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August 21, 2020

Subaru is Looking to Bring Back the Turbocharged Forester


Update: The rumors are true. The turbo is back (10/22).

One of the biggest criticisms leveled against the current fifth-generation Subaru Forester is the lack of a turbocharged option. Ever since the nameplate’s introduction in 1997, having a turbo option along with all-wheel drive has always been one of its defining characteristics. Don’t fret Subaru fans, because it seems the Japanese carmaker may be looking to bring back that back as early as the end of this year.

Citing unnamed sources, Taiwan-based CarStuff says Subaru is looking to discontinue its normally-aspirated FB25 2.5-liter Boxer-4 citing pressures to improve its corporate fuel efficiency and emissions. The candidate to replace it? The new 1.8-liter DIT found in the recently unveiled 2021 Levorg.

This all makes perfect sense for Subaru since the 1.8-liter DIT does make numbers similar to the normally-aspirated 2.5. Horsepower is down, 177 to 182, but torque is up at 300 Nm versus 240 Nm. This new engine also introduces a new proprietary spark technology to improve efficiency and combustion.

The report didn’t mention any other new engine option aside from the 1.8 DIT.

Along with the return of the turbocharged engine, the website says Subaru is also going to give its compact SUV a mid-term facelift which will include the introduction of the more advanced EyeSight system, including its semi-autonomous EyeSight X.

If these reports are true, this new powertrain option will be made available for the Japanese market first where the Forester is only offered in either 2.5-liter NA or 2.0-liter e-Boxer flavors. For the Forester’s biggest market, North America, the FB25 will soldier on at least for the 2021 model year (as confirmed by an official release from Subaru of America).

Are you excited at the prospect of the turbocharged Forester’s return?

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