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.
GALLERY:Subaru Forester XTi Concept
[Source: Sydney Morning Herald]
With AutoGuide from its launch, Colum previously acted as Editor-in-Chief of Modified Luxury & Exotics magazine where he became a certifiable car snob driving supercars like the Koenigsegg CCX and racing down the autobahn in anything over 500 hp. He has won numerous automotive journalism awards including the Best Video Journalism Award in 2014 and 2015 from the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). Colum founded Geared Content Studios, VerticalScope's in-house branded content division and works to find ways to integrate brands organically into content.
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I own a Forester XS. It is a great vehicle, but lacks power for my driving. XT/XTi is an option, but about 25% more expensive to operate considering higher fuel consumption and fuel cost of the premium gas. Plus, I prefer smooth and precise handling to Turbo kicks. Therefore, I crossed them out from my list. If Forester was offered with an H6 engine, just like the newer Legacies, it would become #1 vehicle on my list. Hey, I could actually pull a trailer then! Also, I do not consider Forester a racing vehicle - it sits too high, and do not understand the need for the XTi concept. Well, that is just my humble opinion.
I owned a 2005 Legacy GT Limited with a 5 speed manual. I loved that car but it was a little cramped, and the seating position wasn't great. All that went away when I press the gas. Unreal speed. Car and Driver said in the December 2004 article 0 - 60 in 5.3 seconds. I believe it. Started a family and needed more space. Big mistake but a Forester XTI 5 speed would make it alright. Listen up Subaru there is a big market for this car in North America. People say no one bought the old forester xt with a stick. Did you ever sit in the back seat of that car no space. WRX drivers are getting older and want space plus speed. The new Legacy GT is a manual but doesn't have a good look. But the forester does!!!