Autoblog

VIDEO: Man wins India Supreme Court case for 'mountain goat' claims about Chevy Forester

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Government/Legal, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Chevrolet, Subaru, India

Dead Chevrolet Forester in India - Click above to watch the video after the break

First of all, if you weren't aware already, the first-generation Subaru Forester was later sold in India as the Chevrolet Forester (General Motors doesn't have the CUV in its lineup anymore). There weren't any real changes to the vehicle in any way, it was really just a Subaru with a Bowtie emblem. Now that that's out of the way, we have learned that an 80-year-old man in India named Ashok Tolat sued General Motors after his Forester came to a halt and died in one foot of water during the monsoon season in 2005. Angered that his SUV couldn't handle any weather thrown its way, Tolat sued GM.

General Motors denied any wrongdoing, claiming that the Forester wasn't designed as an all-terrain, all-weather vehicle. Tolat countered with the car's sales brochure, which reportedly likened the Forester's capabilities with that of a mountain goat. "A total misrepresentation," says Tolat. As far as we can recall, we're not aware of any 2005-vintage mountain goats that stalled out and died in one foot of water... so, there you go.

The General took the case all the way to India's Supreme Court after losing Tolat's lawsuit in two lower courts, but it ultimately lost there too. It took three years, but Tolat finally got GM to buy back the Forester and pay his legal fees. Score one for determination, even if we're a little leery of the court's ruling without the rest of the facts. In any case, click past the break to watch video of the story as covered on NDTV.

[Source: NDTV via YouTube via TTAC]

Continue reading VIDEO: Man wins India Supreme Court case for 'mountain goat' claims about Chevy Forester

VIDEO: Man wins India Supreme Court case for 'mountain goat' claims about Chevy Forester originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X Premium retains edge, adds smoothness

Dan Roth — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Crossover, Subaru, Reviews

2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X Premium - Click above for high-res image gallery

Adequate dynamics, very capable, super handy. That about sums up the last ten years of the Subaru Forester. And yet - once the sportier turbocharged version put rally-bred heat under the skinny pedal, the Forester was no longer just the squishy, squeezy Official Car of Vermont. It was suddenly possible to haul the family Newfoundland to the groomer and scorch the doors off more prestigious iron by flattening that Birkenstock. Eat our dust, punctuated by a "Be Green" sticker. More luxurious appointments were also put on offer, there was once even a Nardi edition. For all that, the Foresters were still little funk machines. For 2009, Subaru's Forester retains and expands what has historically been great about this Fuji Heavy crossover, but the rough edges have been hammered flat. Click past the jump to see if that's impacted the Subie's appeal.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X Premium

Continue reading Review: 2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X Premium retains edge, adds smoothness

Review: 2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X Premium retains edge, adds smoothness originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2008: Subaru trots out Forester XTI concept and tweaked WRX

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Tuners, Wagon, Hatchback, Subaru

Click any image for a high-res gallery

Even though our lust for Japan's forbidden fruit has been sated by three generations of the Subaru STI and Mitsubishi EVO - and now, the Nissan GT-R - one guilty pleasure is still out of reach. The Subaru Forester STI has always held a special place in our hearts, combining a healthy dose of practicality with a dash of rally-bred performance, and that's carried over to the Forester XTI concept. Packing the WRX STI's turbocharged 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder putting out 315 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque, a cat-back exhaust, reworked suspension, STI wheels and a deep red/black paint job, the Forester XTI is begging to go into production. Here's hoping Subaru wises up and gives it the green light.

