Tycoon

We just discovered this sketch (allegedly) featuring the all-new 2009 Subaru Forester on the NASIOC forum. There’s no way of knowing whether it’s official or simply the work of a random artist, but we can tell you that Subaru plans on unveiling the all-new Forester sometime in 2008. In any case, the Forester featured here looks like it was inspired (in terms of design) from Subaru’s recently updated crossover, the Tribeca. Not exactly our preferred role model.

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bmer

Reminds me of recent Ford models and concepts.

martinbo

Thanks Tyc, yeah - saw this on NASIOC yesterday...

From what I've heard from my sources, there appears to be some merit in this sketch: the Outlander-ish D-pillar, the Tribeca-like nose... ja all seems pretty feasible.

Expect the Impreza's dash with some minor cosmetic differences, better rear leg room and the current range of engines. If FHI are really ballsy then they may release the 2.0d boxer engine along with the new Forester. The car will be taller (unfortunately for real Subaruisti like me) to cater for the mass-market demands for SUV proportions and driving position, ground clearance is expected to go up from 200mm to 220mm. Not having any official information but I believe that the new Forester will drop the rear Macpherson strut suspension in favour of the new double-wishbone / multi-link arrangement that finds its way into the Impreza from the current Legacy.

Current engines remain, but overall performance on the turbo should be slightly better and more frugal given the new torque characteristics of the 2.5 boxer engine. Five speed manuals to stay. So too are the 4 speed autos. :banghead:

Tycoon

What would you like to see concerning transmission?

martinbo

Six speed manuals and 5 speed autos (heck even a six-speed auto is now considered old-tech and unremarkable) are all I ask.

The problem with the six-speed manual tranny is that its 20 kg heavier than the 5 speed.

The 4 speed autos are apparently a stop-gap solution until the CVT's make their way in...

Tycoon

But in any case manual is what you prefer, right?

martinbo

Actually, despite my die-hard, left foot braking (I really suck at that ), heel-n-toeing (much better at that...) preference for manuals having a manual gearbox in a Forester isn't the be all and end all for me. See, the Forester's very much my family vehicle now - my wife drives it Monday to Friday - and when I get to drive it I can't go hooning about any more.

The most pleasure I get out of it is when going on holiday and venturing on to dirt roads, all of which could be done just as easily if I'd had an auto 'box. Still, the prospect of just 4 rather tall gears in the Forester just doesn't do it for me. The car's great torque delivery and fabulous traction would be put to even better use in a closer ratio 6 speed gearbox. That'd be a huge improvement on what is otherwise an unmatchable car in its class.

Oh yes, and Subaru could do me the hugest of favours by moving the tyre size up to a 225 width (215 Yokies are all that you can get!!!) and the tyre rating to a V as standard!

Otherwise, I'm awaiting the new Forester with great anticipation. Can't wait for the diesel either!

Tycoon

In my opinion, all those 2 ton cars, especially those SUV/SAV fat pigs like X5, Q7 and Co. must be equipped only with auto-tranny... If you aren't taking it to the track or so. For city driving, long distances, etc. imo the auto is the way to go.

monster

The Forester is in a smaller class, more like your RAV 4, X3 size, I think the current Forester is around 1600 to 1700kg?

The current 5-speed auto used in Subaru aren't that good, it is rather annoying, so until Subaru can develope a decent auto gearbox they don't have much choice.

Tycoon

That's why i've said fat pigs like X5, Q7, ML...

I didn't know that Subbie Forester has "only" 1600/700 kilos...