Subaru Unveils Forester XTI Concept with WRX STI Engine

315 horsepower crossover for SEMA
October 31, 2008 4:22 PM
Filed Under: Concept Car, Japanese, SEMA, Subaru

Following the Forester Mountain Rescue Concept Subaru has revealed a second SEMA concept, the Forester XTI, which makes its debut next week in Las Vegas.

Equipped with the engine and drivetrain from the Impreza WRX STI the 2.5-liter intercooled turbo engine makes 315hp (305hp standard) and 300 lb.-ft. of torque (290 lb.-ft. standard). The new Forester XTI Concept is estimated to crack 0-60mph in less than 5 seconds.

The XTI Concept styling receives a custom Atmospheric "Re-Entry" paint job. 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.

The previous second generation Forester received the STI treatment in 2005 with 320hp but was only available in Japan. Now the unveiling of this concept on American soil suggests the new 2008 third generation Forester STI may get exported to North America and beyond.

 

Source: Subaru
Press Release (Click to expand)

Subaru Unveils High-Performance Forester XTI Concept

  • 315-Horsepower Crossover with WRX(R) STI(R) Engine, 6-Speed Transmission - DCCD All-Wheel Drive and Brembo Brakes from WRX STI - Adjustable Coil-Over Suspension - Custom Bodywork and Paint

Subaru of America, Inc. today revealed the Forester(R) 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(R) 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.

 

share  |   email to a friend  |   print  |   add a comment

Comments

that should have been the height of the standard forester...

by bjoy | October 31, 2008 5:03 PM
update the wing mirrors please! they really ruin everything this car has going for it...

by effington | October 31, 2008 5:24 PM
its not prettie but if it was nobody would take seriously as a proper subaru, but why can they just make it. impreza engine and 4X4 and japanese build/quailty. can things get any better

by RGL | November 1, 2008 11:53 PM
Nice! It's not the best looking car out there, but that's hardly the point. I hope they don't pack on too much weight though.

by GanSan | November 2, 2008 10:25 PM
Nice! If subaru builds it within a year or so then i'll trade my SG9 lol!

by EJ255 | November 10, 2008 1:10 AM

Add Your Comment

Existing Users

Username
Password
remember me on this computer

New Users

Username
Email
Password
Comment
Subaru Forester XTI Concept
Latest Stories
Latest Photo Albums
Latest Poll
F1 Latest Stories
Subscribe to WorldCarFans Newsletter
Please enter your email in the following box and click subscribe to receive our daily email