24-05-2005
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 bodycolor
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
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 2006
The 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 Performance
Revisions 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.
In 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 hrottle 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 Ride
Forester 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 Value
The 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 Brakeforce
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.
Premium 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 leathertrimmed
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 Utility
The 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 waterresistant
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.
Text and photos courtesy of Subaru of America, Inc.
