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Comments
1. The point I was trying to make was that SoA Marketing is not wholly responsible for the ads. If the tag line [Think.Feel.Drive] came from FHI Japan, then my point remains.
2. I didn't actually say that DDB came up with the slogan, I said the "ads are the genious of DDB", which is true. I agree with you that Think.Feel.Drive doesnt allow afford DDB much creativity or material to work with.
-Joe
N/A 2.5 engine 173 HP
Turbo 2.5 engine 230 HP
no torque figures,sorry!
4EAT w/o SportShift.
No 6-speed
I was hoping for more power from the N/A 2.5, and am disappointed that no 5EAT is available; same with the lack of the rumored 6-speed.
I wonder if the turbo actually makes more power, or if it now has "real" hp ratings?
...and any '05 buyer's remorse I may have had is officially gone. ;-P
Ed
Most JDM models got 17" wheels.
Bob
-Joe
Wasn't one of the considerations of under rating the FXT on paper to not step on the WRX's 227HP?
Then, there is the next level up 250HP of the LGT and OBXT.
Ken
Having seen what the JDM model got, spoiled me, I guess...
Maybe when I see it in person my opinion will change, but you know what they say about "first impressions."
Bob
You can dream can't you? :-)
Bob
The Forester in particular has an image of practicality, safety, and great value within its part of the market here. In the US it's predominantly seen as a take-the-kids-to-practice, stack-full-of-groceries car. The number of people in this country who would ever consider an STi version are, well, I think they're all here on this board ;-) My point being that despite the fact that it shares a chassis with the all-conquering WRC rally car, the Forester just isn't seen as a performance vehicle here. And Subaru sells a ton of them anyway.
Regards,
-wdb
I'm going to reserve final judgment until I read the the SOA spec sheet, and see it in person.
Bob
On the one hand I'm disappointed that there is no FSti or 6-speed, on the other like Ed I have no buyers remorse at all. With the new styling cues the Forester seems to be going in a new direction (more mainstream small SUV), and a USDM FSti seems less likely. I'd bet on WRX STi wagon or Legacy Sti ahead of it now.
(04/05 FXT with lower ground clearance and non SUV look = future classic?).
JP
(Edit: specs show lower riding XT than rest of range. Also, on reflection seems that WRX and XT will share a powerplant, and I should reserve judgement for a while on whether ther are material differences. maybe 230 is an understated 270!!!).
~c
http://www.media.subaru.com./
Revised gearing for better mileage, and a host of other under the skin upgrades—all good.
Bob
no other infor on other 2006s ?
Bob
Bob
Really? Did the compression ratio and intake change vs. the 04-05 engine?
Ken
http://vocuspr.vocus.com/VocusPR30/Temp/Sites/1571/06_Forester_2.5XT_Interior.jpg
http://vocuspr.vocus.com/VocusPR30/Temp/Sites/1571/06_Forester_2.5XT_FrontSide_view.jpg
http://vocuspr.vocus.com/VocusPR30/Temp/Sites/1571/06_Forester_LLBean_Interior.jpg
http://vocuspr.vocus.com/VocusPR30/Temp/Sites/1571/06_Forester_LLBean_FrontsideVu.jpg
http://vocuspr.vocus.com/VocusPR30/Temp/Sites/1571/06_Forester_LLBean_backVu.jpg
Bob
lame. SOTP probably is unchanged from the 2.5L SOHC. Subaru needed something better than that to make their base models more compelling. No question that their turbo models are price/performance leaders.
~c
Sloppy prep for photos!
Ken
Ken
Give a good old plain HTML site any day. Fast and efficient.
Sly
http://www.subaru.com/home_noflash.jsp
That page snaps right open, even on a dialup connection.
When the new subaru.com site first went live, that page did not include the line in red or anything below it. I think Subaru ought to include a link to that page from its main page labelled "HTML Version" that dialup users can click while the flash junk is loading.
Maybe you can convince the main house to review their clients (us) opinion. Maybe all of you having dial up have to think of a DSL and wireless
Center console is neat, I got to play with it. It folds back to show 2 rear cup holders, much sturdier now. And lower the rear arm rest and 4 people get pampered nicely.
Sounds like with DOHC and VVL the engine revs better, because peak torque is unchanged.
Turbo engine gets higher compression, so even though the old one was underrated, the new one may be even more underrated.
Still, looks like we will have to wait until MY08 for SAC, VDC, Nav, 5EAT, and Sportshift. Even 17" rims are MIA.
-juice
* alcantara fabric on Beans
* Momo wheel w/matching shift knob
* more power is always good
* revised ratios on both, Turbo needed that
* tiny bit more clearance
* revised brake booster (no more mush?)
* cool armrest
They said it would still be a car, maybe not. The turbo's ground clearance is 7.87", which looks like the very minimum. But they still said "car" when I asked.
-juice
On a seperate note, you guys think the new center arm rest can retrofit an 05? it looks much better than the box we have now.
Mike
Bob
Based on those pictures I would have to say that SoA is definitely looking to position the Forester more solidly into the mini-ute mainstream. I think of the Forester as a unique thing, a tall boxy station wagon with no direct comparison here in the states. Those shots of the '06 give me the impression of a small truck.
