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Subaru Debuts More Than the 2009 Forester in Detroit


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- Company reveals new brand exhibit for the 2008 auto show season -

CHERRY HILL, N.J., Jan. 7 -- When the silk sheet is pulled off the all-new 2009 Subaru Forester at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, on January 13, it will be center stage in a new state-of-the-art Subaru exhibit.

"We wanted to convey just how dynamic the Subaru brand is with our latest exhibit," said Tim Mahoney, senior vice president and chief marketing officer, Subaru of America, Inc. "The choice of materials, layout and messaging communicate movement and action in the spirit of authentic outdoor adventure and driving performance."

Consumers will be welcomed by a new white sweeping archway that flows throughout the exhibit. A blue metal mesh backwall lines the display incorporating a turntable, technology area and a large video wall. Natural and earth-tone elements on display illustrate the active lifestyle of Subaru customers.

The new exhibit will also feature a three-piece cutaway of the all-new, third-generation 2009 Forester that allows customers to get up close and view inside the new vehicle's entire drivetrain including its world renowned Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. An interior buck, Subaru safety frame, 2.5 liter turbo and 3.6 liter engines will also be on display.

The featured vehicle on display will be the all-new, third-generation 2009 Forester, a total re-design of the award-winning crossover utility vehicle (CUV) that will debut at the show. The 2009 Forester, which arrives in Subaru dealerships this spring, builds upon its predecessor's reputation as an icon of safety, dependability and versatility. The new-generation 2009 model projects a bolder, more SUV-like design and makes a major leap in safety technology, comfort, refinement and driving dynamics.

As with all Subaru models, the 2009 Forester comes equipped as standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. An all-new platform featuring a 3.6-inch longer wheelbase (now 103.0 inches) and double-wishbone rear suspension improves crash-worthiness and at the same time provides crisper handling, a quieter ride and increased interior space and cargo room. The 2009 Forester once again blends positive SUV attributes including a high seating point and interior versatility with passenger car comfort, handling and fuel efficiency.

All Forester models for 2009 feature standard side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor, and the Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction control system is standard on all models for the first time. With the Subaru Dynamic Chassis Control Concept (Subaru DC3), Subaru optimized all elements of the Forester's chassis to deliver a better balance of ride, handling response, quietness and overall traction performance than offered by competitive vehicles. A comprehensive array of elements contributes to that goal, including the new, high-strength body structure, standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, VDC and four-wheel disc ABS brakes with the Brake Assist safety system.

About Subaru of America, Inc.

Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of more than 600 dealers across the United States. Subaru makes the best-selling All-Wheel Drive car sold in America based on R.L. Polk & Co. new vehicle retail registration statistics. For additional information visit http://www.subaru.com/.