Image Boost for Subaru

LAKE PLACID, NY — Subaru of America Inc. adds the option of turbocharging two of its models, a move designed more to add oomph to its image than propel volume.

The turbocharged Forester and Baja, which bow for the '04 model year, are expected to comprise only about 15% of total sales for each vehicle — 9,000 units for Forester and 2,000 for the slow-selling Baja.

The vehicles, more importantly, are meant to be another step in building Subaru's credibility in the power department. After a hiatus of several years, the auto maker recently revisited turbocharging with the Impreza WRX, which bowed in the U.S. for the '01 model year. This year, Subaru is upping the ante with the rally-inspired, 300-hp WRX STi (see p.42).

The addition of a souped-up Forester and Baja leaves only the Legacy and Outback lineups powered exclusively by normally aspirated engines. The Outback's performance version comes with a 6-cyl., but Subaru hints turbocharging will make its way across its entire lineup.

Turbocharging increases the horsepower to 210 for both models, a significant leap from the 165 hp available from the normally aspirated 2.5L 4-cyl. And it makes for 235 lb.-ft. (319 Nm) of torque at an accessible 3,600 rpm. Engineers say the weak torque number for the standard Forester — 166 lb.-ft. (225 Nm) at 4,000 rpm — is what inspired Subaru to turbocharge it in the first place.

The 16-valve horizontally opposed 4-cyl. is a DOHC, as opposed to the SOHC of the non-turbo engine. Subaru's active valve-control system, its version of variable valve timing, also is tuned differently for the more powerful version.

The auto maker says it chose turbocharging rather than adding a 6-cyl. option to the lineup because of the extra weight. The turbocharged engine is 42% more powerful but adds only 115 lbs. (52 kg) to the Forester and 105 lbs. (48 kg) on the Baja.

The vehicles are due in showrooms this summer.