Winding Road
has posted what they think to be images of a 2009 Forester test mule. Perhaps better stated, Brenda Priddy & Company who took he pictures, thinks this is the new Forester—but here's where it gets interesting... These images are old, perhaps 6 months or older, and Priddy never thought much of them—until now. For some reason, Priddy & Company are now convinced this is the new Forester wrapped in Outback trappings...
What is it about these images (or what new info have they gotten) that has them now so convinced that this is the Forester rather than an Outback test mule?
Priddy believes the wheelbase is a bit over 108 inches. We're talking about a Tribeca-like wheelbase which is about 9 longer than the current Forester's wheelbase. Not likely is my take. I just find it very hard to believe that the Forester would grow that much in one model change. Not only that, but how would that mix with the Outback (105" wheelbase) and Tribeca's (108" wheelbase) and their respective market slots?
Nope, I'm betting this is a test mule of the 2010 Outback, which is rumored to grow a bit. This would make far more sense as the Tribeca will be all new for 2011, and it will likely grow too.
Full story here.
Priddy believes the wheelbase is a bit over 108 inches. We're talking about a Tribeca-like wheelbase which is about 9 longer than the current Forester's wheelbase. Not likely is my take. I just find it very hard to believe that the Forester would grow that much in one model change. Not only that, but how would that mix with the Outback (105" wheelbase) and Tribeca's (108" wheelbase) and their respective market slots?
Nope, I'm betting this is a test mule of the 2010 Outback, which is rumored to grow a bit. This would make far more sense as the Tribeca will be all new for 2011, and it will likely grow too.
Full story here.
ateixeira says:
07:53 AM, 09/19/07
Over 108", eh? That would change the entire character of the Forester. While it would be roomy, it would lose its nimble and sporty flavor.
Let's see what they end up with.
drwales says:
08:10 AM, 09/19/07
The new (2008) Toyota Highlander has a 109.8" wheelbase. I find it very hard to believe that the Forester will morph from something that competes against the Rav4 to something that competes against the Highlander. Unless they do a "Grand" Forester. As Juice says, that would change the entire character of the Forester. I think a Outback is more likely -- and the Legacy, being world-spec is smaller than Accord/ Camry, etc, and probably would benefit from growing. The Forester will be the 103.1" of the new WRX.
Also, such a large vehicle might over-tax the new 2.5 (2.0?) diesel (if rumors of such an engine in the new Forester are true).
Give or take a couple of inches, I like the Forester as is.
ateixeira says:
09:19 AM, 09/19/07
There were some rumors of the next Forester being Tribeca-based. This would make sense if that's a case - just a little off the wheelbase, maybe a more basic interior, and a lower price.
Most people say the Tribeca is too small, so thinking ahead it makes more sense.
When Toyota came out with the RAV4, it was nearly the size of the Highlander at the time. Now the HL is bigger.
gmguy111 says:
10:55 AM, 09/19/07
I like the forester as is as well and from the two tone forester that was hot awhile back i'm hoping subaru does not offer any two tone combinations for the new forester like the paint combo that was spotted months ago
brendapriddy says:
06:09 PM, 09/19/07
Just to clear thing up ... We originally saw this "mule" a year ago, but these pictures were taken just days ago!
paisan says:
06:41 PM, 09/19/07
I agree with Bob, Outback.
-mike
rsholland says:
05:50 AM, 09/20/07
Thanks Brenda for the clarification. I'm curious (as are others, I'm sure) as to why you're so convinced that this is the new Forester, rather than the next Outback. The body proportions are all off for it to be a Forester, plus the huge increase in size just doesn't make sense to me.
The other thing is that the next Forester is pretty much a done deal, as it will probably be introduced at one of the upcoming auto shows (Detroit? Chicago?). It makes no sense to continue testing it as a cobbled up test mule, whereas the Outback is a year and a half away. So I could see a test mule being used for that model; am I wrong here?
robr2 says:
09:15 AM, 09/20/07
I agree with Bob. IMHO, this is the new Outback. The 09 Forester should already be a done deal - no mules at this point since Subaru tends to introduce product at mid year instead of the fall.
I wouldn't be suprised to see the Outback grow to that size - that's the trend today. Also we've discussed the Outback and Legacy going their separate ways. A new tall body for a 5 seat Outback would be proper and the Legacy could grow on this platform but be more car like.