NOTA del traspasador: Las imagenes no se veian.
Este es uno de mis modelos favoritos, pero que por razones de peso ahora mismo ni quiero imaginar poder tener uno. Es objeto de culto para mi, y por eso os deleito con una buena sarta de fotos de este modelo, pasando por todas sus fases.
Espero que os guste.
P.D. Sé que es un SUV, pero como en este foro está metido todo lo relacionado con subaru lo pongo aqui mismo.
What Is It ?
Powered by a 210-horsepower turbocharged and intercooled 2.5-liter boxer engine, the 2004 Forester 2.5 XT brings a new level of refined performance and driving pleasure to the small SUV segment. Until now, true sport-oriented models were offered only in the luxury SUV category.
Introduced for 2003 MY, the new-generation Forester was engineered on the renowned high-integrity Impreza platform and therefore already equipped to handle a significant power increase. The increased performance in the 2.5 XT model enhances sporty driving while fully preserving the “Best of Both Worlds” crossover SUV design approach. The Forester model line also includes the 2.5 X and 2.5 XS, both powered by a normally aspirated 165-horsepower boxer engine. The Forester blends positive SUV attributes such as a high seating point and interior versatility with passenger car comfort and handling. Lowering the standard 60/40 split-folding seatback doubles standard cargo capacity from 32.0 cu. to 64.1 cu. ft. when both rear seatbacks are folded. (Cargo capacity for Forester 2.5 XT with Premium Package is 29.6 cu. ft. / rear seat up and 62.7 cu. ft. / rear seat down.)
Reportaje:
From the project General Manager
Source: Subaru
Last edited: 02.01.03
Hideki Ishido
Product General Manager
Subaru Product Planning & Portolio Division
The word "crossover" is a new term used in the North American media over the last year to describe a category that the Outback and Forester pioneered, incorporating the concept of "Best of Both." Functionally, the car has crossover performance both for on-road and off-road driving. In other words, a crossover incorporates features from an SUV and a passenger car. Or looking at it from a lifestyle perspective, the car offers driving pleasure during the weekday and on weekends.
Since the late 1990s,other manufacturers have launched a succession of cars that are similar in concept to this category begun by Subaru. This category has become a new, high valued-added category, differing to the SUV category where competition, particularly price competition, has been intensifying.
After participating in the development project of the first generation Forester, Hideki Ishido was assigned to a position at Subaru of America,Inc.(SOA), located in New Jersey in the United States, and witnessed the process of how this new genre of vehicle was accepted by U.S. society.
" Actually, when initially launched in Japan, the Forester, with its hitherto unseen height, was considered a vehicle that was difficult to categorize - it was not a sedan and not an SUV. In America, where I was located, the Outback based on a similar concept was a hit. Therefore, the Forester that blends the advantages of both SUVs and passenger vehicles was recognized for its value as a unique vehicle. I witnessed the high acclaim and acceptance received in the United States with my own eyes. This convinced me that the new value created by Subaru would eventually be recognized throughout the world."
SOA was the first to announce the Legacy Outback as a vehicle combining the best features of an SUV and a passenger car in 1994, appealing to the public with the catch phrase "Best of Both."
The Outback was highly regarded for carving out a niche from the conventional market, and established such a level of popularity that it was difficult for production to meet demand. The first generation Forester followed a similar concept to that of the Outback and made its debut as an even more compact car. Highly evaluated for its modest size and high level of safety, sales increased mainly among active women.
" In the case of the United States, initially the Forester became popular in the northern parts. Since the Forester was able to perform safely on wet roads in snowy and rainy conditions and had high vantage point, everyone could drive with peace of mind. In addition, the vehicle was acclaimed for its top class impact safety in the small SUV category and was recognized for its excellent basic performance. The vehicle's popularity spread by word of mouth by those who bought the car, particularly among women, who wanted a 'real' car. So the reputation was based not only on the car's style, but also on its excellent functionality. This boosted our confidence in Subaru's car making philosophy based on pursuing functionality for people and society."
On his return from the United States to Japan, Mr. Ishido became the Project General Manager for the development of the new Forester. Mr. Ishido decided that the most important development theme was "To clearly communicate the Forester's concept once again."
