Subaru has issued this photo of the 2009 Forester, the mid-size crossover that will make its world debut at the Detroit auto show in mid-January.
The new Forester is redesigned with more traditional SUV styling cues, and with a bigger body intended to make the Forester more competitive with the growing crossover class. The new version sees its wheelbase grow by 3.6 inches to 103.0 inches, and its overall length is up by about three inches too - which Subaru says maintains the "trim exterior packaging" that current Forester owners want. With the stretched length comes a stronger body structure, Subaru promises, and a ground clearance of up to 8.9 inches.
The engines motivating the new Forester are both flat fours, one turbocharged and one normally aspirated. Power outputs haven't been released but Subaru says in a press release that the 2.5-liter fours will offer better low-end and mid-range torque. Manual and automatic transmissions will be offered; manual-equipped cars will get a hill-start helper that keeps the Forester from rolling backward when launching uphill.
Subaru's all-wheel-drive system returns, as does a retuned double-wishbone suspension. Better ride and handling are promised, as well as a high, SUV-like seating position. Safety features will include stability and traction control and curtain airbags, along with anti-lock braking.
Inside, the Forester gets a higher grade of interior trim and an auxiliary jack for MP3 players. A navigation system and satellite radio are options.
Stay tuned for more information on the Forester as TheCarConnection.com reports from the Detroit auto show live, beginning January 13, 2008.
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