Forester XTI
Hotted-up Subaru SUV could mark return to form for the Forester
We're big fans of the old Subaru Forester STI here, but it's never been made available officially in the UK, and in replacing the Forester with a bigger, more SUV-style car (as opposed to the Impreza WRX on stilts of before) it seemed like the chances of a new iteration had been wiped out.
Not for Subaru of America, though, those responsible for this Forester XTI concept that will feature at this years SEMA modified car show in the US. It borrows the engine from the Impreza WRX STI, slightly tuned up to deliver 311bhp (instead of 296) and 300lb ft as well as taking the STI's six-speed 'box, all-wheel drive, brembo brakes and adding adjustable coil-over suspension. There's also DCCD - driver controlled centre diff - to keep the XTI in line. 0-62mph is expected to be around 5sec.
The bodywork is also a stark contrast to the regular road-going Forester (right), with lowered springs, 18in Yokohama-wrapped STI alloys and a bespoke paintjob. Two words, Subaru: build it...
