For the SEMA crowd they'll probably do a few STIs. Maybe a Limited? Or even a WRX Limited?
That's the target demographic for that show.
You never know. The target demographic of SEMA members actually is anyone who wants to do anything to any vehicle. Heck DTS', Lucernes, Fusions, F150's are all on display there.
Not anymore. SEMA works with both aftermarket companies and auto makers to bring them together in order to find business opportunities. It's not just carbon fibre hoods and coffee can exhausts anymore. In fact, SEMA asked it's members to tone down the clothing the models wore because it's supposed to be an industry show where major business and deals are conducted not an episode of NOPI Tunervision with bikini contests and foam pits.
Here are some of the less "tuner" things being shown:
If it's what you say Mike, then it's likely a highly modified Forester, as I doubt that SPT will show your basic "cooking version" of the Forester. More than likely it will be laced with performance parts.
So I still say the regular Forester will have it's world debut at Detroit—and that what they are showing at SEMA will be more of a tease than anything for the Detroit show.
Think about it; if they show a STI-like Forester prototype/concept at SEMA, it will act as a huge momentum-builder for SOA's Detroit debut.
SEMA opens in 2 days, so we will know soon enough.
Oh absolutely it will not be a plain jane one. But you will see the body and interior of what will be in the production one. It's going to have some brembos on it larger than the STi ones, etc. etc.
Also a strong rumor are two new range-topping models from Subaru: "tuned by STI" Legacy & Outback. There are even 2008 model codes for these, 8AZ & 8DZ.
I worry that if an SPT Forester is shown first, the official model debut will feel like a letdown in comparison, if there's too much hype built up.
(sheepishly) Well, I do, but then I am used to owning vehicles that need to be checked at every fill! That '96 Outback I owned lost more oil than was ever changed out of it...
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
Could be, Bob. I've gotta admit, the STI's much more exciting to look at... and I have no problem w/regular Impreza or WRX, for what they are.
Hopefully Forester won't create as much controversy, but I'm sure they have a hard time keeping everybody happy, especially if they feel they need to pursue folks who haven't been attracted to their current designs. I just hope Forester keeps a practical shape to the cargo area, regardless of curves elsewhere. Function first, please.
I hope Subaru doesn't do to the Forester what it did to the Legacy/Outback - each generation gets bigger on the outside and smaller on the inside. Strange thinking on Subaru's part.
Yeah, Subaru is weird when it comes to packaging. I have never understood how the Legacy/Outback, with 5+ more inches of wheelbase, has effectively the same amount of backseat leg room as the Forester. It doesn't make me too optimistic for the next Forester... :confuse:
Hmm I guess SOA pulled it. I was helping them out on giving some input as to what mods they should do on it for SEMA but haven't heard anything in 3 weeks or so, so guess it go pulled.
Unless they've got something up their sleeve other than what's on the press release, I'm disappointed. The SPT Impreza sounds powerful, though - 450hp!
• All trim levels other than the Forester X will have fog lights • Side curtain airbags become standard on all models • Forester XT Retains the 4EATS but will have "Sportshift" like the WRX Auto • "X" and Touring Packages have 16" wheels, Limited and XT are 17" • All trim levels except the "X" will have a moonroof • All models (in Canada at least) will have heated seats • "VDC" will be standard across the board • Rear windows on all models will come with "Deep Tint" (change in vehicles classification because of increased size allowing for this??) • Limited and XT versions will have HID headlights (in Canada at least). • Drive and passenger side power seats in Limited and XT (instead of just drivers)
They're gonna get lambasted by the reviewers for offering only a 4EAT. Hopefully the US at least gets a manual option, and Subaru sends the manual to the reviewers. Moonroof across the lineup, except for X, is gonna make some folks made, too. Hope it's still panoramic.
Wonder if it'll go on sale in Canada before the US.
Like a baby Tribeca. They mix the front end of the 08 Tribeca with the rest of the 06-07 models, and the result is pretty stylish without going overboard.
Just showed the wife, and she likes it too, a lot!
From poster "08LEGACYGT" on nasioc, comes this bit of rumor, reportedly from a Subaru of Canada internal sales blog.
"Next comes the 09 Forester—Foresters actually, because they have set up the exterior of the demonstration vehicle so that one side has the paint, cladding and wheels of a base model while the other side is a higher trim level. Both look incredibly nice.
Again, I can't share complete details, but I don’t think I’ll get fired for revealing that the exterior design in general is a bit more mainstream. As with the new Impreza and Tribeca, the new Forester will appeal to wider variety of buyers. It’s a bit more masculine, more squared-off, more of a traditional SUV look than what you see in a Tribeca, CX-7 or Murano.
There’s absolutely no mistaking the “truck SUV” look, so there will be less confusion between Outback and Forester. Although a number of the design cues maintain the Subaru family look, this Forester will have a much clearer identity in the overall Subaru lineup.
