2003 Chicago Show

The company that brought us the 300-hp WRX STi at the Detroit show saved another turbocharged announcement for Chicago: Beginning in June, the Forester small SUV gets an optional turbocharger that boosts horsepower to 210 and torque to 235 lb-ft, the latter available at only 3600 rpm. You can identify the hi-po Forester 2.5 XT by its functional hood scoop (which feeds air to the intercooler), six-spoke, 16-inch alloy wheels, body-color door handles, aluminum-finish roof rails, and single-outlet chrome tailpipe. As with other Forester models, the 2.5 XT offers a standard five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic transmission. Not only does the 2.5 XT broaden the Forester's already considerable appeal, it, along with the new STi, demonstrates that formerly staid Subaru is as gung-ho on horsepower as the rest of the auto world.