" Some may think that the Forester was born only in response to the trend toward SUVs, however the Forester is not merely a car developed with a focus on trends. The theme that the Forester pursues, is to become the best means of transportation, having adequate ground clearance and giving peace of mind to any driver on any road surface in the world. 'All technologies should be used for people and society' is the principle embodied by Subaru's functional approach to the creation of all its cars. Subaru never merely follows trends if we have to give up or compromise on such essential qualities as safety, speed and comfort."
The first generation Forester developed on these principles had excellent driving performance due to the low center of gravity of the Horizontally-Opposed engine and all-wheel drive (AWD). At the same time, its unique package provided the safe feeling of a "commander's eye"(a term which draws from a commander positioned in the upper seat of armored vehicle having a superior long-range field of view that also provides safety). The new Forester retains this package almost without change. Mr.Ishido believed that this widely acclaimed package should remain mostly unchanged, and that by strengthening the good points and one by one improving areas where users were dissatisfied, the car would be widely recognized for its value.
" When developing a new car based on the same, existing concept, it would be unreasonable if outwardly the car appeared completely different. However, if many people do not use the car, we would not be making a social contribution through the car, and the effort poured into development would be for nothing. From this point of view, the design is very important and we have applied ourselves here as well. Outwardly, the Forester was refined by giving consideration to features that remain contemporary. In addition, we made the enhancement of interior comfort a priority."
Subaru creates nearly all models using the same standards throughout the world. To ensure competitiveness in the world market, Subaru must create cars based on the strictest standards for each market. As a result, the interior of the new Forester is of the high quality.
" We must respond to the demands of our generation, namely, the demands of safety and the environment. Therefore, the new Forester has enhanced fuel efficiency and has aggressively included the new ideas of impact safety technology and other features."
Subaru pursued thorough functionality through means such as enhancing the features evaluated highly in the previous Forester. This includes the comfortable ride and making the car even easier for many people to use by increasing the range of settings for the adjustable seat.
Mr. Ishido offered his impressions on seeing the completed new Forester.
" As an engineer, I wasn't 100 percent satisfied with the car's functionality. This was because I must always continue my search for the next generation in technology and new possibilities. However, I was 100 percent satisfied with the Forester for embodying its original design concept. There are other cars in the crossover category, however, surely only the Forester can be considered a car that embodies the pure functionality of the crossover concept, not only the image. Anyone, anywhere in the world can enjoy safe and comfortable driving in the Forester, which can, in a very real sense, be considered the 21st century global standard car.
Forester 2.5 XT inherits engine technology from the recently introduced 2004 Impreza WRX STi high-performance model and emphasizes strong torque at low engine speeds. The 2.5-liter powerplant produces 235 lb.-ft. of peak torque (43 percent more than other Forester models) at just 3,600 RPM for powerful responsiveness in real world driving conditions. The functional scoop in the aluminum hood provides fresh air to the engine-mounted intercooler. Subaru Active Valve Control System (AVCS) variable valve timing technology optimizes the engine’s volumetric efficiency at all engine speeds. The turbocharged engine also offers outstanding performance at high altitudes, where changes in atmospheric pressure adversely affect the power output of naturally aspirated engines.
The functional hood scoop, body-color side cladding and a natural aluminum finish on the standard roof rails identify the newest member of the Forester line. The 2.5 XT is further distinguished from other Forester models by 6-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels with raised black letter tires, body-color door handles and a single-outlet chrome tailpipe.
Exclusive black flat woven upholstery with vinyl bolster trim plus a standard sport gauge pack give the interior a sporty, upscale character. Forester 2.5 XT builds on the content of the 2.5 XS model, adding a 7-speaker sound system. The available Premium Package includes a power moonroof, automatic transmission and black leather-trimmed upholstery. As on all Subaru models sold in the U.S., Forester 2.5 XT comes standard with full-time All-Wheel Drive. The boxer engine design and symmetric drivetrain layout help give the Forester a lower center of gravity than other SUVs.
A 5-speed manual transmission is standard, with a new Direct Control 4-speed electronic automatic available as an option. Models equipped with the 5-speed manual use the Subaru Hill Holder hydraulic clutch to help make starting off on an incline easier and safer. A 4-channel, 4-sensor anti-lock brake system (ABS) is standard on all Subaru models. Forester 2.5 XS and 2.5 XT models are also equipped with an Electronic Brake-force Distribution system (EBD), which enhances braking performance and stability through optimized braking force between the front and rear wheels.
