The wait is almost over, ladies and gents! As it happens, Subaru's STi motorsport division will stick some badges on the SJ-generation Subaru Forester, with the unveiling slated for November 25th.
At the present moment, the Japanese carmaker is racking up the final development phase miles of the performance-oriented compact crossover on its test facility in Hokkaido, Japan. This is not the first time Subaru has STi-zied the Forester. Although the first in the line produced just 165 ponies from a 2.5-liter H4 mill, it's still a mystery what the new Forester STi will have under its aggresive scooped hood.
It's highly unlikely we'll see the base 2.5-liter engine pumped up to WRX STI specs. With information still kept under lock, our two cents go on the DIT 2-liter boxer that churns out 300 horsepower and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque on the 2015 Subaru WRX S4. And yes, we have a sneaking suspicion there's only a single transmission variant in the pipeline, a CVT box set for quick get-up-and-go, to be more specific.
Last but not least, the STi-rated underpinnings. Just as before, it's mum's guess what the future model is hiding under that aggressive rally-inspired bodywork painted WR Blue Pearl, but we have a few ideas of what Subaru's motorsport division has prepared.
Of course, there's bigger brakes, a performance-oriented suspension and an STi-tuned steering rack, together with something that will bring joy to the more spirited drivers - a chassis that employs a flexible support rear sub-frame for better handling and extra comfort when you're not in the mood to let it rip.
It's highly unlikely we'll see the base 2.5-liter engine pumped up to WRX STI specs. With information still kept under lock, our two cents go on the DIT 2-liter boxer that churns out 300 horsepower and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque on the 2015 Subaru WRX S4. And yes, we have a sneaking suspicion there's only a single transmission variant in the pipeline, a CVT box set for quick get-up-and-go, to be more specific.
It will borrow its styling cues from the recently unveiled Forester tS Concept
From the teaser shots we've been provided with, it's a given the production-ready model will borrow its styling cues from the Forester tS Concept, which was revealed only recently at the Japan Motorsport Festival. It's unknown if the upcoming 2015 Subaru Forester STi hot crossover will be sold only in the Land of the Rising Sun, but it would be a big shame if it wouldn't reach the U.S., Europe and Australia.Last but not least, the STi-rated underpinnings. Just as before, it's mum's guess what the future model is hiding under that aggressive rally-inspired bodywork painted WR Blue Pearl, but we have a few ideas of what Subaru's motorsport division has prepared.
Of course, there's bigger brakes, a performance-oriented suspension and an STi-tuned steering rack, together with something that will bring joy to the more spirited drivers - a chassis that employs a flexible support rear sub-frame for better handling and extra comfort when you're not in the mood to let it rip.