Subaru of America, Inc., America’s All-Wheel Drive market leader, has introduced the redesigned Forester for 2006. Proven one of the safest and most reliable small SUVs on the market, the Forester for 2006 gains new, more refined, yet rugged exterior styling, more powerful engines and a host of enhancements to driving performance, comfort and utility.The redesigned Forester models arrive in Subaru dealerships in May. As with all Subaru models sold in the United States, every 2006 Forester features Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment. “Forester has been a strong performer since its introduction in 1997,” said Fred Adcock, executive vice president, Subaru of America, Inc. “Its popularity has steadily increased with each new accolade it achieves, from its excellent crashworthiness to its numerous recognitions for reliability and outright performance. Forester continues to surprise and delight customers.”For 2006, Forester debuts an entirely new front fascia, including the grille, four-lamp headlight clusters, bumper, hood and fenders. At the rear, the Forester is distinguished by new tail lamp clusters and a body- color trim panel that prominently displays the Subaru six-star brand emblem. On 2.5X models without a Premium Package, body color replaces textured-gray for the bumpers and protective cladding to impart a more refined appearance. All but the 2.5X models also get new larger body-color side mirrors with integrated turn signals.For 2006, all Forester models equipped with the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter boxer engine are now designated 2.5 X. Replacing the discontinued high-line 2.5 XS model, Subaru offers the 2.5 X Premium Package that combines many performance and comfort upgrades with the All-Weather Package and a power moonroof.The new Forester 2.5 XT Limited is the sole turbocharged model for 2006, gaining 20 horsepower (now 230) and including as standard the Premium Package with leather-trimmed upholstery. When equipped with the standard 5-speed manual transmission, the Forester 2.5 XT Limited can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in under six seconds.The L.L.Bean Edition remains the top normally aspirated Forester model and combines the Premium 2006 Subaru Forester Release / 2The new Forester 2.5 XT Limited is the sole turbocharged model for 2006, gaining 20 horsepower (now 230) and including as standard the Premium Package with leather-trimmed upholstery. When equipped with the standard 5-speed manual transmission, the Forester 2.5 XT Limited can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in under six seconds.The L.L.Bean Edition remains the top normally aspirated Forester model and combines the Premium Package with a standard 4-speed electronic automatic transmission and comes equipped with exclusive additional luxury and utility features.More Power Across the Board for 2006The naturally aspirated 2.5-liter boxer engine in Forester 2.5 X models gains i-Active Valve Lift System variable valve lift technology, which helps to boost horsepower to 173 (up from 165 hp in 2005). More important, the new technology improves real world drivability and performance.Using oil pressure generated by engine speed and load, i-Active Valve Lift System varies intake valve lift by locking the tappet into a higher position by means of a transverse pin. The effect is that of having two separate tappets to act on the camshaft lobe operating the intake valve. Variable lift works on one of the two intake valves. At low engine speeds the two valves open at different levels, causing a swirl of air and fuel and boosting torque. At higher speeds, both valves are opened in the “high” position to increase horsepower.The turbocharged/intercooled 2.5-liter engine in the Forester 2.5 XT Limited gains 20 horsepower for 2006 (now at 230 hp) as a result of a higher compression ratio and redesigned intake and exhaust systems. The pre-catalytic converters have been removed from the exhaust system to decrease backpressure, and a secondary air pump system has been added to reduce emissions. The engine now meets the stricter Tier 2 BIN 5 Low Emissions Vehicle II (LEV II) regulation. On both Forester engines, the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system optimizes throttle response, fuel efficiency and emission control.Enhanced Transmission and All-Wheel Drive PerformanceRevisions to the manual and automatic transmissions help improve performance and responsiveness in all Forester models. In addition, Subaru has made changes to programming in the electronically controlled version of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive on the automatic transmissions. The new logic control contributes to both better handling and enhanced traction performance on slippery road surfaces. (See page 5 for further detail on Subaru All-Wheel Drive technology.) 