Subaru Forester Turbo 2.5 Litre Unveiled
Published: 14th September 2004
Subaru Forester
Massive Performance Boost
The new 2.5 litre version of the Forester takes its performance to new heights.
Top speed rockets from 125 mph for the 2.0 XT to 140 mph for the 2.5 XT, while the 0-60 mph time drops from an already brisk 7.9 seconds to only 6.0 seconds.
Mid-range torque is also greatly enhanced with peak pulling power now being 236 lb.ft instead of 180.7 lb.ft. As a result, the braked towing limit has been raised to a full 2,000 kg.
As a further attraction for the towing fraternity the Forester 2.5 XT has a rear limited-slip differential, full-time symmetrical all-wheel drive and self-levelling rear suspension.
The current Forester 2.0 XT is, of course, the Caravan Club’s ‘Towcar of the Year 2004’.
Extensive Engine Upgrade
Modifications to enlarge the horizontally-opposed four cylinder 2.0 litre ‘boxer’ engine to 2.5 litres are extensive.
They include using a semi-closed deck cylinder block for strength and smoothness, strengthened pistons and connecting rods, sodium-filled hollow exhaust valves to improve cooling and hollow camshafts for lightness and efficiency.
Like the new Legacy, the Forester 2.5 XT uses a sintered steel journal cast cylinder block to reduce Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH).
Both the bore and stroke are enlarged compared to the 2.0 litre unit - now standing at 99.5 x 79 mm instead of 92 x 75 mm - while the 16 valves are operated by two camshafts per bank as before. The compression ratio remains at 8.0:1.
Power is now 211 PS at the same 5,600 rpm as the 2.0 XT while the torque of 236 lb.ft is produced at 3,600 rpm instead of at 3,200 rpm.
The intercooled turbo remains small-sized for strong initial acceleration and flexible in-gear response.
Subaru Forester
Our Subaru Forester Guide lists the full specification of the current UK Forester range, including car prices, fuel consumption, dimensions and other vital data.
Price Range: £17,995 - £21,895
Body Style:
Fuel:
Models in the range: 2
We have road tested the Subaru Forester, to read our in-depth car review:
Subaru Forester Review - Jun 2008
Our Car Buyer’s Guide covers all of the UK’s major new cars and includes CO2 ratings and car insurance groups. Data updated on the 6th July 2008
