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2019 Subaru Forester, Forester STI, Forester 2.0XT
Denis Flierl's picture
By Denis Flierl Jan 12 2019 - 7:13am

Forester STI Breaks Cover in Tokyo; It’s The One You Want But Can’t Touch

A new 2019 Subaru Forester STI Concept breaks cover in Tokyo. This is the one you want to replace the Forester 2.0XT.
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New Forester
Forester Cabin
Forester rear
Forester front

Fans of the Subaru Forester 2.0XT weren’t happy when Subaru Corp axed the model last year and want it brought back. Subaru could cure that problem with a new 2019 Forester STI. Subaru Corporation and Subaru Tecnica International (STI) did bring a special Forester to the Tokyo Auto Salon 2019 that would also save the problem.

Subaru and STI bring a new Forester Advance Sport Concept to the Tokyo show being held this weekend at the Makuhari Messe in Chiba prefecture, Japan. Subaru doesn’t give many details of the Forester with STI badges, but they do say it was created in collaboration between Subaru and STI. This would make Forester fans happy again.

Here’s what fans want

All Subaru needs to do is drop a 2.0-liter or 2.4-liter turbo engine in the next-generation 2019 Forester body and let STI have their way with the internals. Just like the Forester tS that was sold in Australia in 2016, it could get special equipment underneath that was developed alongside the WRX STI S207.

sti

The performance Forester SUV was 15mm lower than the regular model and had a special STI suspension setup and tuning for performance driving dynamics. Underneath it featured 19-in BBS aluminum wheels wrapped in 245/45R19 performance tires, 17-in ventilated Brembo disc brakes both front and rear with red STI logo, a track-tested STI-tuned suspension, flexible tower bar, draw stiffeners both front and rear, and a flexible support sub-frame in the rear.

Are more turbo models coming?

According to a recent report, Todd Hill, Subaru Carline Planning Manager says Subaru is working on more powertrains choices for customers and the turbo engine will play a key role. Hill says, “Where we’re headed, there will be more powertrain choices than you’ve ever had. And turbocharging is positioned to play a more integral component in them than ever.”

Subaru and STI need to bring a new performance-oriented fifth-generation 2019 Forester STI to replace the discontinued Forester 2.0XT. Subaru teases a new Forester Advance Sport Concept in Tokyo but fans can only look and not touch this one.

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Photo credit: Subaru Corporation Tokyo Auto Salon 2019

