2013 Subaru Forester changes

[palpullero]

From cars101.com:

"4/20 2013 Forester orders now available. No prices or new or changed features have been officially announced. Color changes: Sky Blue dropped, Marine Blue now with platinum interior instead of black, new Deep Cherry Pearl (on 2012 Imprezas) with black now available. New- All Weather 'Plus' option package for X Premium includes fog lights and the 4.3" LCD stereo with optional back-up camera."

Seems body style will be the same.

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[JustyWRC]

Originally Posted by palpullero

From cars101.com:

"4/20 2013 Forester orders now available. No prices or new or changed features have been officially announced. Color changes: Sky Blue dropped, Marine Blue now with platinum interior instead of black, new Deep Cherry Pearl (on 2012 Imprezas) with black now available. New- All Weather 'Plus' option package for X Premium includes fog lights and the 4.3" LCD stereo with optional back-up camera."

Seems body style will be the same.

Not quite yet...

[Calamity Jesus]

Originally Posted by JustyWRC

Not quite yet...

OP may be referring to Subaru of New England.. SOA may have given them preferential treatment.

[Beyer Subaru]

I can order the 2013's now. I'm in the Eastern Region. I noticed this when I ordered a 2012MY Impreza yesterday.

Joe is usually pretty spot on when it comes to this stuff. He is in the Western Region.

[john_knoxville]

please re-title this thread "2013 Subaru Forester Non-Changes"

yawn

[AWDPilot]

Originally Posted by Calamity Jesus

OP may be referring to Subaru of New England.. SOA may have given them preferential treatment.

SNE orders directly from FHI for imprezas and foresters I believe, as a side note, looks like I'd have to pick up a marine blue '12 I HATE that gray interior

[HipToBeSquare]

Woopie.

I'd rather have a black interior with blue paint... and WR Blue specifically. I would probably have to agree with AWDPilot, and go with the '12 Marine Blue + Black interior, on a 2.5X Premium 5-speed.

Something like that very well could be my next vehicle.

Fog-lights can be added at the dealer or better aftermarket. The rear view camera might be nice, but seems like a port or dealer option as well, and also available in the aftermarket.

hardly anything to even mention.

I was hoping they would put forward an S-Edition package for US importation, as a swan-song, with a VTD-5EAT+SportShift for the top end NA and Turbo (WRX-spec 268hp tune), if not also the now-defunct Legacy GT's 6MT also. heaven forbid a 2007-2009 Spec.B VTD-6MT.

[jmonty]

Originally Posted by HipToBeSquare

Woopie.

I'd rather have a black interior with blue paint... and WR Blue specifically. I would probably have to agree with AWDPilot, and go with the '12 Marine Blue + Black interior, on a 2.5X Premium 5-speed.

Something like that very well could be my next vehicle.

Fog-lights can be added at the dealer or better aftermarket. The rear view camera might be nice, but seems like a port or dealer option as well, and also available in the aftermarket.

hardly anything to even mention.

I was hoping they would put forward an S-Edition package for US importation, as a swan-song, with a VTD-5EAT+SportShift for the top end NA and Turbo (WRX-spec 268hp tune), if not also the now-defunct Legacy GT's 6MT also. heaven forbid a 2007-2009 Spec.B VTD-6MT.

Wishful thinking on your part, we both know if you want something sporty larger than the current Wrx your out of luck with Subaru offerings

[CR22]

So sad but so true. They have gone from niche to ultra niche in the performance category.
It used to almost be a given that if you owned a WRX/STI but needed a more practical family hauler you could just go along the product line. One could simply pick out a LGT or FXT trim to fulfill their needs and still retain some level of fun with a proper drivetrain. Being "brand loyal" wasn't difficult back in '04-'08.

[geddesk2]

Originally Posted by CR22

So sad but so true. They have gone from niche to ultra niche in the performance category.
It used to almost be a given that if you owned a WRX/STI but needed a more practical family hauler you could just go along the product line. One could simply pick out a LGT or FXT trim to fulfill their needs and still retain some level of fun with a proper drivetrain. Being "brand loyal" wasn't difficult back in '04-'08.

Completely agree!