Joining the Forester on the show stand is a five-door 2009 WRX tweaked by Subaru Performance Tuning (left) with a cat-back exhaust, short-throw shifter, OZ Botticelli III 19-inch wheels, a lower chassis brace and strut tower brace. The 2.5-liter four has gotten a 10-hp boost in output (from 265 to 275 hp) and an additional seven lb-ft of torque, and sitting beside that guy is the STI that's making its big screen debut in the next installment of the Fast and Furious franchise.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: Subaru Forester XTI, SPT WRX, 4F4F STI

SEMA 2008: Subaru trots out Forester XTI concept and tweaked WRX originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Nov 2008 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru cuts price of 2009 Forester to $19,995

Michael Harley — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Crossover, Subaru

Click above for more high-res pics of the 2009 Subaru Forester

Subaru has released pricing on the all-new 2009 Subaru Forester introduced last mont in Detroit and it's a whopping $1,200 less than the price of the outgoing model. This means you can put a brand-new completely redesigned Forester 2.5X with standard all-wheel drive, curtain airbags and stability control in your driveway for $19,995 (plus destination and delivery, of course). At the other end of the spectrum, a 2.5XT Limited model starts at $28,195.

You have to salute Subaru's move. The new Forester is a very competent package in a competitive crossover SUV segment. Anyone shopping this category has good reason to take it for a spin, and the price drop is just icing on the cake. Check out Subaru's press release after the jump for a full breakdown of pricing by trim level.

Gallery: 2009 Subaru Forester

[Source: Subaru]

Continue reading Subaru cuts price of 2009 Forester to $19,995

Subaru cuts price of 2009 Forester to $19,995 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Feb 2008 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit '08 Preview: Subaru reveals US-spec 2009 Forester

John Neff — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 09:03:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Detroit Auto Show, Crossover, Subaru

click above image for more pics of the 2009 Subaru Forester

Though the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) 2009 Subaru Forester was revealed on Christmas Day, Subaru waited until today to reveal the US-spec version of its car-like CUV. We all know the shape of things to come for the Forester thanks to numerous leaks and spied test vehicles that popped up throughout the month of December, but Subaru reveals today that US customers will have their choice of naturally-aspirated and turbocharged versions of the same 2.5L boxer four-cylinder engines offered before, though they've been worked over for more low-end torque. While no power figures have been released, we expect both motors to be virtually identical to those used in the Impreza, which means around 170 hp and 224 hp, respectively. It appears the same trim levels will be offered, which include the base 2.5X, Sports 2.5X, 2.5X L.L. Bean Edition paired with the NA engine and the 2.5XT, Sports 2.5XT and 2.5XT Limited offered with the turbo. New features for the 2009 US-spec Forester include available satellite navigation, standard Vehicle Dynamics Control and traction control, and Incline Start Assist on models with the manual transmission. We'll get detailed information on Subaru's decidedly more butch little CUV at the Detroit Auto Show in January, but until then you can check out the US-spec 2009 Forester in our gallery below and read Subaru's press release after the jump.

[Source: Subaru]

Gallery: 2009 Subaru Forester

Continue reading Detroit '08 Preview: Subaru reveals US-spec 2009 Forester

Detroit '08 Preview: Subaru reveals US-spec 2009 Forester originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Dec 2007 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It never ends: More new pics of 2009 Subaru Forester

John Neff — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, Subaru

click above image for 11 new pics of the 2009 Subaru Forester

We now have 22 unofficial images of the 2009 Subaru Forester in this gallery, which could be more pics than what Subaru plans to officially release on December 25th when the new CUV actually debuts. We found these on the Forester Owners Forum, page 104 of a long thread relating to 2009 Forester news and rumors. We don't know who took them or where they were taken and we don't want to know - we just want to look at them, as they are the clearest and largest images yet that have crossed our desks. The batch also includes a view of the new Forester's interior, which, well, isn't all that interesting or groundbreaking, kind of like the exterior. It may suit your needs just fine, though.

