September 26, 2012
, Cherry Hill, N.J.,
-
2013 SUBARU FORESTER GAINS NEW AUDIO FEATURES AND VALUE PACKAGE
• Forester 2.5X Base Model Adds Bluetooth® and iPod® Capability
2013 SUBARU FORESTER GAINS NEW AUDIO FEATURES AND VALUE PACKAGE
• Forester 2.5X Base Model Adds Bluetooth® and iPod® Capability
• All-Weather Package Now Standard on 2.5X Premium 5-speed
• Choice of 170-hp and 224-hp BOXER engines.
• SUV versatility with passenger car handling, ride and comfort
• IIHS Top Safety Pick
CHERRY HILL, NJ – The Subaru Forester compact crossover SUV, which features standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, gains new audio features for 2013, and reconfigured content and options that enhance value for the popular 2.5X Premium models. The model line continues with normally aspirated and turbocharged models.
The Forester combines SUV versatility and capability, including up to 8.9 inches of ground clearance, with the agile handling and smooth ride quality of a passenger car as well as Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment. Subaru projects the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) “Top Safety Pick” rating to continue for the 2013 Forester models.
The 2013 Forester 2.5X base model joins the other Forester models in offering standard Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and music streaming, a USB port and iPod capability. This update makes steering wheel Bluetooth and audio control switches standard across the entire Forester line.
The Forester 2.5X Premium now comes standard with the popular All-Weather Package (heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer) on the manual-transmission model. The “Plus Package” adds a new display-type 6-speaker audio system and fog lights for an MSRP of just $100. On the 2.5X Premium with automatic transmission, a new All-Weather Plus Package combines both packages for an MSRP of $600. In both cases, the audio system is the same as used in higher-line Forester models, and the Rear Vision Camera can be added as an accessory. Previously, this accessory had been restricted to the Limited and Touring models.
The display-type audio system combines some of today’s most-in-demand features, including an AM/FM stereo with single-disc CD player with MP3 capability, 3.5mm auxiliary input jack, Bluetooth hands free calling and audio streaming, iPod control capability, iTunes® tagging, USB port, SIRIUS Satellite Radio capability. All Forester audio systems feature the Radio Broadcast Data System (RBDS), which can display a song’s title and artist, plus other data.
The rest of the Forester line continues for 2013, including the 2.5X in Limited and Touring trim levels, and the turbocharged 2.5XT in Limited and Touring trim levels.
The 2.5X models are powered by a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter Subaru BOXER 4-cylinder engine. The 2.5X and 2.5X Premium offer a choice between a 5-speed manual or 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. The automatic, which offers a manual shift mode, is standard for the 2013 Forester Limited and Touring models. A 224-hp /intercooled 2.5-liter BOXER engine powers the turbocharged 2.5XT models, which also come with the automatic as standard.
High Value Across Forester Line
The Forester 2.5X includes a generous roster of standard equipment that includes outside temperature gauge, adjustable center console armrest lid, cruise control, height-adjustable driver’s and front passenger’s seats, security system with engine immobilizer, fuel economy gauge, headlights auto-off with ignition switch, interior accent lighting, multi-function display, power mirrors and door locks, rear seat armrest, rear window wiper/washer and remote keyless entry system.
The Forester 2.5X Premium adds 17-inch alloy wheels and numerous amenities, including a 10-way power driver’s seat, tilt and telescope steering column, auto up/down driver’s window with pinch protection, panoramic power moonroof, reclining rear seatback, dark tint rear privacy glass, body-color exterior mirrors and chrome exterior door handles. The optional TomTom® navigation package features a removable portable touch-screen navigation device with a 4.3-inch LCD display, along with Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity.
Forester Luxury
The Limited trim line for the Forester 2.5X and 2.5XT models continues, adding a touch of luxury to these versatile models. The Limited level includes a standard automatic transmission, perforated leather-trimmed upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter handle, All-Weather Package (heated front seats, heated side mirrors and windshield wiper de-icer), automatic climate control system, fog lights, stainless steel tailpipe tips and other amenities. The Limited models feature the display-type audio system and offer the Rear Vision Camera as an optional accessory.
The optional navigation package available for 2.5X Limited and Touring and the 2.5 XT Touring includes a touch-screen navigation system with 6.1-inch display, rear vision camera, AM/FM stereo with HD Radio™, single-disc CD player with MP3/WMA file capability, 6 speakers, voice-activated controls, Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming, iPod control capability, iTunes tagging, USB port, 3.5mm auxiliary input jack, SMS text messaging capability and XM Satellite Radio (requires subscription).
