Not for U.S.: Subaru Launches 259HP Forester S-Edition in Australia

First unveiled in the 2010 Australian International Motor Show in Sydney last October, the Subaru Forester S-Edition has now gone on sale in Australia, alongside the revised lineup of the Japanese compact SUV. Boasting a turbocharged 2.5-liter boxer engine delivering 259HP (193kW) and 347 Nm (256 lb-ft) of torque, the new range-topping model is the most powerful Forester ever to be sold down-under.

“We have had increasing customer interest in a more powerful Forester and are delighted to be the first export market for S-Edition, which made its worldwide debut at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney last October”, said Nick Senior, Managing Director, Subaru Australia. “It combines the best of two winning Subaru formulas – WRX and Forester, the latter of which is firmly entrenched as Australia’s favorite compact SUV.”

The flat-four is coupled to a 5-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission, which sends power to all wheels through Subaru’s Variable Torque Distribution all-wheel drive system. To improve handling, engineers fitted the S-Edition with sport suspension and 17-inch Subaru Tecnica International (STi) alloys, wrapped around in 225/55 R17 Yokohama rubber.

With plenty of torque available from down low – and constant between 2,800-4,800 rpm –, the Forester S-Edition sprints to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 6.5 seconds and can reach a top speed of 228 km/h (142 mph).

Wringing this car's neck will surely result in some scary consumption figures, but, according to the official fuel economy estimates, a laidback driving style can result in the burning of just 10.5 lt/100 km (22.4 US mpg) in a combined cycle, which is downright acceptable.

Compared to its more mundane siblings, the S-Edition also comes with a black grille, various chrome accents, silver roof rails and, for a limited period, World Rally Blue color option.

Inside, sport seats clad in a combination of alcantara and leather, S-Edition seat embroidery complemented by blue stitching, sporty instrument display and special gear shifter set this model apart.

The Forester S-Edition’s base price is AUD $50,990 (about US $51,301 at today’s exchange rates).

As previously reported, the revised Forester lineup benefits from the new naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine, capable of 170HP (127kW) and 235 Nm (174 lb-ft) of torque.

All new models feature a redesigned front grille, while inside the dashboard has a darker finish with matching metallic accents. The standard equipment list now includes seats clad in a more water resistant cloth trim, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, while XS models and above receive reversing cameras as standard.

*Note: The Subaru Forester S-Edition study is featured in the photos below

By Csaba Daradics

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VIDEO: 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Test Car Laps the Nurburgring in 7:55.00, Faster than Panamera and CTS-V

Subaru has just released test footage of its soon-to-be-launched 2011 Impreza WRX STI sedan from the Nurburgring race track. Described by the Japanese automaker as the firm's "fastest WRX STI ever", the 2011MY turned the Nurburgring race track in an impressive 7 minutes and 55 seconds in the hands of four-time World Rally Champion, Tommi Mäkinen.

For those keeping track, rally legend and Porsche test driver, Walter Röhrl, lapped the 'Ring with the 500HP Panamera Turbo in an unofficial time of 7 minutes and 56 seconds, while Cadillac's 556HP CTS-V clocked a 7:59.32 lap in 2008.

But there's a catch; the 2011 STI that lapped the 'Ring was in Subaru's own words, a prototype model. According to the company, the test car combined a series of production performance upgrades from the JDM-only R205 and C-Spec STIs including a larger turbocharger with some additional mods such as under body aero parts and aluminum fenders.

That means you can't actually compare this Subaru's lap time with that of other unaltered production models.

You can however compare it with similar, previous generation prototypes of the Impreza that Subaru has tested over the years at the Nurburgring. The first Impreza prototype to be clocked at the Nurburgring was a non-STI WRX model in 1992 that marked a lap time of 8:28.93.

After the first introduction of WRX STI version in 1994, a WRX STI version III prototype was raced at the course in 1996, recording a lap time of 8:10.75, or 18 seconds faster than the 1992 model.

The second generation WRX STI, introduced in 2000, was tested at the 'Ring, but according to Subaru, safety measures added weight to the car and the lap time of this model did not meet the company's expectations. In other words, it was most likely slower than the 1996 model. Not surprisingly, Subaru did not release a lap time for the 2000 STI.

The facelifted 2002 Impreza WRX STI test car recorded a lap time of 8:06.59 while the updated 2004 model broke the 8-minute barrier at 7:59.41. That was the most recent Nurburgring lap time as the company claims that even though it lapped the third generation Impreza STI in 2008, "rainy conditions made the tests incomplete for the lap time comparable to the previous records."

So there you have it. Enjoy the videos and the gallery below.

MAJOR SPECIFICATIONS OF 2011MY WRX STI TEST VEHICLE:

- Overall length X width X height; 4,580 X 1,795 X 1,470 mm
- Wheelbase; 2,625 mm
- Engine type; Horizontally-Opposed 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve turbocharged engine
- Displacement; 1,994 cc
- Transmission; 6 speed manual transmission
- Tyres; 245/40 R18

MAJOR ADDED FEATURES TO THE TEST VEHICLE

<R205* model items> *R205 is a special edition for Japan
market.
- Bigger turbocharger
- 6-pot brake calipers
- Flexible tower bar
- Front lip spoiler

<spec C* model items> *spec C is a special edition for Japan market.
- Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tyres
- Aluminum hood

<Safety equipment>
- Full-bucket seat
- Roll cage
- 5-point safety belts

<Advanced items>
- Under cover
- Aluminum fenders

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VIDEO: Subaru Impreza WRX STI Pulls Truck Out Of Snow Covered Road!

