Topic: Subaru Forester XTi Coming?

[Trainman]

From AutoGuide http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2010/09/subaru-forester-xti-rumored-for-production-with-wrx-power.html

Subaru Forester XTi Rumored for Production With WRX Power?





Back at the 2008 SEMA Show, Subaru unveiled the Forester XTi Concept and according to at least one report this hopped-up crossover might just see production. Subaru Australia has confirmed that it will launch a "sporty SUV" model at the upcoming Sydney Auto Show. No details of what the model will be have been confirmed, but the Forester is the most likely candidate.

Currently the Forester already gets a 224-hp version of the turbocharged 2.5-liter, which used to be the WRX's engine, before it was upgraded to 265-hp. That same engine would be the ideal setup for an XTi version of the Forester, rather than the 300+ horsepower version from the SEMA concept.

The move to deliver a WRX-powered Forester would make sense with Subaru's current product rollout, having spend several years focused on more mainstream models, and now putting the attention back on performance vehicles with the launch of the new 2011 WRX and STi.

We just hope a high-po Forester makes its way to North America.

This would be great!  Subaru, do it!

[Mike]

Hmm, through an auto on it and I'll get the gf to buy it

[tortoise]

That'd definitely be sweet... I wonder if it would be auto-only. For the life of me I have no idea why the Forester XT doesn't come with a Manual transmission.

[ovr50]

Subaru needs to do this for North American.  

[johngenx]

Wouldn't be practical for me (my Forester lacks enough ground clearance as it is) but I have to say, a big-hp Forester can be fun.  One of my chums has an older XT manual-trans that he's modded to a dyno of 320AWHP, and that thing is a HOOT!  He told me about picking up an antique shelving unit AND roasting a Mustang on the way home.  The best of both worlds...

[UmroAyyar]

This is bad-ass. Subari, be bad-ass. Do this!

[Trainman]

Wouldn't be practical for me (my Forester lacks enough ground clearance as it is) but I have to say, a big-hp Forester can be fun.  One of my chums has an older XT manual-trans that he's modded to a dyno of 320AWHP, and that thing is a HOOT!  He told me about picking up an antique shelving unit AND roasting a Mustang on the way home.  The best of both worlds...

Lost of lift kits out there for Foresters. imagine 10" of ground clearance!

Yes, best of both worlds 

As for AT vs MT, if it is truly the WRX drivetrain, I would guess it would be MT only then?

[Julie]

Subaru, doooooooooooooooooooooooo ittttttttttttttttttttttttttt!

[Shnak]

What's the point of having a CUV with 2-3" of ground clearance. I just don't get it. Makes no sense at all! If you like this, get a WRX or STI instead.

[Vmango]

I would view this more as a performance wagon - something that's going to give you more space inside than a WRX/STi.

If this thing had/has a manual this is the answer to the AWD manual sportswagon that doesn't really exist in this market - other than the 328Xi. Its cost point would probably be fairly decent too.

If I want an AWD sporty wagon with manual transmission - tell me my options......exactly.

I still wish they had the Legacy 2.5GT wagon here...especially the B-Spec. I'd be driving that right now. I think it would be easier to stomach than this XTi as well.

[Julie]

I would view this more as a performance wagon - something that's going to give you more space inside than a WRX/STi.

If this thing had/has a manual this is the answer to the AWD manual sportswagon that doesn't really exist in this market - other than the 328Xi. Its cost point would probably be fairly decent too.

If I want an AWD sporty wagon with manual transmission - tell me my options......exactly.

I still wish they had the Legacy 2.5GT wagon here...especially the B-Spec. I'd be driving that right now. I think it would be easier to stomach than this XTi as well.

Exactly.  My husband asked me the other day for a list of sporty wagons... and voila, no choice.  Well, besides BMW, you have Volvo, but the price is steep as well.  He likes Subaru, and we really liked the Legacy GT we test drove.  Too bad no wagon. 

[rrocket]

I would view this more as a performance wagon - something that's going to give you more space inside than a WRX/STi.

If this thing had/has a manual this is the answer to the AWD manual sportswagon that doesn't really exist in this market - other than the 328Xi. Its cost point would probably be fairly decent too.

If I want an AWD sporty wagon with manual transmission - tell me my options......exactly.

I still wish they had the Legacy 2.5GT wagon here...especially the B-Spec. I'd be driving that right now. I think it would be easier to stomach than this XTi as well.

Exactly.  My husband asked me the other day for a list of sporty wagons... and voila, no choice.  Well, besides BMW, you have Volvo, but the price is steep as well.  He likes Subaru, and we really liked the Legacy GT we test drove.  Too bad no wagon. 

Go to the US and get an RS4 Avant.  Done!

[Julie]

Exactly.  My husband asked me the other day for a list of sporty wagons... and voila, no choice.  Well, besides BMW, you have Volvo, but the price is steep as well.  He likes Subaru, and we really liked the Legacy GT we test drove.  Too bad no wagon. 

Go to the US and get an RS4 Avant.  Done!

Too expensive!  I'm the crazy car nut in the couple, not him.  Of course I'd be happy to help him get a RS4 Avant , but there's no way he'd go for that. 

[rrocket]

Used Legacy GT Wagon is the way to go......

[Shnak]

So you take a high off the ground CUV, add some plastic to artificially lower it, and now it's turned into a wagon? I don't get it. Not to mention that a wagon is supposed to have a respectable amount of cargo space, especially longer cargo space, much more than the smaller CUV's such as the Forester. This Forester is stupid, IMO.

[airbalancer]

If you live in area no snow , and stay on roads, you do not need the clearance

But you may want awd because the road are wet and greasey



If someone has the cash and want to spend it, go for it

[tortoise]

So you take a high off the ground CUV, add some plastic to artificially lower it, and now it's turned into a wagon? I don't get it. Not to mention that a wagon is supposed to have a respectable amount of cargo space, especially longer cargo space, much more than the smaller CUV's such as the Forester. This Forester is stupid, IMO.

I see what you're getting at but I don't think it's stupid at all.   For starters, I suspect the lowering springs are responsible for the majority of the reduced clearance.  Seeing as I'd prefer better handling and don't drive off-road it's an exchange I'd be willing to make.  I'd say this is less stupid than people buying a high off the ground CUV and never taking it off road.  Why pay for the decrease in safety (roll-over) and the penalty in handling for a feature you're never going to use?

For me this would be the perfect size.  Between this and an Impreza I would take the Forester-on-roids every time since the cargo area of the Impreza isn't very large.  90% of the driving experience and 75% (my numbers) more cargo. Win-Win.

[Shnak]

I'd say this is less stupid than people buying a high off the ground CUV and never taking it off road.  Why pay for the decrease in safety (roll-over) and the penalty in handling for a feature you're never going to use?

CUV's are not designed to go off road; taking one there would be stupid. What they do exceptionally well is allowing you to go about your life normally when the city is burried under 6" of snow.

[tortoise]

Which this Subaru could do effortlessly*.




* - With winter tires of course.

[Shnak]

Which this Subaru could do effortlessly*.




* - With winter tires of course.

Not without losing many plastic parts along the way...