First Look: 2014 Subaru Forester
Subaru has taken the wraps off of its all-new Forester ahead of the Los Angeles Auto Show. The Forester, a favorite here at WR, borrows its looks from the well-received Impreza/XV Crosstrek, with aggressively styled headlights and a split grille. Seventeen-inch wheels come standard, while eighteens are optional.
The standard 2.5-liter, four-cylinder boxer pumps out 170 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque, just like the current model. For more oomph, a 2.0-liter, turbocharged boxer delivers 250 ponies and 258 pound-feet of torque. Those numbers are a 26-horsepower and 32-horsepower bump over the old turbocharged engine. Based on the images we’ve received, it appears the turbocharged model does not come with a hood scoop (a tradition for turbocharged Subarus).
Mated to the base engine is either a six-speed manual gearbox or a CVT. Sadly, the turbo is only available with a CVT. Of course, that CVT comes with both six- and eight-speed manual modes, but Subaru purists are still probably ripping their hair out over this and the lack of a scoop.
Besides the powertrain info, details are rather mum on the new Forester. We know it’s grown ever so slightly, with increases of less than an inch for the wheelbase, length, and width. That makes us think the new Forester’s interior space will be similar to the current model (not a bad thing). Interior accouterments include navigation, rear-view camera, and a harman/Kardon stereo.
We’ll have more on the new Forester when it makes its official debut in LA later this month.
Please scroll down for the official press release from Subaru.
SUBARU REVEALS ALL-NEW 2014 FORESTER CROSSOVER SUV; NEW MODEL TO MAKE NORTH AMERICAN DEBUT AT LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW
Cherry Hill, N.J., – Subaru of America, Inc. today released the first official photos of the all-new 2014 Forester crossover SUV, which will make its North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The new Forester combines a bolder profile than before while offering a roomier interior with virtually the same footprint as the previous model.
The fourth generation of Subaru’s popular Forester will offer a new 2.0-liter direct-injection turbocharged BOXER® engine producing 250 horsepower. The standard naturally aspirated 2.5-liter BOXER engine debuted in the outgoing Forester model. Fuel economy will be higher across the line with the debut of a new six-speed manual transmission and available Lineartronic® continuously variable transmissions (CVT).
The all-new five-passenger 2014 Forester preserves the optimal blend of SUV capability and car-like ride and handling that have made the Forester one of the Subaru brand’s best-selling models for the past 15 years. Refined (or New) suspension system delivers agile handling and a highly compliant ride quality. Generous 8.7 inches of ground clearance enhances off-pavement driving capability.
The 2014 Forester will offer an exceptionally roomy interior, featuring increased rear seat legroom, and an enlarged cargo area. In-demand infotainment features will be offered, including smartphone integration, navigation, rear view camera, and harman/kardon® premium audio amplifier and speakers.
Basic Vehicle Specifications
Engine types and output
2.5-liter 4-cylinder BOXER, naturally aspirated
170 hp @ 5,800 rpm 174 lb.-ft. peak torque @ 4,100 rpm
2.0-liter 4-cylinder BOXER, direct fuel injection, turbocharging, intercooler
250 hp @ 5,600 rpm* 258 lb.-ft. peak torque @ 2,000-4,800 rpm
Transmission
2.5-liter models: 6-speed manual or Lineartronic CVT
2.0-liter turbo: high-torque CVT with 6-speed and 8-speed manual modes and Hill Descent Control
Drivetrain
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive standard for all models
Wheelbase
103.9 in.
Vehicle length
180.9 in.
Vehicle height
68.2 in (with roof rails)
Vehicle width
70.7 in.
Wheels/tires
2.5-liter: 17 x 7 in. aluminum alloy with 225/60 R17 all-season
2.0-liter turbo: 18 x 7 in. aluminum alloy with 225/55 R18 all-season
* With premium grade gasoline
About Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of more than 600 dealers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill production plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. is the only U.S. automobile production plant to be designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. For additional information visit http://www.subaru.com.
“Subaru”, “BOXER”, “Forester”, all model names, and the Subaru logo are registered trademarks of the Subaru subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries, Ltd, Japan.
Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.
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