Externally, xenon HID headlights (low beams), side mirrors with integrated turn signals, silver-finish roof rails and a rear roof spoiler distinguish the Forester Touring models. Inside, in addition to all Premium and Limited equipment, the Touring features dual zone automatic climate control and electroluminescent instrument gauges. In addition, the Touring models come standard with a rear-vision camera. A one-touch folding rear seatback enables lowering the rear seatbacks from the cargo area using levers on the right and left side interior quarter trim panels.
Engineered for All-Road, All-Weather Versatility
The award-winning Forester blends positive SUV attributes, including a high seating point, interior versatility and rugged off-pavement capability with passenger car comfort, handling and fuel efficiency. Trim exterior packaging makes the Forester easy to maneuver.
The Forester’s robust body structure uses high-tensile-strength steel at key structural points. Heavy-duty raised 4-wheel independent suspension and up to 8.9 inches of ground clearance help to make Forester equally adept at negotiating twisty roads and absorbing ruts and bumps. The double-wishbone rear suspension, mounted to a sub frame, contributes to the smooth ride and agile handling while allowing more interior cargo room than strut-type suspension systems. The Forester 2.5X base model features 16-inch steel wheels with 215/65R16 tires; all others ride on 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 225/55R17 tires.
Rich Interior Design
The Forester interior emphasizes comfort and spaciousness. Rear seat legroom measures a generous 38.0 inches. Materials, including double-stitched fabrics and high-grade plastics, impart a feeling of high quality. The sweeping twin cockpit design embraces occupants, and brushed aluminum-look insets flow into the center stack. Each door panel houses a molded recess that can accommodate a 24-oz. soft drink bottle, as well as loose items.
Rear passenger comfort is enhanced by a central armrest in all models. All but the 2.5X base model features a reclining rear seatback function and a retractable rear center tray that can securely hold food and drinks. The standard 60/40-split rear seatbacks fold to provide a flat cargo floor and up to 68.3 cu. ft. of cargo space. Even with the rear seatbacks raised, the cargo area is large enough to accommodate four Tour-sized golf bags or four large overnight suitcases.
New-Generation BOXER Engine for 2.5X Models
All Forester 2.5X models are powered by a new-generation 2.5-liter (2,498cc / 152 cu. in.) BOXER engine that produces 170 horsepower at 5,800 RPM and 174 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,100 RPM. An emphasis on low- and mid-range torque helps make the Forester 2.5X models feel highly responsive in everyday driving.
The Subaru horizontally opposed (BOXER) layout yields low vibration for driving comfort and durability. The new-generation engine uses a different bore/stroke dimensions and a double overhead-cam (DOHC) layout, vs. SOHC in the previous 2.5-liter BOXER. The camshafts are chain driven vs. belt-driven before, reducing servicing costs. The new BOXER engine employs dual Active Valve Control System (AVCS) variable valve timing to optimize torque performance and emissions.
The 2013 Forester 2.5XT models are powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged/intercooled BOXER engine delivering 224 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm and 226 lb.-ft. of peak torque @ 2,800 rpm. The turbo engine is teamed exclusively to an electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission that offers manual shifting when desired.
Safety Technology
Like all Subaru models, the Forester is built around the company’s proven Ring Shaped Reinforcement Frame safety structure. All 2013 Forester models feature standard side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor, and the Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction control system and Brake Assist safety system are standard on all models. Intelligent dual-stage deployment front air bags use sensors to determine front air bag deployment strength for optimal occupant protection. Active front head restraints can help reduce potential whiplash injury in a rear collision. A rollover sensor is designed to activate the seat belt pre-tensioners and deploy the curtain airbags.
Two Types of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
The 2013 Forester models offer two versions of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, both of which power all four wheels all the time and can transfer more power to the wheels with the best grip. Models equipped with the 5-speed manual transmission utilize a viscous-coupling locking center differential that distributes power 50:50, transferring more power to the wheels with the best traction should slippage occur.
In 2013 Forester models with the automatic transmission, the Active Torque Split version of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive uses an electronically managed continuously variable transfer clutch to actively manage power distribution based on acceleration, deceleration and available traction. This system automatically transfers more power to the wheels with the best grip should slippage occur. Both versions of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive used in the 2013 Forester integrate the Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system to further enhance all-weather stability and traction.