[Source: SubaruForester.org via Carscoop]

Gallery: 2009 Subaru Forester - unofficial images

It never ends: More new pics of 2009 Subaru Forester originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Dec 2007 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Yet... more... images of the 2009 Subaru Forester

John Neff — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Spy Photos, Crossover, Subaru

click above image to view more live shots of the 2009 Subaru Forester

Seriously, we're not that interested in the 2009 Subaru Forester that we actually think half a dozen posts on the little CUV is warranted, but Subie's so far been unable to keep a lid on its new design to such an extent that we just have to share each and every new pic that crosses our desk. These new ones appear to be the first live shots of the car, as opposed to the magazine scans and photoshopped official shots we've seen so far. In fact, these new images taken at what appears to be a shipping hub really bring to light how far the Forester has matured compared to the current model. While the current model always looked like nothing more than a tall station wagon with an extra smidge of ground clearance, the new Forester actually looks like a small CUV. The above shot even bears a resemblance to the Land Rover LR2 in some areas. We're sure you can find some more derivative styling on the new Forester as well, but all in all we think its positive progress in the right direction for Subaru.

As always, we'll bring you official news on the new 2009 Subaru Forester as soon as it's released on Christmas Day, and probably some more unofficial news in the meantime.

[Source: Yahoo! blogs via Carscoop]

Gallery: 2009 Subaru Forester - unofficial images

Yet... more... images of the 2009 Subaru Forester originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Dec 2007 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Subaru Forester leakage continues

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 13:18:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Wagon, Crossover, Subaru

The crew at NASIOC came across more leaked shots of Subaru's forthcoming Forester, and this time, we get a closer look at the new sub-CUV's interior. Like most of the new products coming out of the Subie camp, the inside receives a significant restyling that takes its cues from the Tribeca's interior arrangement, with flowing brushed metal accents that dip down towards the HVAC controls. In addition to improvements both in style and materials, the Forester will also benefit from Subaru's Sportshift transmission.

Unlike the leaks we've seen previously, this new exterior pic provides a much better view of the front three-quarters of the new Forester. The hood scoop is much more subtle than previous iterations, similar to the one found on the redesigned Impreza, while the ride-height keeps the Forester true to its off-road nature. We're expecting more to follow soon, so, as always, watch this space.

Thanks for the tip Phil!

2009 Subaru Forester leakage continues originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Dec 2007 13:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scans aplenty of 2009 Subaru Forester

Alex Nunez — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 13:27:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Japan, Crossover, Suzuki

Click image for a gallery of more scans

As is always the case, there'll be little left to talk about regarding the new 2009 Forester when Subaru officially pulls the wraps off its overhauled compact SUV on Christmas day. Japan's scoop-crazed magazine culture has rewarded us with a slew of new scans showing the '09 Forester in a variety of trim levels. Bigger in every dimension, it's definitely got a more traditional SUV look to it, with a view from the front that's quite reminiscent of the current Mitsubishi Outlander. The two launch engines in Japan will be a NA 2.0 boxer with 148 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque and a turbocharged version generating 230 horsepower and 234 lb-ft. Also revealed is news that seven JDM trim levels will be offered -- four with normally-aspirated engines and three with the turbo mill (and none of them bearing the STi moniker). While we all watch the days count down to the new Forester, we're sure that many more photos and specifications will be leaked. We'll bring them to you, and we'll also have the "real" photos and info when it all becomes officially official later this month. Our first in-person look at the car will also come in mid-January at the Detroit Auto Show.

Thanks for the tip, Vlad!

[Source: Drom.ru]

Gallery: 2009 Subaru Forester - unofficial images

Scans aplenty of 2009 Subaru Forester originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Dec 2007 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru begins teasing us with new Forester mini site

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Wagon, Japan, Subaru

While we'd like to think that the launch of the new Subaru Forester teaser site somehow corresponds to the leakage of images we saw yesterday, we're forced to assume that coincidences are just that. Regardless, Subaru still hasn't learned that displaying a darkened image of its newest product (ala STI) doesn't stop tech-~~savvy~~challenged bloggers from doing a screen capture and lightening up the shot to reveal the new Forester's rump.