[Brahmzy]

Freaking Subaru. Seriously? NO new tranny? NO new body? NO new engine?

Fallin' behind bigtime here. Subaru take a good look at the mainstream right now. YOU ARE FALLING BEHIND.

Was holding out for some nice changes for the wife's new ride. Looks like we won't be buying a Subaru. Ain't going to wait another year.

[JustyWRC]

Originally Posted by Beyer Subaru

I can order the 2013's now. I'm in the Eastern Region. I noticed this when I ordered a 2012MY Impreza yesterday.

Joe is usually pretty spot on when it comes to this stuff. He is in the Western Region.

Yep yep. Should have known better to question him. Apologies. When I got into the system to check that, I just went to the Impreza and WRX. I just ASSumed that since those were '12s that the Forester was also.

Originally Posted by Brahmzy

Freaking Subaru. Seriously? NO new tranny? NO new body? NO new engine?

Fallin' behind bigtime here. Subaru take a good look at the mainstream right now. YOU ARE FALLING BEHIND.

Was holding out for some nice changes for the wife's new ride. Looks like we won't be buying a Subaru. Ain't going to wait another year.

Just a little patience!!! If they do the same thing as they did with the '09s, then we'll see the all knew Forester in February!! I have a funny feeling it is going to be quite good.

[JustyWRC]

Originally Posted by Beyer Subaru

I can order the 2013's now. I'm in the Eastern Region. I noticed this when I ordered a 2012MY Impreza yesterday.

Joe is usually pretty spot on when it comes to this stuff. He is in the Western Region.

Originally Posted by JustyWRC

Yep yep. Should have known better to question him. Apologies. When I got into the system to check that, I just went to the Impreza and WRX. I just ASSumed that since those were '12s that the Forester was also.

Well, I just did some more checking. I was told it was a glich in the system. If anyone tried to place an order for a '13 Forester, it will be deleted from the system. I don't feel like a total ass now. Just a half ass.

[jmonty]

Originally Posted by CR22

So sad but so true. They have gone from niche to ultra niche in the performance category.
It used to almost be a given that if you owned a WRX/STI but needed a more practical family hauler you could just go along the product line. One could simply pick out a LGT or FXT trim to fulfill their needs and still retain some level of fun with a proper drivetrain. Being "brand loyal" wasn't difficult back in '04-'08.

Hit the nail on the head, I just don't think SOA plans to retain current owners looking for a step up car to meet their changing lifestyle

[AWDPilot]

Originally Posted by jmonty

Hit the nail on the head, I just don't think SOA plans to retain current owners looking for a step up car to meet their changing lifestyle

I don't think that's entirely true, I think they know their current owners very well.

WRXs, STIs, FXT's, LGT's only make up a very small portion of their sales. They've had a huge increase in volume over the last 3 years, upwards of 50%+ growth and it's all coming from Impreza's, Forester X's and 2.5i Legacies.

In the grand scheme they are still a low volume player though, so any increases in efficiencies by dropping options and models is a big win for their bottom line.

Thankfully though the market is transitioning to turbo 4cyl models, so while we may lose models like the 3.6R legacy (especially now that the Tribecca is dead) and see a comeback of another turbo legacy model. I think Subaru want's to release a turbo diesel Forester in the US, they are just waiting on a transmission choice that American's (not NASIOC enthusiasts) will buy (read CVT). Although I wouldn't be surprised to see the 1.6T showing up in base Foresters and Legacies starting with MY16 when the new CAFE standards take effect.

One more year ...

[Beyer Subaru]

Originally Posted by JustyWRC

Well, I just did some more checking. I was told it was a glich in the system. If anyone tried to place an order for a '13 Forester, it will be deleted from the system. I don't feel like a total ass now. Just a half ass.

Hmmmm? That's a helluva glitch. It's still up in my system to order? So when do they plan to take it down?

[subySerb]

Originally Posted by Brahmzy

Freaking Subaru. Seriously? NO new tranny? NO new body? NO new engine?

Fallin' behind bigtime here. Subaru take a good look at the mainstream right now. YOU ARE FALLING BEHIND.

Was holding out for some nice changes for the wife's new ride. Looks like we won't be buying a Subaru. Ain't going to wait another year.