This is clearly a more distinguished vehicle than its predecessor—especially so when compared to other small SUVs like the RAV4, Tribute and CR-V. The engineers conducting the session tell us that passenger comfort was a high priority in the development plan, and you see it in the fact that rear seat occupants’ comfort has received a lot of attention in this vehicle, unlike some brands out there. The versatility aspect of the vehicle also got a boost with some really unique interior storage solutions.
Our test drives start with a circuit of the Vehicle Maneuverability Test Course, then the Public Road Simulation Course and finally we get to let ‘er rip on the oval (well, sort of—we are asked to limit our speed in the Foresters and their competitors to 130 kph).
We start with the normally-aspirated and turbo Foresters plus a couple of competitors— the Honda CR-V and the Mazda CX-7. I’m afraid I can’t tell you anything about the Forester test drives—except that after driving the CR-V I can feel my body relax as we take the Forester models through their paces. There is that Subaru feeling of driving confidence that you just don’t get in the competitor vehicles. The new Forester has all the good qualities of its predecessor, but even more so. This is a noticeably nicer vehicle in every way."
Would you believe I received an e-mail from my dealer - my Tribeca is in! 5ltd w/nav diamond gray.
Last year my wife ordered a diamond gray w/SE pkg and after 3.5 months they could not deliver. My wife bought a different car. This year they made sure it came in - but it's 6 weeks early.
The Forester is too far out for me to wait.
Next week is Thanksgiving - Hell, I don't even have time to get the car.
I looked at all the competition this year. At the end of the day - for me It's Subaru. They have a great product and great customer service. My dealers service dept. is honest and reputable.
I'm glad you have your product. My problem is they used to have a product for me and they abandoned it in their quest for "mainstream" appeal and lost profits. I don't blame them, just stating the fact. They have some cars that would be it if was added/removed/available.
Apparently Subaru does not think people like me exist - or to be more exact there are enough people like me to actually develop product for. They may be right, for what I know. But other have the product. Of course they want more money (in some instances much more), but I'm actually willing to pay it. So if those low volumes are good for others, why wouldn't they be good for Subie? I guess economies of scale.
Subaru effectively abandoned me and is moving away fast. They made a call and all I can do is hope for change and look around.
I'm closer to the mainstream you are referring to, however, I prefer a sportier ride. I don't drive stick but I wish I did.
My Fathers 1966 Plymouth Fury(the first car I drove) had oil and temp gauges therefore I have come to appreciate functional and attractive instrument clusters.
The base impreza has no temp gauge and if subaru waters down their product any further they might loose me to. I need to get cars for my daughters over the next 5 years.
The new Forester should either confirm your suspicions or renew your passion for Subaru.
I think they are looking for a balance of product but I don't think they have totally turned their backs customers like you.
Comments
That's the target demographic for that show.
That's the target demographic for that show.
You never know. The target demographic of SEMA members actually is anyone who wants to do anything to any vehicle. Heck DTS', Lucernes, Fusions, F150's are all on display there.
Not anymore. SEMA works with both aftermarket companies and auto makers to bring them together in order to find business opportunities. It's not just carbon fibre hoods and coffee can exhausts anymore. In fact, SEMA asked it's members to tone down the clothing the models wore because it's supposed to be an industry show where major business and deals are conducted not an episode of NOPI Tunervision with bikini contests and foam pits.
Here are some of the less "tuner" things being shown:
http://www.leftlanenews.com/chrysler-black-jack.html
http://www.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2007/112_news071017_ford_2007_sema_- show/
http://www.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2007/112_news071022_gm_2007_sema_sh- ow
Further, SEMA has really started enforcing that it's a trade only show and no more letting any schlub in off the street.
-mike
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/autoshows/sema/2007/index.html
If it's what you say Mike, then it's likely a highly modified Forester, as I doubt that SPT will show your basic "cooking version" of the Forester. More than likely it will be laced with performance parts.
So I still say the regular Forester will have it's world debut at Detroit—and that what they are showing at SEMA will be more of a tease than anything for the Detroit show.
Think about it; if they show a STI-like Forester prototype/concept at SEMA, it will act as a huge momentum-builder for SOA's Detroit debut.
SEMA opens in 2 days, so we will know soon enough.
Bob
-mike
I worry that if an SPT Forester is shown first, the official model debut will feel like a letdown in comparison, if there's too much hype built up.
Sounds like an interesting SEMA for Subaru.
Maybe they're trying to avoid that?
Hopefully Forester won't create as much controversy, but I'm sure they have a hard time keeping everybody happy, especially if they feel they need to pursue folks who haven't been attracted to their current designs. I just hope Forester keeps a practical shape to the cargo area, regardless of curves elsewhere. Function first, please.
I saw the Motorweek review of the WRX and they complained that the rear seat was still cramped. In the video segment it didn't look that roomy.
They have to address that in the Forester. The full 4" stretch should go to that back seat.
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0
With about 4" added to the wheelbase we should notice the extra room, hopefully.
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/10-30-200- 7/0004693876&EDATE=
Bob
-mike
Wonder if that will be true in the USA too?