Subaru produces a full line of all-wheel drive sedans, crossovers and SUVs, and adding the BRZ sports car to its portfolio showcases the brand’s renown for engineering vehicles that offer excellent road manners.
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 boasts the most fuel efficient line-up of all-wheel drive products sold in the market today based on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel economy standards. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill production plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. is the only U.S. automobile production plant to be designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. For additional information, visit http://www.subaru.com.
The Forester combines SUV versatility and capability, including up to 8.9 inches of ground clearance, with the agile handling and smooth ride quality of a passenger car as well as Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment. Subaru projects the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) “Top Safety Pick” rating to continue for the 2013 Forester models.
The 2013 Forester 2.5X base model joins the other Forester models in offering standard Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and music streaming, a USB port and iPod capability. This update makes steering wheel Bluetooth and audio control switches standard across the entire Forester line.
The Forester 2.5X Premium now comes standard with the popular All-Weather Package (heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer) on the manual-transmission model. The “Plus Package” adds a new display-type 6-speaker audio system and fog lights for an MSRP of just $100. On the 2.5X Premium with automatic transmission, a new All-Weather Plus Package combines both packages for an MSRP of $600. In both cases, the audio system is the same as used in higher-line Forester models, and the Rear Vision Camera can be added as an accessory. Previously, this accessory had been restricted to the Limited and Touring models.
The display-type audio system combines some of today’s most-in-demand features, including an AM/FM stereo with single-disc CD player with MP3 capability, 3.5mm auxiliary input jack, Bluetooth hands free calling and audio streaming, iPod control capability, iTunes® tagging, USB port, SIRIUS Satellite Radio capability. All Forester audio systems feature the Radio Broadcast Data System (RBDS), which can display a song’s title and artist, plus other data.
The rest of the Forester line continues for 2013, including the 2.5X in Limited and Touring trim levels, and the turbocharged 2.5XT in Limited and Touring trim levels.
The 2.5X models are powered by a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter Subaru BOXER 4-cylinder engine. The 2.5X and 2.5X Premium offer a choice between a 5-speed manual or 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. The automatic, which offers a manual shift mode, is standard for the 2013 Forester Limited and Touring models. A 224-hp /intercooled 2.5-liter BOXER engine powers the turbocharged 2.5XT models, which also come with the automatic as standard.
High Value Across Forester Line
The Forester 2.5X includes a generous roster of standard equipment that includes outside temperature gauge, adjustable center console armrest lid, cruise control, height-adjustable driver’s and front passenger’s seats, security system with engine immobilizer, fuel economy gauge, headlights auto-off with ignition switch, interior accent lighting, multi-function display, power mirrors and door locks, rear seat armrest, rear window wiper/washer and remote keyless entry system.
The Forester 2.5X Premium adds 17-inch alloy wheels and numerous amenities, including a 10-way power driver’s seat, tilt and telescope steering column, auto up/down driver’s window with pinch protection, panoramic power moonroof, reclining rear seatback, dark tint rear privacy glass, body-color exterior mirrors and chrome exterior door handles. The optional TomTom® navigation package features a removable portable touch-screen navigation device with a 4.3-inch LCD display, along with Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity.
Forester Luxury
The Limited trim line for the Forester 2.5X and 2.5XT models continues, adding a touch of luxury to these versatile models. The Limited level includes a standard automatic transmission, perforated leather-trimmed upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter handle, All-Weather Package (heated front seats, heated side mirrors and windshield wiper de-icer), automatic climate control system, fog lights, stainless steel tailpipe tips and other amenities. The Limited models feature the display-type audio system and offer the Rear Vision Camera as an optional accessory.
The optional navigation package available for 2.5X Limited and Touring and the 2.5 XT Touring includes a touch-screen navigation system with 6.1-inch display, rear vision camera, AM/FM stereo with HD Radio™, single-disc CD player with MP3/WMA file capability, 6 speakers, voice-activated controls, Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming, iPod control capability, iTunes tagging, USB port, 3.5mm auxiliary input jack, SMS text messaging capability and XM Satellite Radio (requires subscription).
Externally, xenon HID headlights (low beams), side mirrors with integrated turn signals, silver-finish roof rails and a rear roof spoiler distinguish the Forester Touring models. Inside, in addition to all Premium and Limited equipment, the Touring features dual zone automatic climate control and electroluminescent instrument gauges. In addition, the Touring models come standard with a rear-vision camera. A one-touch folding rear seatback enables lowering the rear seatbacks from the cargo area using levers on the right and left side interior quarter trim panels.
