- Subaru unveils a 259-horsepower Forester STI for the Japanese market.
- 2011 Forester tS will be priced around $42,500.
- Only 300 units will be built, none for the U.S.
TOKYO — Subaru, in its home market, is launching a range-topping performance edition of its Forester midsize crossover, with tuning bits from the STI parts bin. The 2011 Subaru Forester STI will be produced in a limited run of 300 units and priced from around $42,500. Deliveries to Japanese customers begin in early 2011.
A Subaru of America spokesman told Inside Line there are no immediate plans to market the Forester tS in the U.S.
Similar to the Forester S-Edition that was unveiled last week at the 2010 Sydney Auto Show, the Forester tS is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-4 engine, rated at 259 horsepower and 256 pound-feet of torque. The engine is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, with paddle shifters on the steering wheel. Top speed is estimated at 150 mph.
A specially tuned and lowered suspension features STI dampers, springs and front and rear stabilizer bars. Subaru has fitted new 17-inch alloy wheels and low-profile performance tires.
An aero body kit bundles new front and rear bumpers, side skirts, rear diffuser and roof spoiler. A new grille and twin exhaust pipes complement the package. Four exterior colors are offered: Obsidian Black, Pearl White, Stylish Silver, and WR Blue Mica.
The cabin is equipped with sport bucket seats trimmed in leather and Alcantara, with red stitching and STI logos. There are also a leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum pedals, a red ignition button and a carbon-fiber center console cover.
Inside Line says: One more JDM special to lust after. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
Add A Comment »
hotrodw says:
02:51 PM, 10/28/2010
"I keep hearing that Scoob's autoboxes are horrible. What's so bad about them?
Is it a dealbreaker?"
Not at all. They're just not maximizing efficiency. The Forester has a four-speed automatic. It works fine, and is actually pretty well matched to the engine. It just doesn't get the gas mileage you would expect relative to the weight of the vehicle. Personally, I do great with mine (25+ mpg over 25,000 miles). I liked the overall package better than than the Rav4 or the CR-V, so to me it was worth a mile or two per gallon. Plus, I can shift manually when I want.
hotrodw says:
02:43 PM, 10/28/2010
That's a lofty price for a Forester. I love mine, but I would never pay that kind of money for any Forester, regardless of the performance. Too many other good vehicles at that price point. Personally, I think they should make a Forester GT. Nothing crazy . . . WRX-like engine tune with a slightly sportier suspension and 18" wheels. Price it just above the 2.5XT. Or better yet, just bring back the GT wagon. It never should have been dropped in the first place.
zeph says:
02:40 PM, 10/28/2010
I keep hearing that Scoob's autoboxes are horrible. What's so bad about them?
Is it a dealbreaker?
4g63 says:
01:38 PM, 10/28/2010
ok be that way and don't bring the car subaru. but at least bring the transmission. the US spec Forester NEEDS another gear!
virtualscouser says:
12:43 PM, 10/28/2010
"Love. It's what Subaru calls not giving us any of the cars we really want..."
I just wish they would spend more money on getting their transmissions up to modern standards and reliability instead of advertising...