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.

2006 Subaru Forester

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2006 Subaru Forester
  • Horsepower: 230@5600
  • Torque: 3600

2005 Toyota Camry Solara

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  • Horsepower: 394@6400
  • Torque: 4800
  • Transmission: 6-Speed Sequential
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

The redesigned Subaru 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 aPremium 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.

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.

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.