Bob
I like the sage green though. Is that new?
james
Bob
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
• All trim levels other than the Forester X will have fog lights
• Side curtain airbags become standard on all models
• Forester XT Retains the 4EATS but will have "Sportshift" like the WRX Auto
• "X" and Touring Packages have 16" wheels, Limited and XT are 17"
• All trim levels except the "X" will have a moonroof
• All models (in Canada at least) will have heated seats
• "VDC" will be standard across the board
• Rear windows on all models will come with "Deep Tint" (change in vehicles classification because of increased size allowing for this??)
• Limited and XT versions will have HID headlights (in Canada at least).
• Drive and passenger side power seats in Limited and XT (instead of just drivers)
_______
Sadly no 5EAT.
Bob
I almost feel embarrassed for Subaru. What's next, carburated engines?
Wonder if it'll go on sale in Canada before the US.
SAC and VDC, whew. They should have put in a 5EAT as well.
I'm OK with the moonroof, heated seats, power seats. Even the tint.
Don't really need HIDs, or the extra up-front cost.
Still no spy photos?
Bob
http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/ArticleDetail.aspx?ArticleID=45405&vf=2
-mike
Like a baby Tribeca. They mix the front end of the 08 Tribeca with the rest of the 06-07 models, and the result is pretty stylish without going overboard.
Just showed the wife, and she likes it too, a lot!
People want crossovers now.
I think that'll fit in just fine.
"Next comes the 09 Forester—Foresters actually, because they have set up the exterior of the demonstration vehicle so that one side has the paint, cladding and wheels of a base model while the other side is a higher trim level. Both look incredibly nice.
Again, I can't share complete details, but I don’t think I’ll get fired for revealing that the exterior design in general is a bit more mainstream. As with the new Impreza and Tribeca, the new Forester will appeal to wider variety of buyers. It’s a bit more masculine, more squared-off, more of a traditional SUV look than what you see in a Tribeca, CX-7 or Murano.
There’s absolutely no mistaking the “truck SUV” look, so there will be less confusion between Outback and Forester. Although a number of the design cues maintain the Subaru family look, this Forester will have a much clearer identity in the overall Subaru lineup.
This is clearly a more distinguished vehicle than its predecessor—especially so when compared to other small SUVs like the RAV4, Tribute and CR-V. The engineers conducting the session tell us that passenger comfort was a high priority in the development plan, and you see it in the fact that rear seat occupants’ comfort has received a lot of attention in this vehicle, unlike some brands out there. The versatility aspect of the vehicle also got a boost with some really unique interior storage solutions.
Our test drives start with a circuit of the Vehicle Maneuverability Test Course, then the Public Road Simulation Course and finally we get to let ‘er rip on the oval (well, sort of—we are asked to limit our speed in the Foresters and their competitors to 130 kph).
We start with the normally-aspirated and turbo Foresters plus a couple of competitors— the Honda CR-V and the Mazda CX-7. I’m afraid I can’t tell you anything about the Forester test drives—except that after driving the CR-V I can feel my body relax as we take the Forester models through their paces. There is that Subaru feeling of driving confidence that you just don’t get in the competitor vehicles. The new Forester has all the good qualities of its predecessor, but even more so. This is a noticeably nicer vehicle in every way."
Can't wait to see it, drive it! C'mon spy photographers, wake up!
james
Do we have a "real" release date yet for the 09 Forester?
I prefer this over a Tribeca due to the rising gas prices. Increase in size will ease the sacrifice I'll made for space.
I may have to look into extending the lease.
Bob
2009 Production Start Up Date: 2/11/08
2009 Initial Delivery Date: 3/17/08
March 17 is a bit later than I'd hoped, but by then I will have maxed out on my Subaru Bucks so we'll be ready.
Would you believe I received an e-mail from my dealer - my Tribeca is in! 5ltd w/nav diamond gray.
Last year my wife ordered a diamond gray w/SE pkg and after 3.5 months they could not deliver. My wife bought a different car.
This year they made sure it came in - but it's 6 weeks early.
The Forester is too far out for me to wait.
Next week is Thanksgiving - Hell, I don't even have time to get the car.
Happy Thanksgiving everybody!
Subaru is lucky you were so patient. Glad to hear they stepped up this time around.
I looked at all the competition this year. At the end of the day - for me It's Subaru. They have a great product and great customer service. My dealers service dept. is honest and reputable.
I'm glad they stepped up this time also.
Charlie
Apparently Subaru does not think people like me exist - or to be more exact there are enough people like me to actually develop product for. They may be right, for what I know. But other have the product. Of course they want more money (in some instances much more), but I'm actually willing to pay it. So if those low volumes are good for others, why wouldn't they be good for Subie? I guess economies of scale.
Subaru effectively abandoned me and is moving away fast.
2018 430i Gran Coupe
My Fathers 1966 Plymouth Fury(the first car I drove) had oil and temp gauges therefore I have come to appreciate functional and attractive instrument clusters.
The base impreza has no temp gauge and if subaru waters down their product any further they might loose me to. I need to get cars for my daughters over the next 5 years.
The new Forester should either confirm your suspicions or renew your passion for Subaru.
I think they are looking for a balance of product but I don't think they have totally turned their backs customers like you.