I do like the new nose though.
rgds,
-wdb
Mike, I was thinking the same thing, not so much for looks but for the fact that it appears to extend farther forward. If so that would make it actually useful as an armrest rather than as just an additional storage compartment.
Ed
Turbo engine gets higher compression, so even though the old one was underrated, the new one may be even more underrated
Perhaps the higher compression is to provide better torque BEFORE the boost comes on for smoother performance with less lag.
That change would be nice for the Legacy GT if indeed less lag is the result.
Dave
Doubtful. Have you driven the 05 FXT? It already has no noticeable turbo lag :-)
-Frank
My own subjective opinion is that turbo lag is just fine, whether it is there or not :-)
Cheers,
-wdb
BUT --If they once again make the buyer take a moonroof with the premium package to get the goodies I now have in my XS model, SOA will be SOL in getting its hands on any more of MY money!
I was hoping that the new manifold design shown for the 2.0L Japanese motor would also find its way to the 2.5L American version. I always prefer more power and torque to come without added mechanical complexity.
I do like the new front bumper - the horizontal top of my present bumper is a resting place for dirt and the deeply set fog lamps are also dirt traps. And, here in Florida, I can't drive more than a mile before the flat, vertical front center of my bumper is covered with bugs of all shapes and sizes.
I also like the new arm rest design and live in hope that it will fit.
But, as things now look, it sure won't be worth my while to trade just to get a slightly better rear suspension, a revised transmission and a marginal gain in HP, especially as the torque is unaffected, And it looks as if the leveling feature will still be restricted to the LL Bean over here. More bummers than kudos from this chap.
Despite my intial concern, I think Subaru did a pretty good job with the Forester's mid-life upgrade. Every change they made was worthwhile. The styling is certainly more refined, as well as being a logical and evolutionary step towards the new corporate look which should appear on the all-new 2008 model; so, all-in-all, a pretty decent job. If there's one criticism I do have, it's the fact that the 17-inch wheel/tire combo that the new JDM Forester has, didn't make it across the Pacific. I really think that was a mistake on SOA's part. In Japan, every Forester, except the base model (with steel wheels) comes standard with 17-inch tires, and they look terrific. The USDM model really looks under-tired in comparison to its JDM counterpart. Hopefully they will correct that oversight for the '07 model.
Also interesting is the trim level realignment of the new Forester. The LL Bean Edition is now a subset of the X model line. There is an XT Limited (leather and moonroof), but at the moment I'm not sure if there is a base XT trim level, sans leather and moonroof.
As we all know, in the past month or so there had been rampant rumors about a 6-speed transmission coming to the Forester, and high hopes that we might also get the 5EAT found on performance Legacys and Outbacks. Well that didn't happen. So combine that with the missing 17-inch wheels, and again, I came away somewhat disappointed. Is the '06 Forester a better car than the '05? Absolutely! But, with a just a few more tweaks, here and there, it could have been soooo much better
BTW, The off-site "Tribeca Experience" was interesting, but much smaller than I expected. I thought the event would take place in a large artsy-type loft with the cars and everything all together. That wasn't the case, as the cars were in a separate garge, a few doors down from the loft. In any event, there was some good food, music, and two Tribecas that you could sit in. Plus I got a free ticket to the show! Thank you SOA!
Bob
as far as the 4eat, i once again concur. this car really needs a top end crusing gear to help that highway number.
another complaint i have about my fxt pp is the lack of lighting. it is horribly dark in the car. with the monster sunroof the dome lite is way way back there and unreachable from the front and does not cast much lite to the front row. i dont see anything in the literature about that being improved. bob did ya notice anything as far as doors with lites or anything else to improve this situation?
and why do they have a car show in the city that has to be the most unfriendly for cars and cost $30 to park? why not tent giant stadium parking lot so there could even be test drives? or SoA just put up a tent there and allow test drives so i dont have the hassle/dollars of going to nyc? being jerzee based i am sure the sports and exhibition authorites can cut ya a deal. and setup a coned area so i can see bob driving with his helmet. and we could mic up juice to hear him grunt thru the cones.
my god, this long post is ruining my title only reputation.
ok offically i am in the market to replace my odyssey with AWD/4WD type vehicle as i can not stand another time of getting stuck in snow/sand again. i have seen in other threads that some dealers have had the trifecta at their dealership. why dont i see dealers advertising this or SoA sending out email invites?
Boy do I agree. I parked 4 blocks from the Javits Center, and it cost me $26.
Not only that, but on a Saturday, it took over a 1/2 hour to go from the NJ turnpike into Manhattan via the Lincoln Tunnel—and over an hour to drive 6 blocks to get out of Manhatten via the Lincoln Tunnel!
Bob
Turbo lag is the delay betweent he time you hit the gas and the boost comes on, when you are already in the boost RPM range.
The fact that there is no boost at low RPM and it takes a while for the RPM and boost to build up is simply related to being in or out of the power band, and it has nothing to do with turbo lag.
Turbo lag is almost non-existant on these cars.
Sly
Not only that, but on a Saturday, it took over a 1/2 hour to go from the NJ turnpike into Manhattan via the Lincoln Tunnel—and over an hour to drive 6 blocks to get out of Manhatten via the Lincoln Tunnel!
and some people call this the greatest city in the world. people sure do have a different prospective on what makes a city great.
and bob you forgot about the toll $$$