Detroit '08 Preview: 2009 Subaru Forester officially revealed
by Alex Nunez on Dec 24th 2007 at 11:20AM 
click above image to view high-res gallery
Subaru's Christmas present to everyone is the release of the first official photos of the 2009 Forester. The Forester's appearance has been one of the worst-kept secrets in all of autodom over the last few weeks, but nonetheless, here you go. Subaru's PR (read it after the jump) is scant on details except to say that the car rides on a longer wheelbase than the outgoing model, providing more interior room while growing overall length just 3 inches. Inside, expect to see upgraded plastics and ergonomics, with power coming from 2.5L normally aspirated and turbocharged boxer engines. From the angle shown, the JDM model depicted above still looks like the love child of a Chrysler Pacifica and a Mitsubishi Outlander if you ask us. We expect to have lots more on this new Forester in the coming days.
[Source: Subaru]
Gallery: 2009 Subaru Forester (JDM)
PRESS RELEASE
North American International Auto Show Preview: Subaru Releases First Photos of All-New 2009 Forester Crossover SUV
- All-New Design with Improved Comfort, Space and Utility
- All-New Platform With Sport-Sedan Dynamics
- Standard Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC)
CHERRY HILL, N.J., Dec. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Subaru of America, Inc. today released the first official photos of the all-new, third-generation 2009 Forester, a total re-design of the award-winning crossover utility vehicle (CUV) that will debut at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit in January. The 2009 Forester, which arrives in Subaru dealerships this spring, builds upon its predecessor's reputation as an icon of safety, dependability and versatility. The new-generation 2009 model projects a bolder, more SUV-like design and making a major leap in safety technology, comfort, refinement and driving dynamics.
As with all Subaru models, the 2009 Forester comes equipped as standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. An all-new platform featuring a 3.6-inch longer wheelbase (now 103.0 inches) and double-wishbone rear suspension improves crash-worthiness and at the same time provides crisper handling, a quieter ride and increased interior space and cargo room. The 2009 Forester once again blends positive SUV attributes including a high seating point and interior versatility with passenger car comfort, handling and fuel efficiency.
All Forester models for 2009 feature standard side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor, and the Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction control system is standard on all models for the first time. With the Subaru Dynamic Chassis Control Concept (Subaru DC3), Subaru optimized all elements of the Forester's chassis to deliver a better balance of ride, handling response, quietness and overall traction performance than offered by competitive vehicles. A comprehensive array of elements contributes to that goal, including the new, high-strength body structure, standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, VDC and four-wheel disc ABS brakes with the Brake Assist safety system.
Manual-transmission models also feature Incline Start Assist, which can momentarily prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when being driven away from a stop on an incline.
Even with its bolder exterior and roomier interior, the new 2009 Forester is only about three inches longer than its predecessor, thus retaining the trim exterior packaging cited by Forester owners as one of this model's most essential features. A robust body structure, heavy-duty raised four-wheel independent suspension system and up to 8.9 inches of ground clearance help make Forester equally adept at negotiating twisty roads and absorbing ruts and bumps.
IMPROVED PERFORMANCE WITH GREATER COMFORT AND VERSATILITY
The 2009 Forester offers naturally aspirated and turbocharged/intercooled 2.5-liter Boxer engines, both revised to provide better low-end and mid-range torque for more responsive everyday performance. New interior materials, including double-stitched fabrics and high-grade plastics, impart a feeling of higher quality. As before, Forester is offered in a wide array of models, with the 2009 Forester 2.5 X offering one of the best values in the crossover SUV segment and the range-topping Forester L.L.Bean Edition offering more luxury without compromising the vehicle's sporty nature.
The 2009 Forester offers a navigation system for the first time as well as advanced audio system upgrade options. The 2009 Forester comes pre-wired for XM(R) or SIRIUS(R) Satellite Radio. An auxiliary audio input jack enables connection of an iPod(R) or MP3 player.
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. Subaru makes the best-selling All-Wheel Drive car sold in America based on R.L. Polk & Co. new vehicle retail registration statistics. For additional information visit www.subaru.com.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
meow mix 10:44AM (1/31/2008)
humm... i know that the forester and the impreza are based off the same platform but the interior is exactly the same!
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Avinash machado 11:29AM (12/24/2007)
Looks like a monster face. Subaru needs to hire new designers fast.
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h01z3r!!!!111one 11:33AM (12/24/2007)
"Subaru's Christmas present to everyone..."
...everyone got coal?
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Thomas Brown 11:45AM (12/24/2007)
What's with that extra mirror on the front???
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AlexP 11:47AM (12/24/2007)
It's a parking mirror, JDM stuff. Maybe they'll keep it on for other markets this time.
KingJackass 9:17PM (1/01/2008)
Its for the ladies, one to see behind and one to put on their makeup. How many distractions are they going to put in the new cars? Women are bad enough drivers as it is and this is just going to make it worse.
Ben 11:46AM (12/24/2007)
2 mirrors?
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psarhjinian 11:47AM (12/24/2007)
Wow. A Chrysler Sebring wagon.
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MemphisNET 12:03PM (12/24/2007)
Although I like the Sebring, I agree that this has the same distasteful front-end lines
Ralph 11:48AM (12/24/2007)
Wow, that is quite unattractive. I expect sales of the 2008s to soar as people try to hedge this one.
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Adam 11:55AM (12/24/2007)
The early photos looked bad but I think this loooks really good. It has a nice stance and the grille isn't bad at all. I like it.
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Rick 3:49PM (12/24/2007)
The wart on the side of the hood looks retarded.
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Peter 12:03PM (12/24/2007)
Is it just me, or does the front end look like it came off the 08 Ford Focus?
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Gregg 12:37PM (12/26/2007)
It's just you.
tankd0g 12:03PM (12/24/2007)
It looks suitably generic to be part of the Toyota empire.
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Philip 12:08PM (12/24/2007)
I think it looks good, Subaru buyers will love it, certainly better than the last model.
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Tricky dicky 12:34PM (12/24/2007)
dam I still miss my 05 turbo. I almost replaced it when I got my 08 Nitro R/T but the price was wrong.
I'll have to wait for th new turbo ons and see what is up.
Can't beat their AWD system compared to the SH*t other manufacturers put out.
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AlexP 12:51PM (12/24/2007)
You bought a Nitro?
Get off this website, now.
Tricky dicky 1:20PM (12/24/2007)
Re alex P,
I'd worry more about your uncle touching you over the holidays more than what I drive. Thanks for your concern though. :D
3seriesisking 4:10PM (12/24/2007)
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA.....NICE ONE