SUBARU FORESTER
This machine of awesomeness came into being in 1997; a product of Fuji Heavy Industries but selling under Subaru brand. It was unveiled in the Tokyo Motor Show in November 1995 as a Streega concept and begun its sale in February 1997. The SF is a compact crossover that shares a similar platform with the Impreza; built in the style of a car but has a taller stance, higher h-point seating and an All Wheel Drive train. although it has the same platform as the Impreza it had a larger 2.5litre DOHC EJ25D 4-cylinder Boxer engine from the Outback; the train produced 165hp (123Kw) at 5600rpm and a torque of 162lbft(220N.m) at 4000rpm.
The Subaru Forester has successfully drove itself through four generations: The first generation (1997-2002), the second generation (2003-2008), the third generation (2008-2013) and the forth generation (2014-present)
The First Generation (1997-2002)
Much about the power train of this generation's SF has been said in the paragraphs above , so, I am going to throw in a little more information on the features of the First SF to compliment that. The Forester replaced the Subaru Impreza Gravel Expess in Japan but it still remained in production for the USA market under the name Subaru Outback Sport. Before the appearance of the Forester there existed a vehicle with similar characteristics as itself called Nissan Rasheen in Japan.
Automatic transmission used in AWD Foresters send 60% of the engine's torque to the front wheels and 40% to the rear wheels using a computer controlled, continuously variable, multi-plate transfer clutch. This is how the power is distributed: when the transmission senses a speed difference between the front and rear axle sets, it progressively sends power to the rear wheels and under slip conditions it can gain a 50/50 split in front and rear axle speeds.
When it comes to driving uphill, the weight of the vehicle shifts backward to reduce front wheel traction at the same time causing transmission to send torque automatically to the rear axle set for compensation; the same procedure reverses when it comes to driving downhill for better steering control and braking performance. For automatics, when geared reverse or first gear, the torque is divided 50/50 to both axles, on the other hand, a base setting of 50/50 split torque is given for the manuals, then varied from there; but they are essentially more biased towards the rear than autos.
Basically there were two trim levels: the basic model 'L' and the fully equipped 'S' for the USA version.
Forester L:
This came with a high level of standard equipment such as:
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| Subaru Forester L |
- ABS,
- air conditioning,
- power windows,
- power locks,
- cruise control,
- digital temperature gauge,
- multi-reflector halogen headlights,
- fog lights, roof rack,
- rear window defogger,
- trailer harness connector,
- reclining front bucket seats with adjustable lumbar support,
- tilt steering,
- tinted glass and
- AM/FM/cassette stereo with its antenna laminated in the left-rear quarter window.
Forester S:
This version possessed the following features:
- a viscous limited-slip differential,
- rear disc brakes,
- 16 × 6.5-inch alloy wheels with 215/60R16 tires (the L uses 15 × 6-inch steel wheels),
- upgraded moquette upholstery,
- heated front seats with net
storage pockets in back,
Subaru Premium 2001 - dual vanity mirrors,
- heated side view mirrors and
- heated windshield wipers, and keyless entry.
- Titanium pearl paint for the bumpers and cladding;
- six-disc in-dash CD sound system;
- leather-wrapped steering wheel,
- shift knob and handbrake handle;
- variable intermittent wipers with de-icers and driver’s side fin; and the five-spoke alloy wheels.
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| 2001 Subaru Forester S |
- monotone paint (Sedona Red Pearl),
- power moonroof,
- front side-impact airbags,
- gold accent wheels
- the chrome tailpipe cover,
- the automatic transmission and
- the auto-dimming rear-view mirror with compass.
The Second Generation(2003-2008)
At the 2002 Chicago Auto Show, the second generation of the Subaru Forester was introduced as a 2003 model based on the then new Impreza platform. this generation received several fine-tune upgrades in contrast with the previous year model.
This 2003 model featured weight saving refinements such as:
- an aluminum hood,
- perforated rails and
- a hydro-formed front sub-frame.
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| Chevrolet Forester |
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| A pair of valves bent by collision with a piston after timing belt breakage. |
Before General Motors pulled out as part of Subaru's parent company (Fuji Heavy Industries) stake, the Forester was sold as a Chevrolet along side other unique Chevrolet models; the sales for the Chevrolet-badged Forester ended afterwards.