2006 Subaru Forester Release / 3In addition, the 4-speed direct control electronic automatic transmission features the more advanced adaptive shift control system first introduced on the 2005 Legacy® and Outback® models. The new system adjusts transmission shift points based on driver input and vehicle load to optimize engine performance. The slope control feature provides engine-braking on declines. The automatic transmission automatically and transparently selects between “Normal” and “Sport” modes in response to the driver’s throttle input – there’s no need to manually select one mode or the other.Revised gear ratios in both the 2.5 XT manual and automatic transmissions help to optimize performance and fuel consumption. For added durability, the 5-speed manual transmission gains a double-cone synchronizer on first and third gears.Sharper Handling + Smoother RideForester has long set a standard for responsive and comfortable driving performance among small SUVs. For 2006, Subaru has refined drivetrain, suspension, and braking systems to give Forester models a more engaging driving experience and a more comfortable ride. In addition, ground clearance has been increased from 7.5 inches to 8.1 inches (7.9 inches on 2.5 XT Limited) to enhance all-road, all-weather driving capability.A strengthened rear crossmember increases lateral rigidity to help improve handling response. In front, the lower L-arm mounting point has been modified for a smoother ride. The coil spring rates and shock absorber valving have been revised in the front and rear. In all Forester models, changes to the brake booster help improve overall brake feel.Revised Model Line-up Delivers Great ValueThe Forester 2.5 X model starts as one of the best-equipped small SUVs, featuring as standard equipment front seat head/chest side-impact airbags, four-wheel ABS, 16-inch wheels, air conditioning, air filtration, AM/FM/Weatherband stereo with single-disc CD player and four speakers, power windows, mirrors and door locks, and a remote keyless entry system. New for 2006, the 60/40 split rear seatback incorporates a fold-down armrest, and the previously optional security system is now standard.The available Premium Package enhances driving performance with rear disc brakes, Electronic Brake- force Distribution (EBD), 8-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels and a viscous limited-slip rear differential. The Premium Package also bundles the power tilt/sliding glass moonroof and All-Weather Package that includes dual-mode heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer. 2006 Subaru Forester Release / 4Premium Package features that further enhance comfort include an automatic climate control system, 8- way power driver’s seat, 6-disc in-dash CD changer, upgraded speakers and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, shifter handle and parking brake handle.The Forester 2.5 XT Limited model includes the Premium Package and in addition features leather- trimmed upholstery and exclusive exterior and interior trim items. A functional scoop in the aluminum hood provides a stream of fresh air to the engine-mounted intercooler, and 6-spoke alloy wheels also identify the 2.5 XT Limited. Inside, the instrument panel gains new luminescent needle pointers and metallic needle caps. Under the hood, the 2.5 XT Limited adds a sporty looking engine cover.The 230-horsepower turbocharged engine produces 235 lb-ft. of peak torque at just 3,600 rpm for powerful responsiveness in real world driving conditions. The turbo engine also offers outstanding performance at high altitudes, where changes in atmospheric pressure adversely affect the power output of naturally aspirated engines. The i-Active Valve Control System variable valve timing technology optimizes the engine’s volumetric efficiency and performance at all engine speeds.L.L.Bean Edition Gains More Luxury and UtilityThe L.L.Bean Edition, which also features the Premium Package, is the only Forester model identified by a two-tone appearance for 2006. It features either steel gray metallic or platinum silver metallic bumpers and body side cladding, depending on vehicle color. Self-leveling rear suspension, exclusive to this model, helps maintain ride level even when driving with a full load. The interior features standard beige leather-trimmed upholstery, and the L.L.Bean logo-embossed front seats are complemented by new perforated Alcantara® side bolsters.A new MOMO® wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel and matching-design shifter handle add to the luxurious character. The standard security system gains a new shock sensor. The durable and water- resistant surface for the cargo area floor and rear seatback has been expanded to the cargo area sidewalls.The Forester L.L.Bean Edition is the second vehicle offered as part of a multi-year strategic marketing partnership between Subaru of America, Inc. and the renowned retailer of active-lifestyle clothing and equipment. The agreement makes Subaru the official car of L.L.Bean and L.L.Bean the official outfitter to Subaru, which has offered an Outback L.L.Bean Edition since 2001.The “Best of Both Worlds” Made Even Better for 2006 The Subaru Forester pioneered the “Best of Both Worlds” crossover SUV design approach that blends positive SUV attributes such as a command driving position and interior versatility with the comfort and driving dynamics of a passenger car. The 4-wheel independent suspension system, variable-ratio, variable-power assisted rack-and-pinion steering and 16-inch wheels help make Forester models equally adept at managing twisty back roads and absorbing off-pavement ruts and bumps. Forester models equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission feature the Hill Holder System that makes accelerating from a stop on a hill easier and safer.Inside the 2006 Forester, a redesigned rear seat cushion adds nearly two inches of thigh support without compromising legroom. A new multi-function center console between