All Forester models comply with Federal passenger car safety standards. Safety technology includes a dual-stage deployment passenger front airbag and front seat head/chest side-impact airbags, plus front seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters. Active front seat head restraints can help reduce potential whiplash injuries. The new-generation Forester achieved the highest possible rating (“good”) for crashworthiness when subjected to a 40-mph frontal offset crash test by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), also earning the IIHS “best pick” designation.
Specifications
Body 5 passenger SUV
Wheelbase 99.4 in.
Length 175.2 in.
Ground clearance 7.5 in.
Engine H4, 2.5-liter, DOHC,
turbocharged/intercooled,
variable valve timing
Horsepower 210 @ 5,600 rpm
Torque 235 lb.-ft. @ 3,600 rpm
Key Standard Features
Full-time All-Wheel Drive
2.5-liter DOHC turbocharged and intercooled 4-cylinder boxer engine (210 horsepower)
5-speed manual transmission (4-speed Direct Control electronic automatic opt.)
Hydraulic clutch with Hill Holder system (5-speed models)
4-wheel independent, heavy-duty raised suspension
Viscous limited-slip rear differential
6-spoke,16 x 6.5-inch aluminum alloy wheels with 215/60R16 raised black letter all-season tires
4-wheel disc brakes
4-channel, 4-sensor anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
3-point seatbelts for all five seating positions, with pretensioners and force limiters in front, and height-adjustable anchors for front and rear outboard positions
Active front seat head restraints
Dual front airbags (dual-stage deployment passenger front air bag)
Front seat head/chest side-impact airbags
120-Watt AM/FM weatherband stereo with in-dash 6-disc CD changer and 7-speaker sound system with rear subwoofer
60/40 split fold down rear seatback
Automatic climate control
Black flat-woven upholstery with vinyl bolster trim
Body-color lower cladding
Center console with passenger side storage compartment
Chrome interior door handles
Cruise control
Cut-pile carpeting
Digital ambient temperature gauge
Dual-mode digital trip meter
Front dual cupholders (in console)
Front seatback pockets (net type)
Heated, foldable power sideview mirrors
Heated front seats, dual-mode
Height adjustable driver’s seat with single control knob
Illuminated ignition switch ring
In-glass antenna
Multi-reflector fog lights
Perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob and parking brake handle
Power door locks and windows with driver’s one-touch down
Rear wiper/washer with de-icer
Remote fuel door release
Remote keyless entry system
Roof rails with cross-bars
Sport gauge pack
Tilt-adjustable steering column
Variable-timer intermittent windshield wipers
Windshield wiper de-icer
Optional Premium Package combines automatic transmission, power moonroof and black leather upholstery.
Interview with: Hisashi Nagano
With a total height of 1,585mm (for the turbo model, 1,590mm for the NA model) and a ground clearance of about 200mm, the height of the new Forester is unprecedented. How was development carried out to achieve this? Hisashi Nagano, who created this unique package following on from the first generation Forester, provided this explanation.
" When creating the package, the thing we decided on first was the height for the driver's view (vantage point).What height would give us a "commander's eye" view without any feeling of instability? To determine this, we created a test chassis, called a 'mule,' based on the modified Impreza.
When experimenting on the test mule, which was created from the Impreza by increasing its height, we asked a range of people (different age, sex, size)from the Subaru Engineering Division to sit in the test mule and report their impressions to gain an insight into height-related patterns. After repeated testing, we found that raising the drivers vantage point by 120mm or more from that of the Impreza created a sense of fear, and when lowered by 80mm or more the "commander's eye" sense was lost.
In this way we decided that the height for the driver should be increased by 100mm from that of the Impreza.
" Once the eye level was decided on, we took this as standard and then thought about the optimum seating position. Based on this, the position of such parts as the pedals, steering wheel and instrument panel can be decided on, as well as the shape and factors that determine the visibility that provides a sense of fender corner location and the car's extremities."
In tandem with this development, Mr .Nagano created another mule. This mule recreated the interior of a car.
" When the hip point height is 600mm,getting in and out of a car can be achieved by sliding in and out with your back straight, unlike getting into and out of a lower car where bending one's back is necessary. For this reason, if the opening area of the door isn't wide enough there is a danger that users could bump their heads when getting in or out. In addition, we wanted to know what height gives the roomiest, SUV-like feel to the interior. To determine this, we created a mule to examine only the interior of the car and gathered information from a range of people who sat inside."
The result of this research was that the most influential factor in providing a feeling of roominess was the space above the shoulder line of the vehicle. With this data Subaru was able to determine the dimensions of the ideal package.
