LotPro.com at the Detroit Auto Show –Subaru – Suzuki

Two of Japan’s smaller car manufacturers come to the NAIAS. One shows us a new production car while the other has three new concept cars…

2009 Subaru Forester

Subaru has finally allowed the Forester to grow up in a number of ways. The wheelbase is now 103”, up from 99.4”, although overall length has only been increased by 3”. Height is up 1”, while overall width has been increased to 70.1”, a 2” increase. According to Subaru, this translates into more rear seat leg room – a welcome change, since I have tried to shoehorn myself into the rear seat of my brother-in-law’s Forester and it was not a pleasant experience (I’m talking about the back seat. My brother-in-law’s a nice guy). Ground clearance is also up more than half an inch and all Foresters will now get standard stability control.

Style-wise, the Forester is also more mature, reflecting, at least in front, the corporate look with a much improved grille and headlamp design. Subaru recently release pricing and the new Forester will start at $19,995 – $1,200 less than its 2008 counterpart. With increased content, better styling and a lower price, the new “Suby” raises the bar in its segment.

Suzuki X-Head Concept

First shown at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, the inspiration for the X-Head came from – for real – a Tonka truck. The vehicle, designed with steep approach and departure angles, is equipped with full-time four wheel drive, limited slip center differential and a 4-cylinder engine matched to a dual-clutch transmission.

Suzuki SX Force Concept

The SX Force is a highly-modified (by Road Race Motorsports of Santa Fe Springs, California) 2008 Suzuki SX4 Sport. This track-tested car features a 250 hp turbocharged 2 liter 4-cylinder engine matched to a 5-speed manual transmission. Tricked-out parts include 18” Enkei wheels mated to Toyo T1-R tires, Carbontrix rear wing spoiler and Rotora six piston brake calipers.

X4 WRC Concept

Rounding out the trio of concepts, is the X4 WRC. Developed from the five-door SX4 crossover, the concept was first unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 2006. During development, in addition to extensive testing, the X4 WRC took part in the 2007 Rallye de France as well as the Wales Rally GB.