTI Concept. It will be unveiled to the public at the 2008 Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) Show, which runs at the Las Vegas Convention Center Nov. 4-7. The Forester XTI Concept combines the versatility of the all-new Forester 2.5XT with the all-out street performance of the rally-bred Impreza® WRX STI.
All new for 2009, the Forester was named MOTOR TREND magazine's SUV of the Year. The magazine applauded the new Forester's combination of performance, utility, comfort, safety technology and value in giving it the award. MOTOR TREND editor Angus MacKenzie, citing the judges' unanimous decision, said, "The Subaru Forester is the SUV for our times." The new Forester XTI Concept is an SUV for 0-60 times, estimated to hit the mark in less than 5 seconds.
Practically Wicked
Can a vehicle be both wicked and practical? The Subaru Forester XTI answers with a roomy interior and a lot of turbo boost. The Forester XTI ultra-performance CUV inherits the full STI treatment, with parts developed by Subaru Tecnica International (STI), the high-performance and motorsports subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.
The "Wicked" portion starts with the styling, which is set off by a custom Atmospheric "Re-Entry" paint scheme. The front lower spoiler and Sport Mesh Grille are from the Subaru Genuine Accessory catalog and are joined by a JDM body kit, including side skirts, a rear skirt and a gate spoiler.
Designed and built by Subaru of America technicians, the crew installed the engine and entire drivetrain from the Impreza WRX STI. In the Forester XTI, a custom stainless steel cat-back exhaust system from the Subaru Performance Tuning (SPT) catalog helps to raise output of the 2.5-liter intercooled turbo engine to 315 hp (from 305 stock) and 300 lb.-ft. of torque (from 290 lb.-ft. stock). As in the WRX STI, power flows through a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission and the Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) version of Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The DCCD system offers three selectable automatic performance modes in addition to six manual center differential-locking settings.
The 18 x 8-in. S204 forged alloy wheels are by STI and are wrapped in Yokohama Advan Neova 255/40R18 performance tires. The Forester XTI also features an adjustable coil-over suspension by STI. The powerful Brembo brakes come right from the stock WRX STI, with 4-piston front calipers, 2-piston rear calipers, Super Sport ABS and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). Inside, the Forester XTI features leather and Alcantara sport seats, a special instrument cluster, front dash and center console and leather-wrapped steering wheel.