the front seats integrates a combination storage box and sliding armrest that contains dual cupholders, and can also be flipped 180 degrees to provide rear seat cupholders. The 2.5 X model gains new, upgraded seat fabric and a passenger seatback net pocket.All Forester models feature a standard 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback with one-touch operation for a flat load floor. In models without the moonroof, the 32.0 cubic feet of carrying space behind the rear seat increases to 57.7 cu. ft. when both rear seatbacks are folded. With the moonroof, cargo capacity is 29.6 cu. ft. with rear seatbacks up and 56.4 cu. ft. with rear seatbacks down.The generous cargo area is equipped with a standard retractable cover that sits high enough to accommodate tall packages such as coolers. A side storage pocket contains a convenient 12-volt power outlet, and a second 12-volt outlet is located in the front center console. Cargo capability is enhanced for 2006 by the addition of new cargo area utility bars and four utility hooks located in the upper side trim. Roof rails and crossbars are standard on all Forester models, and Subaru dealers offer a selection of Genuine Subaru Accessory attachments for carrying bicycles, kayaks and other equipment.Two Types of Symmetrical All-Wheel DriveStandard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive forms the common core technology on all Subaru models. With more brands adding All-Wheel Drive, it is worth noting that Subaru introduced four-wheel drive passenger cars more than 30 years ago and automatic full-time All-Wheel Drive nearly 20 years ago. Beginning in 1997, Subaru became the first brand in the U.S. to make All-Wheel Drive standard on all models.Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is a total system that integrates a lightweight horizontally opposed (boxer) engine and full-time All-Wheel Drive. The boxer engine and a simple, symmetrical drivetrain layout help to lower the center of gravity, which in turn contributes to precision handling response. Symmetrical All- Wheel Drive provides the safety benefit of optimal traction for all driving conditions.In all Forester models equipped with the 5-speed manual transmission, a viscous coupling locking center differential built into the transmission case divides engine power 50 percent front / 50 percent rear. Wheel slippage at the front causes more power to shift to the rear, and slippage at the rear transfers power to the front, ensuring that the wheels with the best traction receive more power.In Forester models equipped with the 4-speed electronic direct control automatic transmission, an electronically managed continuously variable transfer clutch directs power to the wheels that most need it in response to driving conditions. Under acceleration, the system routes power to the rear wheels to take advantage of rearward weight transfer. For 2006, new control logic enhances stability by monitoring individual wheel speeds and reacting more quickly to wheel slippage. The new control logic also helps to improve tight corner braking, contributing to more neutral handling response (reduced understeer and oversteer). The system provides enhanced traction on slippery surfaces, as well.Both of these versions of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive power all four wheels all the time and can transfer more power to the wheels with the best grip. In all Forester models except the 2.5 X, a standard viscous limited-slip rear differential directs power to the rear wheel with the best traction.Proven Safety LeadershipThe current-generation Subaru Forester earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) highest rating (“good”) in both the side impact crashworthiness evaluation and 40-mph frontal offset crash tests, and the IIHS called Forester the “best small SUV” it had tested. Forester meets all Federal passenger car safety standards.The Ring Frame Reinforced body structure incorporates a hydroformed front subframe and tailored-blank welded structural elements. The standard Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) include the dual-stage deployment Subaru Advanced Front Air Bag System and front seat head/chest side-impact air bags. The driver’s side air bag deploys according to the driver’s proximity to the steering wheel, as measured by a sensor on the seat track. In the passenger side front seat, a sensor module detects weight on the passenger seat – first determining if it’s occupied, and if so by a child or adult – to control air bag deployment. As part of the system, the dashboard features a new “Airbag” indicator next to the digital clock.Also standard are front seatbelt pre-tensioners with force limiters and upper-trim head impact protection. The front-seat active head restraints have been redesigned for 2006 and help to minimize whiplash injury.All five seating positions are equipped with three-point seatbelts (height-adjustable on the four outboard positions), and each rear seat position has a headrest. A safety pedal system in all Forester models is designed to yield during a serious frontal impact to help reduce injury to the driver’s lower limbs.On all Forester models, the 5-mph front and rear bumpers exceed the Federal 2.5 mph bumper standard applicable to passenger cars. In contrast, the bumpers on some SUVs offer little protection in low-speed collisions, potentially contributing to high repair costs.
