SEMA: Save us Subaru Mountain Rescue Vehicle!

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Tuners, SUV, Subaru, Police/Emergency, Specialty

Click above for high-res gallery of the Subaru Mountain Rescue Vehicle

Leave the Saint Bernards at home, honey, we've got something better. The Subaru Mountain Rescue Vehicle was made for the National Ski Patrol -- an organization we had never heard of until we saw this truck. On its tiptoes it has 14 inches of clearance, and the staid passenger car driving compartment is balanced by the diamond plate floor and steel walls in the rear. Its got more flashing lights than K-Mart, and a 9,500-pound winch in case you need to rescue snowcats. And apparently, when ski time is over, you can hop in the toboggan that's mounted on the roof. Or you can put injured people in it. Your choice. Have a look at the mighty mountain rescue ranger vehicle in the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: Subaru Mountain Rescue Vehicle

SEMA: Save us Subaru Mountain Rescue Vehicle! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA Preview: Subaru to show off Forester XTI and Mountain Rescue Vehicle

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Crossover, Subaru

Click either image for high-res shots of Subaru's two custom Foresters

Subaru's Forester has long been considered one of the few sporting 'utes, and the automaker is ready to build on that image with a new Forester XTI concept, set to debut at the SEMA Show. Those interested in outward appearances will note the "Atmospheric Re-Entry paint scheme" (their words, not ours), JDM body kit, lower front spoiler and mesh front grille. It's the underpinnings that get us really excited, though. Under the skin, the Forester XTI gets the full Subaru Technica International treatment from the firm's amazing WRX STI, including its 2.5-liter turbocharged and intercooled boxer four powerplant, mated to a six speed manual transmission and, of course, all-wheel-drive. A cat-back exhaust helps bump out to 315 hp and torque to 300 lb-ft, meaningful improvements over the stock engine's ratings of 300-horsepower and 290 lb-ft. We'd love to see this one make it to the showroom floor.

Accompanying the XTI at Subie's booth is the Mountain Rescue Vehicle, which was purpose-built for the National Ski Patrol, of which Subaru is the Official Vehicle. Custom touches include an adjustable Air Lift suspension that allows for a maximum of 14-inches of ground clearance. Under the wheel arches sit 30x9.5-in. Yokohama Geolandar MTS tires on custom 15-in. reversed near-zero offset steel wheels. Skid plates and a winch complete the off-road modifications and are accompanied by a bevy of lights and a near glow-in-the-dark hue. The drivetrain doesn't see any modifications, but the stock turbo-mill ought to be up to the task anyway.

Gallery: SEMA Preview: Custom Subaru Foresters

[Source: Subaru]

Continue reading SEMA Preview: Subaru to show off Forester XTI and Mountain Rescue Vehicle

SEMA Preview: Subaru to show off Forester XTI and Mountain Rescue Vehicle originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Oct 2008 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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