You'd be forgiven for seeing a Honda Pilot upon first glance, but the lower ride height and bland bottom quickly eschews that comparison. According to Subaru, "It's comming [sic]", and despite the fact that the mini site is for the Japanese market, we doubt little will have changed when the Forester makes its debut in Detroit.

Thanks for the tip, Jake!

Subaru begins teasing us with new Forester mini site originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Nov 2007 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Redesigned Forester coming to Detroit, first unconfirmed sketch materializes

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 14:14:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Wagon, Subaru

While there's no way to verify if this particular sketch foretells the future of the Subaru Forester, we think it's probably not too far off the mark. Considering Subaru's blandification of its lineup - from the Impreza to the Tribeca - the new nose seems entirely plausible, and the upkicked D-pillar seems to be all the rage nowadays.

As in the past, the Forester will be built atop the Impreza platform, so we can expect a slightly longer wheelbase that won't necessity Yoga-like poses for passengers entering and exiting the rear seats. More trunk space out back is also assured, while power will likely come from the same naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter found in the base Impreza. We're not going to hold our breath (again) for an STI variant, but we think it's simply a matter of time before Subaru throws in the turbo'd mill from the WRX to make another XT version of the Forester.

[Source: NASIOC via Straightline]

Redesigned Forester coming to Detroit, first unconfirmed sketch materializes originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Nov 2007 14:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In The Autoblog Garage: 2007 Subaru Forester Sports 2.5X

Dan Roth — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 12:02:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, SUV, Crossover, Subaru

click above image for high-res gallery of the 2007 Subaru Forester Sports 2.5X

Subaru's Forester is well into its second generation, but the styling and driving experience isn't far removed from the unflappable friendly wagon that bowed in 1998. Why mess with a good thing?

The Forester Sports 2.5X is a handsome set of duds that sets you apart from the CUV crowd, even if you don't get the turbo motor. The black mesh grille and more monochromatic color scheme dresses up even the lightly optioned Forester we recently drove for a week. Lightly optioned doesn't mean stripped, there's plenty of equipment here and you'd only want for more if you wanted higher monthly payments. Even a basic Forester is comprehensively equipped. We're happy to report that while Subaru is all grown up from the days of the GL, the spirit of those funky rattlers remains infused in the Forester.

Gallery: 2007 Subaru Forester Sports

Continue reading In The Autoblog Garage: 2007 Subaru Forester Sports 2.5X

In The Autoblog Garage: 2007 Subaru Forester Sports 2.5X originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Oct 2007 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Subaru Forester goes through growth spurt

John Neff — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 15:55:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Wagon, Crossover, Subaru

What you see here is not a Legacy Outback mule, but rather a heavily disguised Subaru Forester mule that reveals some interesting tidbits about the next generation of Subaru's boxy wagon. Brenda Priddy's super sleuthing spies have seen this development mule out and about for a while, but only recently realized that it was indeed the next gen Forester. The reason is that the car's dimensions aren't close to those of the current Forester. In fact, this car's 99.4-inch estimated wheelbase is within a half-inch of the much larger Tribeca's, and its 108.5-inch length is over three inches longer than the Legacy Outback. Priddy's inside contacts, however, confirm that despite the size discrepancy, this is indeed the next Forester. In addition to being longer, it's also estimated the next Forester will be two inches wider than the current Outback, which itself is already wider than the current Forester. What does this mean for the Forester? Without seeing the design, it's hard to speculate, but the growth in all areas of size implies that the Forester may be able to seat seven, becoming a somewhat larger CUV-type vehicle than the current model.

[Source: Winding Road]

Spy Shots: Subaru Forester goes through growth spurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Sep 2007 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru may mate boxer diesel to CVT

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 15:51:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Subaru

The folks over at the North American Subaru Impreza Owner's Club (NASIOC) were kind enough to post a translated article from Yahoo! News that outlines the future use of CVTs by Subaru.

According to the article, Subaru is currently developing a CVT to be used in conjunction with their new boxer diesel on models sporting two-liter engines, including the upcoming Forester and Legacy models. Both models are expected to bow sometime in 2008, at which point other CVT-equipped vehicles will follow.