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Comments

Dave wrote on January 12, 2019 - 5:47pm
It better not have a CVT
Mongo wrote on January 26, 2019 - 2:48pm
No more rubber bands in the trans
Tom Rathmann wrote on January 13, 2019 - 2:38am
Bring back manual transmissions.
Clifton Cypher wrote on January 13, 2019 - 7:50am
I'm on my 5th Subaru and last. My current model is a 2016 Forester XT. I really enjoy the car, but would never purchase a Subaru that is not Turbo Charged, as in my opinion, they are all under powered. For the first time in many years have started looking at other manufacturers.
Joe Dunn wrote on January 13, 2019 - 8:28am
2004 Forester xt was a great car. I got 165k from it, got a 6 cylinder outback to replace it. My good friend still drives it 2 1/2 years later
David Lewin wrote on January 13, 2019 - 10:43am
We've owned 4- Subaru's. A 2017 Forester XT the latest. Will be purchasing new car at end of this year but NOT another underpowered Forester. This car can't get out of its own way. We love the Forester but the car needs more power!
Daniel Colopy wrote on January 13, 2019 - 10:46am
I had an old Forester, manual, turbo...loved it. If they brought one back new in 2020 I'd buy it. Utility of Forester is great, with handling and power it would be the one to buy! And I'd be the guy to buy another.
Jason G. wrote on January 13, 2019 - 11:11am
Am I the only one that wants a performance Outback? Seems like the powertrain from the Ascent would slide right in?
Vcr wrote on January 13, 2019 - 2:01pm
Please make it without CVT!!!!!
Dorel wrote on January 13, 2019 - 3:31pm
I am the fun of manual transmission cars, special of Subaru Forester. I am very pleased to read the article above, I also hope that combining Subaru Forester with STI, will take in consideration the manual transmission one.
Ben rosado wrote on January 13, 2019 - 5:43pm
We own 2003 forester xt and 2010 forester xt so would like the forester xt to come back with this sti mod. We like the assent but we are waiting.
Richard Melloh wrote on January 13, 2019 - 6:12pm
I have never wanted to drive aggressively from a "kitchen chair" driving position. The XV should be the STI in the USA. At least I can get a little recumbent and my wife's feet will touch the floor while sitting in the passenger seat. Current satisfied owner of a 2013 XV Limited. We looked at the 2019 Forester, ready to buy, but the passenger seat will not adjust to accommodate a 5' tall individual, automatic disqualifier. A pity, that. Subaru needs to know this. They had a sale and they threw it away for lack of consideration for short people.
David Sherwin wrote on January 13, 2019 - 6:33pm
I have a 2015 Forrester and I'm on my 3rd engine block due to excessive oil usage. Why would anyone want a Subaru! They espouse all this "love" b.s., but sure don't live up to that. I can't even claim a lemon law refund due to a class action suit that didn't apply to me. I ignored it, not realizing that would make me inelligable for any further action on my part. They did this in a "sneaky way" with a message on the 8th page of the law suit in a small paragraph indicating that not opting out of the suit would mean I couldn't sue. Does this sound like "feeling the love"?
BlooSamuri wrote on January 16, 2019 - 7:28am
Contact an attorney.
Tom Gogolin wrote on January 13, 2019 - 7:52pm
I love the idea of the Forrester STI CONCEPT. I HAVE A 1993 LOYALE.I am planning to do something similar to it. I just am not able to find enough information so far to start a transition. I would love to buy a WRX STI LIMITED. But my budget will not allow me to purchase one now. I am told you can't put a turbo on it. May I ask why. Also do they have a little bit better cam for it. I am not hot roding it. But where I live more power would be great. I am going to buy new when I get my.military pension.
Ed B wrote on January 14, 2019 - 8:58am
Better late than never - I hope it becomes a reality in the U.S. market. Pardon the pun, but I suspect it would give a turbo-boost to already strong sales for the 2019 Forester. A welcome sign to the enthusiasts and could open the door to new customers to the brand.
JJ wrote on January 14, 2019 - 2:28pm
I am cautiously optimistic. Please don't let me down Subaru!!
Austin wrote on January 14, 2019 - 2:47pm
I would buy this in the fastest of heartbeats, in that color too, if it came to the U.S. Absolutely stunnning.
Pat Place wrote on January 14, 2019 - 5:55pm
We all know subaru makes a turboed everything...a forester sti is nothing new to subaru theyve made them since the first refresh in '00
Jay Rodney wrote on January 26, 2019 - 10:56pm
Need to upgrade trans to a dual clutch auto and make a 6 cylinder boxer with turbo an option. Bring back hatch back sti, the public would eat it up.crosstrek xtina was great concept, but where is it?
Mike wrote on February 3, 2019 - 11:13am
More power. Manual gearbox please. No cvt
OleA wrote on February 9, 2019 - 8:45pm
Little late, had to get a new vehicle and wanted the Forester Sport in a XT model, but ended up with a WRX and got the performance I needed for Mountain passes in the North West.
Steve I. wrote on August 16, 2019 - 2:20pm
Question: I recently bought a used 2017 2.0XT Touring in the US. It has a tS badge on the back and STI wheels. It has S and S# sport modes and paddle shifters. I have not been able to find any mention of a tS available in the US. Did Subaru sell an sT in the US or is this a case of a swapped badge and wheels?
Ricardo wrote on November 14, 2019 - 8:45pm
No more CVT . Audi feel better in Quattro version , STI version 335 hp turbo it’s good enough I would buy one