Subaru to show off Forester XTI and Mountain Rescue Vehicle

Subaru's Forester has long been considered one of the few sporting 'utes, and the automaker is ready to build on that image with a new Forester XTI concept, set to debut at the SEMA Show. Those interested in outward appearances will note the "Atmospheric Re-Entry paint scheme" (their words, not ours), JDM body kit, lower front spoiler and mesh front grille. It's the underpinnings that get us really excited, though. Under the skin, the Forester XTI gets the full Subaru Technica International treatment from the firm's amazing WRX STI, including its 2.5-liter turbocharged and intercooled boxer four powerplant, mated to a six speed manual transmission and, of course, all-wheel-drive. A cat-back exhaust helps bump out to 315 hp and torque to 300 lb-ft, meaningful improvements over the stock engine's ratings of 300-horsepower and 290 lb-ft. We'd love to see this one make it to the showroom floor.

Accompanying the XTI at Subie's booth is the Mountain Rescue Vehicle, which was purpose-built for the National Ski Patrol, of which Subaru is the Official Vehicle. Custom touches include an adjustable Air Lift suspension that allows for a maximum of 14-inches of ground clearance. Under the wheel arches sit 30x9.5-in. Yokohama Geolandar MTS tires on custom 15-in. reversed near-zero offset steel wheels. Skid plates and a winch complete the off-road modifications and are accompanied by a bevy of lights and a near glow-in-the-dark hue. The drivetrain doesn't see any modifications, but the stock turbo-mill ought to be up to the task anyway.

[Source: Subaru]

Read more...

Group Five Limited builds Challenger Speedster

Aftermarket companies have plans to take the Challenger in directions that Dodge isn't willing to go, first and foremost by stripping off its top. Dodge won't be doing the deed itself due to cost and weight considerations, but for those lovers of open-air motoring with deep enough pockets, anything can be done. We've already posted on the first such example that's headed for the upcoming SEMA Show in Vegas, which will come from Coach Builders Ltd. and appears to be a pretty straightforward roof-removal. Now we've caught wind that a second Challenger convertible is headed to Sin City from Group Five Limited. This Challenger 'vert comes sans top and with a cut-down windshield for that classic "speedster" profile. Other body mods clean up the front and rear fascias for a true shaved, custom look. Take a look at the two renderings below for an early peek at what to expect when we hit the floor of SEMA next week.

[Source: 4 Wheels News]

Read more...