Since CVTs are said to offer a 10-percent boost in fuel economy, it's probably a smart move to equip Subaru's upcoming diesels with the gear-less tranny. As for the rest of the Subaru lineup, we're not entirely convinced.

[Source: NASIOC via Straightline]

Subaru may mate boxer diesel to CVT originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Apr 2007 15:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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No more aluminum for Subaru exteriors

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 26 Dec 2006 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Subaru

According to Forbes, Subaru will stop utilizing aluminum exterior body panels on all new and redesigned models, beginning in March of 2007. Subaru claims that over the past two years, the cost of aluminum has more than doubled and as such, it will begin using zinc-coated steel sheets instead.

The models currently using aluminum panels include the Legacy, Forester and Impreza. We know the hood of the Impreza is aluminum, but can't remember what else. All you NASIOC and i-Club boys can refresh our memory in the 'comments.'

[Source: Forbes via Jalopnik]

No more aluminum for Subaru exteriors originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Dec 2006 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More STI goodness on the way?

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 16:04:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Sedan, Wagon, Japan, Subaru

Before the STI, even before the WRX, came to these shores, determined gearheads made every manner of modification to the old GC8 Impreza to get the turbocharged power they adored from afar. When the WRX finally crossed the Pacific, its powerplant found a home in every manner of Subaru, including the sleepy Forester. Scan any Subie-centric site (we like iClub and NASIOC) and you'll find a host of Foresters in every conceivable state of tune, some putting down over 400 HP to the wheels on the stock block.

Considering how the aftermarket played a considerable role in the original WRX's importation to the U.S., it comes as little surprise that Subaru is considering bringing over an STI variant of the Forester and (fingers crossed) Legacy. Both have enjoyed considerable success in their home country, even with the exorbitant premiums demanded by dealers, and for those of you who are looking for either a little more luxury or utility when channeling your inner-McRae, both would fit the bill.

[Source: Autoweek]

More STI goodness on the way? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Nov 2006 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru may debut Forester sport model at SEMA

Alex Nunez — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 15:25:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Wagon, Subaru

Click to enlarge (JDM version shown)

Interesting little tidbit over at the Straightline blog, where they're reporting that the US will (finally) be getting a Forester turbo sport model that draws inspiration from the automaker's home-market Forester Cross Sports model. Expect to see the a lowered suspension, JDM Forester Cross Sports front end, and hopefully the sharp-looking body color/aluminum roof rails as well.

The Forester Sport (or Cross Sports, should they decide to keep the JDM naming scheme) will be available with cloth seating only. Some other features like heated mirrors, window de-icer and a power driver's seat will also be dropped. The good stuff -- the 2.5 Turbo and 17" rims --stays, and best of all, pricing should undercut the Forester XT. Straightline says to look for the new Forester variant at SEMA later this month.

For an idea of what to expect, we've added a few pictures of the JDM Forester Cross Sports. We're surprised it's taken Subaru this long to get around to doing this.

(More photos after the jump)

[Source: Straightline]

Continue reading Subaru may debut Forester sport model at SEMA

Subaru may debut Forester sport model at SEMA originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Oct 2006 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru to join the diesel crowd?

Erin Mays — Tue, 14 Mar 2006 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, SUV, Wagon

Edmund's Inside Line has got the scoop on some interesting developments over at Subaru. The Fuji Heavy Industries concern is reportedly working on a diesel version of its "boxer" four-cylinder engine for the European market. The first 2007 models to receive the oil burner, possibly a 2.2L turbocharged engine, will presumably be the Legacy and the Forester, with other models possibly to follow. The move is necessary for Subaru to be even a small player in the European market. Having said that, we can think of more than a few Americans who'd consider unhinging their checkbooks in celebration as well.

[Source: Edmunds Inside Line]

Subaru to join the diesel crowd? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Mar 2006 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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