FORESTER: The Forester has always toed the line between crossover SUV and wagon; for 2009 it seems to have finally chosen sides with a clear move into the SUV camp. The new Forester is longer and taller and features standard all-wheel-drive and both turbocharged and normally aspirated versions of Subaru's venerable 2.5 liter "boxer" engine.
IMPREZA: The new Impreza 2.5GT (photo) gets the 224 horsepower turbocharged engine from last year's WRX coupled to a 4-speed automatic transmission. Meanwhile, the base-model 2.5i gains standard electronic stability control and four-wheel disc brakes, and a sunroof has been added to the 2.5i Premium package.
IMPREZA WRX: The WRX gets a boost in power: 265 horsepower (up from 224) and 244 lb-ft of torque (up from 226). A new STI-inspired body kit, 17" grey-painted wheels shod with wider summer-only tires, and new seat upholstery further differentiate the WRX from last year's model; the suspension has also been re-tuned for better handling. Officially, the WRX now comes exclusively with a manual transmission; the automatic WRX is now known as the Impreza 2.5 GT (see IMPREZA, above).
IMPREZA WRX STI: Unchanged, including the price.
LEGACY: The six-cylinder 3.0R model, introduced last year, has been split into two models. The 3.0R Limited offers similar equipment to last year's 3.0R, while the 3.0R Base comes with less standard stuff and a price tag about $5k lower than last year's car. Electronic stability control is now offered on all Legacy models except the 2.5 GT with manual transmission. All models except the basic 2.5i get a Harmon-Kardon audio system, Limited models get dual-zone climate control as standard, and steering wheel audio controls are standard on Limited and 3.0R Base trims.
OUTBACK: Electronic stability control is now standard on all Outbacks, and all models except the 2.5i get a Harmon-Kardon stereo. Limited models get dark-tinted privacy glass and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls. The L. L. Bean Edition has been pink-slipped, replaced by the Outback Limited.
TRIBECA: Aside from a new paint color (Ruby Red Metallic), the Tribeca is unchanged.
UNNAMED SPORTS CAR: A new rear-drive compact sports car, developed in conjunction with Toyota, will be unveiled in 2010.