After determining the desired dimensions, Mr. Nagano hit nails into a clay model made to the same dimensions as the actual car. The position of the nails determined the main bodyline.
" By literally hitting nails into the exact positions of the model from which a driver can accurately confirm the front/rear and left/right extremities of the car, and can grasp the dimensions of the car. The exterior designers are required to remain faithful to the positioning of the nails when they work on the design."
" This is the same method used for the creation of the Subaru 360 over 40 years ago. Even in today's age where computer design has become mainstream, this hands on approach remains unchanged.
" Regardless of the excellence with which computers can draw designs, the final product is used by people. It is unnecessary to change the position of the nails when taking into account factors such as body shape in providing people with comfort and easy operating conditions."
" Creating cars for people." This is the starting point for Subaru's engineering, which began with the Subaru 360.When taking the wheel of the Forester pre-production vehicle for confirmation test drive, Mr.Nagano reminisced on the secret motto shared by the staff of the original Forester.
" In creating the package for the first generation Forester we held to the catch phrase, 'Let's create the world's easiest-to-use car.' This car should have the ability to run in freezing weather, the intense heat of the desert and on any road surface, and should also provide a comfortable ride and peace-of-mind for drivers in any country. This was the type of car we aspired to make. Therefore, when the original Forester received worldwide acclaim, we were delighted. I believe that by refining this proven package to suit the new Forester people throughout the world will enjoy this car."
*This was the name of the department that Mr. Nagano belonged to when the Forester was being developed. He now belongs to the other section.
The new Forester achieves packaging that is easy to get in and out of.
Interview with: Kazuya Morota
"With a distinctive body shape and the ability to drive with peace-of-mind even at high speed, as well as features that enable driving into rough dirt roads without hesitation, Subaru has created an interesting product, hasn't it, I thought."
This was the impression left on Kazuya Morota when he first took a prototype of the first generation Forester for a test drive. Mr. Morota, who was stationed in Germany for technical research for four years from 1994,was a member of the test team analyzing the performance of the first Forester on continental European roads and had seen through the Forester's good nature.
" With a high vantage point driving was made easy, and even when driving at high speed the Forester did not experience the wobble associated with cars of high vehicle height. I remember thinking that this car will be sure to please people throughout the world, and of course in Europe, where vehicle speeds tend to be faster than in other regions of the world."
In Europe, where it is not unusual to drive at speeds of up to 100 or 120 km/h even on narrow single lane roads in the suburbs, a high level of driving stability is of great importance. It is possible to say that cars of high vehicle height have disadvantages in these circumstances. However the Forester was getting accepted as an SUV with high vehicle height that can drive like a regular car.
" The car with its concept of a high body with a comfortable ride and stable driving was achieved due to the low center of gravity of Subaru's Horizontally-Opposed engine and AWD. Therefore, the new Forester aimed to further improve these good points and realize an even higher quality drive."
On his return to Japan, Mr. Morota was soon assigned to his new responsibility, to develop the driving performance of the new Forester. He decided to refine some points that he recognized should be improved during his long test experience in Europe.
" Cars with high vehicle height tend to experience more body roll than lower vehicles, as well as being subject to pitching, nose dive and squat. Of course, when compared to other SUVs I can say with complete confidence that the first generation Forester was clearly superior. However, with some work on the suspension, I believed we could increase the driver's peace of mind at high speed."
Mr. Morota focused on making the basic parts of the suspension more solid in order to provide a 'sense of stability'. The part of the rear suspension fixed to the car's body was strengthened. The suspension type strut - the same as that of the first generation Forester - was adopted, however, the detailed portion of the suspension was adjusted. These adjustments have reduced the roll that occurs in situations such as changing lanes on the highway, and have reduced the front/rear pitching that occurs when braking and accelerating. To prevent the suspension from becoming stiffer and the car's ride more uncomfortable, the damping and tuning were adjusted.
" In addition, we re-examined steering-related designs and reduced the minimum turning circle. We developed lighter tires and reduced the unsprung mass. Through these measures we were able to actually enhance the quality of the ride."
Mr.Morota strongly asserts that this ride is clearly a market leader in comparison to the Forester's rivals with similar height. In addition, the Forester's capabilities in daily driving situations, such as the ability to avoid danger in emergency situations and providing peace of mind at high speed are almost equivalent to cars of lower height such as sedans.