The previous generation Subaru Impreza WRX STI packs some serious muscle under its hood, and thanks to the company's signature symmetrical all-wheel drive system, all that power is efficiently transferred to the road. In fact, the STI's powertrain is so effective that a driver (we assume in Holland) managed to pull out a semi trailer-truck that was stuck on a snow/ice covered road. And oh, don't let Mitsubishi fans claiming that there's an EVO somewhere up front pulling the STI get to you... Watch the video after the break.

Via: Topspeed

Subaru Impreza WRX STI Hatch Concept Study

Needless to say, it doesn't take much effort to come up with a better design than Subaru's original Impreza hatch, but that wouldn't be fair to the creator of this independent concept study. This realistic computer generated proposal for a more distinct and sporty-looking Impreza WRX STI with a wedgy-shaped three-door hatchback body is the work of an artist that goes by the alias 'Grid'. Check out the rest of the photos in the gallery after the jump and tell us what you think about the study by leaving a comment below.

Source: Grid , Via: Jalopnik

VIDEO: 2010 Subaru Legacy JDM Commercial Starring Robert De Niro

The Japanese market 2010 Legacy isn't due for release until May 20, but Subaru has already filmed a TV spot for its new car starring Robert De Niro. The famous actor appears only for a couple of seconds - at the most- in the commercial that shows a white JDM 2010 Legacy Touring rolling around a mountain road. The estate version featured in the advert will be offered in Japan, Europe and other international markets but not in the U.S. which will have to do with the more crossover-like, Outback.

Video: Subaru Impreza WRC2008 at the Acropolis Rally Shakedown

Our friend Chris just sent us this video compilation from today’s Shakedown test for the Acropolis Rally in Greece where the all-new Subaru Impreza WRC2008 made its racing premiere. Behind the wheel of the Subaru Impreza WRC2008 were drivers Chris Atkinson and Petter Solberg who managed to set the fifth and sixth fastest times respectively at the Acropolis Rally pre-event shakedown.

Just for the record, Citroen's Daniel Sordo was the fastest of them all in the shakedown completing the 3.44 km test stage in 2 minutes 26.3 seconds. We’ll have more videos from the Acropolis Rally later in the day. -Video after the jump

Video: 2009 Subaru Exiga 7-Seater Crossover

While we still have to wait a couple of weeks before Subaru takes (all) the wraps off the 2009 Exiga that we first showed you earlier today, the Japanese carmaker has added a teaser video on its dedicated site that reveals a few more details on the new crossover/MPV that will go on sale in Japan (initially) later in the year. See the video right after the jump. -Continued

Video: 2009 Subaru Forester Gets Sensual Wash From Sumo Fighters

Unconventional to say the least, Subaru’s TV advert for the all-new 2009 Forester crossover substitutes your usual sexy, big “airbaged” gals with a bunch of overweight yet freakingly playful Sumo fighters. Check out the video right after the jump.

Via: Le Blog Auto , Source: Subaru

Nuts! Subaru WRX STI-Powered ATV Video

Ok, it’s one thing looking at pictures of Ken Brough’s awesome hand-built ATV (or Quad-Bike) that’s powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine from a Subaru Impreza WRX STi but seeing and hearing it in live action, is something else. Once you’re finished watching the video (don’t be shy, do it more than once, we did) you can click here and read the story behind this invigorating Quad.

Video: Subaru G4e EV Concept

Subaru’s electric-powered mini concept made its debut at the Tokyo Show a couple of weeks ago (click here for images). The concept, which could potentially lead to a production version in the near future, is equipped with a high-performance lithium-ion battery that can be fully charged in less than 8 hours, allowing the G4e to travel a distance of around 200 km - 124 miles.

Subaru Exiga Concept Video

Unveiled at the 2007 Tokyo Show a couple of weeks ago, the Exiga is a mid-size, station-wagon-like concept that’s powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter boxer engine mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission (see images here). Hard to say whether the Exiga concept previews the future Legacy Station Wagon or the next-generation Forester.

Video: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STi

Here’s the first official video of the 2008 Impreza WRX STi that was revealed at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show in mid-October (see pics here). The car viewed here is the Japanese market version which is fitted with a turbocharged 2.0-liter boxer engine producing 304 Hp. In Europe, the U.S. and other markets, the STi will be powered by revised version of the current 2.5-liter Turbo boxer unit delivering 296 Hp.

Subaru WRX STI Powered ATV! [Updated with Video]

A quad-bike with a turbocharged Subaru Impreza WRX STi engine? We’ve seen some crazy stuff here at Carscoop but this is totally nuts and we want one ASAP! The custom-made ATV (All-Terrain-Vehicle) was built by Ken Brough, a New-Zealander who describes himself as “a 50-year-old with petrol in my veins”.

The insane quad-bike, which Ken calls the STi ATV, is powered by with a 1990's Subaru Impreza WRX STi engine linked to a 5-speed gearbox with a clutch assembly from a 1.8-liter Leone. We don’t have any acceleration or horsepower figures but Ken supports that the STi ATV weighs a mere 530 kg (1,168 pounds) so performance is definitely not a problem.

What could raise some flags is the weight distribution of the AWD quad, which is split 70/30 between the front and rear ends. However, that's something we could live with. Unfortunately, despite his efforts, the owner of the STi ATV says he couldn’t get the four-wheeler approved for road use in New Zealand.

Link: STiATV

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