Forester did receive the new FB25 motor last year, although it still has the same power as the EJ253

[Brahmzy]

Originally Posted by subySerb

Forester did receive the new FB25 motor last year, although it still has the same power as the EJ253

Still piss-poor mileage with no DI. Mostly the tranny's fault, still partially the no DI.

Like I said - behind the times. I hope it shows in their sales #'s, so they can see the direct correlation. I know they're not Toyota either - this technology takes resources - they obviously had the resources to throw into the BRZ.

Just frustrated is all. Subaru makes interesting decisions all the time, this should not surprise me. If a new model is truly coming out in early '13, the wife can probably wait. She wants an FXT. IF (and a BIG if) they don't kill off the XT, I really hope the bring at least a 5AT or a beefier CVT and a turbo plant with DI. Too much to ask? I know the body will get bigger (always does) keeping status quo power and mileage would not be a step forward.

[palpullero]

I drove a 2012 FXT and there was power, but it felt like a V6 plus turbo lag; I wasn't as impressed as I thought I would be but I think I just pumped up my expectations a bit too much. Would like to see more torque,that's for sure.

[Brahmzy]

Originally Posted by palpullero

I drove a 2012 FXT and there was power, but it felt like a V6 plus turbo lag; I wasn't as impressed as I thought I would be but I think I just pumped up my expectations a bit too much. Would like to see more torque,that's for sure.

It's the aftermarket potential the FXT has. Even the COBB AP STG1 is a complete transformation. Can't really do that with N/A. Plenty of power potential with the existing tubo motor. Problem is it's a dang gas HOG.

[palpullero]

Originally Posted by Brahmzy

It's the aftermarket potential the FXT has. Even the COBB AP STG1 is a complete transformation. Can't really do that with N/A. Plenty of power potential with the existing tubo motor. Problem is it's a dang gas HOG.

It is a hog alright, and at premium gas it is really hurting our pockets right now. I even wonder if they will bother turbocharging the FA or FB engine for 2014.

[Beyer Subaru]

OK. I just got off the horn with our Distribution Office. The 2013MY Forester isn't available for Factory Order. It is a glitch that will be rectified this week. Any orders will be "purged" from the system and not accepted.

[JustyWRC]

Originally Posted by Beyer Subaru

Hmmmm? That's a helluva glitch. It's still up in my system to order? So when do they plan to take it down?

Oops. Missed that last post. You got it.

[jmonty]

Originally Posted by AWDPilot

I don't think that's entirely true, I think they know their current owners very well.

WRXs, STIs, FXT's, LGT's only make up a very small portion of their sales. They've had a huge increase in volume over the last 3 years, upwards of 50%+ growth and it's all coming from Impreza's, Forester X's and 2.5i Legacies.

In the grand scheme they are still a low volume player though, so any increases in efficiencies by dropping options and models is a big win for their bottom line.

Thankfully though the market is transitioning to turbo 4cyl models, so while we may lose models like the 3.6R legacy (especially now that the Tribecca is dead) and see a comeback of another turbo legacy model. I think Subaru want's to release a turbo diesel Forester in the US, they are just waiting on a transmission choice that American's (not NASIOC enthusiasts) will buy (read CVT). Although I wouldn't be surprised to see the 1.6T showing up in base Foresters and Legacies starting with MY16 when the new CAFE standards take effect.

One more year ...

They are selling more cars but Many of us have out grown our WRX Wagons and STI's my family has an 2010 outback........where does that leave me looking for a fun larger car?

I know our extended family has 6 dropping to 5 subarus as my brother in law ordered a Q7 to replace his STI

Waiting 3 to 4 more years for different turbo models I think they will find many people looking at other brands

[JustyWRC]

Originally Posted by jmonty

They are selling more cars but Many of us have out grown our WRX Wagons and STI's my family has an 2010 outback........where does that leave me looking for a fun larger car?

I know our extended family has 6 dropping to 5 subarus as my brother in law ordered a Q7 to replace his STI

Waiting 3 to 4 more years for different turbo models I think they will find many people looking at other brands

But then they have new customers when those new models do come in. Subaru is growing. Not getting smaller, and it doesn't look like that trend will be stopping anytime soon.