" While having the same driving capabilities as a regular sedan, the Forester's minimum ground clearance of 200mm provides peace of mind to drivers on rough roads. This is the performance that we have pursued for the Forester from the beginning, and an important factor in the first generation Forester being acclaimed for its originality throughout the world. Through this model change, the Forester's original concept has been refined even further. People who have driven other high SUVs are impressed with the Forester's advantages after only a very short drive."
Mr. Morota added these strong words to express his desire for people to try the car he developed with confidence.
" If you judge a car based only on the brochure you can only compare equipment and figures. Looked at on this level, the new Forester seems not all that different from previous models. However, when you actually take the steering wheel you can clearly feel the evolution that has taken place."
While stationed in Germany, Mr.Morota gained a sense of the strict standards of Europeans in relation to vehicle evaluation, and that what was important was not the specifications but the driver's peace of mind and a comfortable feeling when actually driving. Therefore, he was confident of using his own senses to determine the feel and flavor of the new Forester without relying too much on numerical data.
The new Forester is one step beyond, and is a machine that faithfully responds to the will of the driver. While the Forester is a product for distribution in the marketplace, what is extravagant about the car is that no effort or cost was spared on areas that can't be seen.
This approach is typical of Subaru's philosophy of creating cars that place the greatest importance on people's senses.
Interview with: Kazuharu Ichikawa
"We have developed an engine best suited to the character of the new Forester. It allows the driver to drive the Forester with ample torque in the full rpm range. Therefore, we would like everyone to see and experience the performance and charm offered by the new Forester."
Kazuharu Ichikawa of the Engine Design Department of the Subaru Engineering Division confidently described the engine performance.
On entering FHI in 1979,Mr.Ichikawa was assigned to the Engine Design Department. Since then, he has been dedicated to the technical development of engines. For over 20 years, Mr. Ichikawa has continued to research the Horizontally-Opposed engine --a symbol of Subaru's uniqueness and perhaps the very basis for Subaru's existence. As such, Mr.?@Ichikawa can probably be considered the 'Meister' of the Horizontally-Opposed engine.
When Mr. Ichikawa was entrusted with the task of developing an engine for the new Forester, he established a target:"How to achieve driving performance that would satisfy the 'Best of Both' character that the new Forester would be endowed with." It goes without saying that users will demand the raw power of an SUV and the smoothness of a sedan. The speed performance of the Forester can be taken as a matter of course. With these issues in mind, Mr. Ichikawa embarked on the development of an engine that would be capable of satisfying these requirements.
Three types of engines, namely, the 2.5-liter NA (natural aspiration),the 2.0-liter turbo engine, and the 2.0-liter NA were prepared for the new Forester. The type of engine placed in each Forester depends on the market the cars are destined for. All three engines have been so finely tuned that passengers will experience a powerful, but comfortable ride unique to the Forester.
The Forester is a model that will be marketed globally. Since traffic conditions and the needs of users differ according to the market, the engines mounted in models destined for a particular market also differ from each other. Such being the background, Mr. Ichikawa first described the 2.5-liter NA engine mounted in models shipped mainly to North America and Australia.
This engine is appealing in that it is consistent with the requirements for driving with power and relaxation. Referring to the engine torque, it generally rises in the low-speed range, drops once in the middle-speed range, and rises again in the high-speed range. Therefore, in order to develop an engine that can run the vehicle powerfully, the drop in torque in the middle-speed range must be eliminated. So, for this engine, we expended our utmost effort on development of the air intake system, exercising our engineering ingenuity on the intake chamber. The intake chamber generally plays a role in eliminating the booming noise of air intake, and this time we improved the internal construction and increased the capacity. Furthermore, another characteristic of the design is the "shortened"connection between the intake chamber and the throttle valve. As a result, the torque in the middle- speed range has been significantly strengthened by fully utilizing the waves generated by the intake. Accordingly, the engine gives drivers peace of mind as they feel the power exerted by the engine in all speed ranges."
While there are rival cars that have enhanced torque in the middle-speed range by adopting technologies such as a variable intake system, the new Forester demonstrates similar capabilities by using a much simpler, more lightweight and compact and lower cost system.
Furthermore, the NA engine is characterized by high combustion efficiency, lower fuel consumption, and clean exhaust gas emission through the adoption of improvements such as increasing the valve lift. Although it is an SOHC engine, the valve layout is close to that of the DOHC engine. Since the engine is capable of exhibiting very high output performance, it can also be referred to as an engine that has cleared various issues and problems.