Engineered for All-Road, All-Weather Versatility
The award-winning Forester blends positive SUV attributes, including a high seating point, interior versatility and rugged off-pavement capability with passenger car comfort, handling and fuel efficiency. Trim exterior packaging makes the Forester easy to maneuver.
The Forester’s robust body structure uses high-tensile-strength steel at key structural points. Heavy-duty raised 4-wheel independent suspension and up to 8.9 inches of ground clearance help to make Forester equally adept at negotiating twisty roads and absorbing ruts and bumps. The double-wishbone rear suspension, mounted to a sub frame, contributes to the smooth ride and agile handling while allowing more interior cargo room than strut-type suspension systems. The Forester 2.5X base model features 16-inch steel wheels with 215/65R16 tires; all others ride on 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 225/55R17 tires.
Rich Interior Design
The Forester interior emphasizes comfort and spaciousness. Rear seat legroom measures a generous 38.0 inches. Materials, including double-stitched fabrics and high-grade plastics, impart a feeling of high quality. The sweeping twin cockpit design embraces occupants, and brushed aluminum-look insets flow into the center stack. Each door panel houses a molded recess that can accommodate a 24-oz. soft drink bottle, as well as loose items.
Rear passenger comfort is enhanced by a central armrest in all models. All but the 2.5X base model features a reclining rear seatback function and a retractable rear center tray that can securely hold food and drinks. The standard 60/40-split rear seatbacks fold to provide a flat cargo floor and up to 68.3 cu. ft. of cargo space. Even with the rear seatbacks raised, the cargo area is large enough to accommodate four Tour-sized golf bags or four large overnight suitcases.
New-Generation BOXER Engine for 2.5X Models
All Forester 2.5X models are powered by a new-generation 2.5-liter (2,498cc / 152 cu. in.) BOXER engine that produces 170 horsepower at 5,800 RPM and 174 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,100 RPM. An emphasis on low- and mid-range torque helps make the Forester 2.5X models feel highly responsive in everyday driving.
The Subaru horizontally opposed (BOXER) layout yields low vibration for driving comfort and durability. The new-generation engine uses a different bore/stroke dimensions and a double overhead-cam (DOHC) layout, vs. SOHC in the previous 2.5-liter BOXER. The camshafts are chain driven vs. belt-driven before, reducing servicing costs. The new BOXER engine employs dual Active Valve Control System (AVCS) variable valve timing to optimize torque performance and emissions.
The 2013 Forester 2.5XT models are powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged/intercooled BOXER engine delivering 224 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm and 226 lb.-ft. of peak torque @ 2,800 rpm. The turbo engine is teamed exclusively to an electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission that offers manual shifting when desired.
Safety Technology
Like all Subaru models, the Forester is built around the company’s proven Ring Shaped Reinforcement Frame safety structure. All 2013 Forester models feature standard side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor, and the Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction control system and Brake Assist safety system are standard on all models. Intelligent dual-stage deployment front air bags use sensors to determine front air bag deployment strength for optimal occupant protection. Active front head restraints can help reduce potential whiplash injury in a rear collision. A rollover sensor is designed to activate the seat belt pre-tensioners and deploy the curtain airbags.
Two Types of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
The 2013 Forester models offer two versions of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, both of which power all four wheels all the time and can transfer more power to the wheels with the best grip. Models equipped with the 5-speed manual transmission utilize a viscous-coupling locking center differential that distributes power 50:50, transferring more power to the wheels with the best traction should slippage occur.
In 2013 Forester models with the automatic transmission, the Active Torque Split version of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive uses an electronically managed continuously variable transfer clutch to actively manage power distribution based on acceleration, deceleration and available traction. This system automatically transfers more power to the wheels with the best grip should slippage occur. Both versions of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive used in the 2013 Forester integrate the Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system to further enhance all-weather stability and traction.
Subaru produces a full line of all-wheel drive sedans, crossovers and SUVs, and adding the BRZ sports car to its portfolio showcases the brand’s renown for engineering vehicles that offer excellent road manners.
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 boasts the most fuel efficient line-up of all-wheel drive products sold in the market today based on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel economy standards. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill production plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. is the only U.S. automobile production plant to be designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. For additional information, visit http://www.subaru.com.