Forester 2009 Subaru Forester

[PanterroR]

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.

2009 Subaru Forester Sketch

 

[bmer]

Re: 2009 Subaru Forester Sketch

Reminds me of recent Ford models and concepts.

 

[martinbo]

Re: 2009 Subaru Forester Sketch

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.

 

[PanterroR]

Re: 2009 Subaru Forester Sketch

Five speed manuals to stay. So too are the 4 speed autos.

What would you like to see concerning transmission?

 

[martinbo]

Re: 2009 Subaru Forester Sketch

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...

 

[PanterroR]

Re: 2009 Subaru Forester Sketch

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

 

[martinbo]

Re: 2009 Subaru Forester Sketch

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

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!

 

[PanterroR]

Re: 2009 Subaru Forester Sketch

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]

Re: 2009 Subaru Forester Sketch

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.

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.

 

[PanterroR]

Re: 2009 Subaru Forester Sketch

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

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

 

[Monster]

Re: 2009 Subaru Forester Sketch

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

I have no idea why I thought you said "fight pigs" ....I am offically

 

[PanterroR]

Re: 2009 Subaru Forester Sketch

I have no idea why I thought you said "fight pigs" ....I am offically

Lol, it's all good, mate...

 

[Merc1]

Re: 2009 Subaru Forester Sketch



Oh yes, the anticipation of a new Subaru Forester is killing us! In 27 days and a couple of hours and minutes, Subaru will reveal the new 2009 Subaru Forester. There is no word on what the new Subaru Forester will be powered by, but the website shows a teaser image of the back of the car.

If you’re excited as us, head over to the Subaru JDM website and watch the countdown.

Teaser Image: 2009 Subaru Forester coming in December\

M

 

[PanterroR]

Re: 2009 Subaru Forester Sketch

Just the other day, Subaru attempted to tease us with a pitch-black image of the 2008 Forester (click here). Today a new set of images featuring the 2009 Forester with no camouflage surfaced on the net giving us the first clear view of the crossover’s buttocks as well as a part of the front-end. Mark our words; the dam surrounding the 2009 Forester will break sooner than you think…

2009 Subaru Forester: New Images Surface Online

 

[Choleric]

Re: 2009 Subaru Forester Sketch

Lookin good minus the clear taillights.

and is it just me or is this taller and narrower than past versions?

 

[PanterroR]

Re: 2009 Subaru Forester Sketch

It seems taller, don't know about the width though...

 

[martinbo]

Re: 2009 Subaru Forester Sketch

The real deal:

 

[Merc1]

Re: 2009 Subaru Forester Sketch

A Subaru that doesn't induce vomiting , at least from that real-life rear shot.

M

 

[Monster]

Re: 2009 Subaru Forester Sketch

The real deal:

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It is yet another disappointing design from Subaru. I really hope they won't mess up the design for the next Liberty.

 

[martinbo]

Re: 2009 Subaru Forester Sketch

In all honesty monster, let's be realistic here, besides the very lovely Subaru Legacy / Outback, FHI haven't made a pretty Subaru for over a decade now. The last good looking Subaru barring the aforementioned pairing was the delectable Impreza P1.

The current Forester sans STI treatment is an inconguous mess: strange protuberant and rounded nose at odds with utilitarian squared off looks of the rear. If it wasn't such a cracker to drive, my wife and I would be embarrassed to be seen in it.

Outlander looks terrific and, unfortunately, Subaru have gone a very similar route. How much creative license is there really available in this segment? Either your design looks like a RAV-4 or it looks like a Freelander. There's not much in between in terms of styling individuality... Controversial and much more expensive X3 notwithstanding.

Subaru can make dynamically appealling cars with their eyes closed. What they haven't been able to do to date is design cars with universal mass-market appeal. This strategy in moving to less distinctive but more palatable designs is a key component in the brand's evolution - whether successful thus far or not!

Talking of the octagon grill on your Liberty - I can wholeheartedly agree with you. There was such a great opportunity to solidify the brand identity accross the range and instead it got sidelined by a designer with a rather disturbing aftertaste of Alfa Romeo on his mind.

If this is the new Forester (which it is) then great. The back - as always - looks great and is better resolved that the front but at least the overall styling is better integrated and more cohesive than before.

The only worry for us existing Forrie owners is the increased ride height and taller dimensions - sure to raise the centre of gravity and lose some of that car-like handling. At least they listened to me and slapped on some 225 section tyres now.