The Third Generation (2008-2013)
The model year 2008, was unveiled in Japan on Dec 25, 2007. The North American version debuted in Detroit at the 2008 North American International Auto Show. This model is a product of Mamoru Ishii the chief Subaru Designer. This model's dimensions were derived from the basic body structure of the Japanies-Spec Impreza Wagon with a rear platform of the U.S-spec Impreza Sedan.
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| 2008–2009 Subaru Forester (MY09) XS wagon |
There was an increase of the wheelbase 3.5inches (89mm), with overall increases of 3inches (76mm) in length, 1.8inches (46mm) in width and 43inches (110mm) in height. The frameless side windows used on Subarus since early 1970s was forgone in this model year and to top on that, this generation welcomed a car based SUV leaving behind the older wagon design. this Forester model is larger in almost every dimension, featuring a sloping roofline with more cargo space. A redesigned independent double wishbone rear suspension enhances better handling and a smoother ride as compared to the last generation. A sportshift together with the four-speed computer-controlled automatic transmission is also included.
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| 2010_Subaru_Forester_(MY10)_X_wagon interior |
A face lift was given to the 2010 and 2011 model years, whereby, the Forester received a new grille insert and an optional roof-rack which means that the height increased by 2.5inches from its base model-height.
The Forth Generation (2014-)
This year's model was unveiled in 2012 Guangzhou Motor Show followed by the 2013 New York International Auto Show.
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| 2015 Forester |
The new changes for this model include:
- Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and decreased towing capacity. Maximum towing capacity was reduced to 1,500 pounds across all trim lines. XT (turbo) variants use a high-torque CVT with steering wheel paddle shifter controls.
- Revised, sport-oriented suspension, wheels (18-inch) and chassis bracing for XT (turbo) variant, providing flatter cornering in turns and better handling overall with little impact on ride.
- Increased fuel economy, up to 32 mpg highway-EPA rated
- 1.4 inches longer, 0.6 inches wider, 1 inch longer wheelbase
- Increased interior volume: rear seat legroom is 41.7 inches and rear cargo volume (with seats folded down) is 74.7 cubic feet.
- New option on higher end only models is "X-MODE" AWD control system, which was developed for the driving on uneven or slippery road condition. Engine, Transmission and VDC are controlled cooperatively.
- New option on top of the line 2.5i and 2.0XT Touring models only: EyeSight Driver Assist System
This is a feature that allows drivers to go through more extreme conditions whether On or Off road. The concept behind this is that, any driver, regardless of the level of skill they posses, can still drive safely on wet roads and muddy areas.
This mechanism works by distributing torque evenly to all the four wheels and if one or more wheels begin to slip, X-mode kicks in and the Forester moves without traction loss; this therefore means that, there won't be free-spinning tires. After the X-mode is turned on, it stays that way until the vehicle's speed is about 25mph then it disengages itself.
Eye Sight Driver Assist System:
This is Subaru's Eyesight technology that employs the services of stereo cameras mounted on either side of the rear view mirror. The system can be manually turned on or off. It is an optical, instead
of radar, based system, it has limitations in poor visibility
situations; driving into the sun, fog, or where the windshield is not
cleared may cause the system to disengage.
This system offers several driver assist features like:
Note that, the forth generation is not the last of the Forester Dynasty. MORE generations are still on the road coming; driving through technology as it advances with enhanced style and upgraded power.
Sourced from:
http://www.subaru.com/vehicles/forester/index.html
http://www.iloveindia.com/cars/general-motors/chevrolet-forester.html
http://www.edmunds.com/subaru/forester/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subaru_Forester
- Brake Light Recognition
- Pre-Collision Steering Assist
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Warning
- Lane Sway Warning
- Lead Vehicle Start Alert
- Pre-Collision Braking System
- Pre-Collision Brake Assist
- Pre-Collision Throttle Management
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| Subaru_Forester_2.5XT_Sports |
Note that, the forth generation is not the last of the Forester Dynasty. MORE generations are still on the road coming; driving through technology as it advances with enhanced style and upgraded power.
Sourced from:
http://www.subaru.com/vehicles/forester/index.html
http://www.iloveindia.com/cars/general-motors/chevrolet-forester.html
http://www.edmunds.com/subaru/forester/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subaru_Forester