The 2.0-liter turbo engine is available for the new Forester, it is destined mainly for European markets. Speaking of turbo engines, there is a strong image that such engines are designed and manufactured for sports cars. Against this backdrop, the question arises whether the 2.0-liter turbo engine is befitting the character of the Forester?
The turbo engine mounted in the new Forester is not an engine aimed simply at high output. On the contrary, it is a turbo engine with mild output characteristics. It is so finely tuned that drivers will be impressed with the same ample feeling afforded by engines with larger displacement. Therefore, it is not a turbo engine that has unnecessarily pursued higher numeric ratings and an exciting rise in torque. However there are some Europeans who sometimes look for the speed of a sports car, even in cars such as the Forester. Therefore, the turbo engine was so designed that it is endowed with characteristics that will surely satisfy drivers in any situation.
With the addition of the 2.0-liter NA, the lineup of three engines clearly defines the character of the new Forester. Drivers can relax and enjoy driving the new Forester on any road conditions and in any speed range, anywhere in the world. Since Mr. Ichikawa is the engineer who is thoroughly familiar with the Horizontally-Opposed engine, which is regarded as a valuable Subaru asset, he is keen for fans to experience the performance produced by the engines.
Interview with: Masashi Takahashi
"Our New Theme is Protecting All People Involved with Subaru Vehicles."
Masashi Takahashi, who is in charge of research and experimental activities for safety performance in collisions, pointed out one of the most important issues related to the philosophy of safety that Subaru will be pursuing in the 21st century. What kind of people are involved with Subaru?
" Obviously this group includes people who ride in Subaru vehicles and others in the traffic environment who would be involved in the event of an accident, such as pedestrians. Subaru endeavors to protect such people in any kind of situation. This is what we think in respect to future collision safety. The new Forester can be regarded as the first model developed by Subaru aiming to achieve the ultimate theme just mentioned."
The theme of attempting to protect all people involved in a traffic environment sounds daunting. However, we have entered an era where the incorporation of this kind of collision safety must be seriously considered. Mr. Takahashi describes trends in safety protection up to the present.
" We can say that the period about 20 years ago was an age where collision safety was incorporated in line with regulations. As we entered the 1990s,public disclosure of information that began in North America spread throughout many countries of the world, and this triggered competition between vehicle manufacturers in the area of safety technology development. In this competitive environment, such measures included coping with actual situations taken under more critical conditions. In the meantime, measures were also developed to expand passenger protection, which heretofore had focused mainly on drivers, to include other passengers, particularly children. Now, measures are being developed to cover the protection of not only one's own vehicle and passengers, but also others in the event of an accident."
However, Mr. Takahashi stresses that collision safety is only one factor in overall vehicle safety.
" There are many processes ranging from normal driving conditions to the unstable conditions that lead to accidents. The measures taken to reduce the frequency of dangerous situations arising in these processes are called preventive safety. Preventive safety measures include such things as securing a good field of view, which assures that the driver can clearly see the intended objects, and avoiding taking the drivers attention unnecessarily away from driving controls while driving the vehicle. However, there are cases in which a particular set of conditions may lead to a more critical situation. To handle such conditions, functions are needed that are capable of avoiding accidents. In this respect, Subaru's AWD technology can be said to fully address two processes of "preventive safety" and "accident avoidance capability." However, the question is how to protect people when they are involved in unpreventable accidents. This is the work related to collision safety that we are currently carrying out."
The two fundamental pillars of collision safety are the further strengthening of self-protection and compatibility. How have these elements been embodied in Subaru's latest model, the new Forester?
First of all, the fundamental element is the car's body structure. New Ring-Shaped Reinforced Frames that firmly protect the cabin have been developed further to effectively disperse and absorb the collision energy. A sub-frame has also been added to the front part. The sides were further strengthened to cope with impact applied from the side. Furthermore, active headrests were installed on the front seats to reduce the high incidence of whiplash injury.
" The rear seat is equipped with three-point seat belts for three passengers. For child protection seats, the ISO-FIX approved system with tether anchor which enable to fix the child seat securely with easy operation is adopted. As one of the considerations given to the cabin interior, impact absorbing material was adopted to protect passenger's heads."
What about the latest compatibility?
" We incorporated compatibility into the new Forester from two viewpoints. One involves the vehicles and the other, pedestrians. When a heavy vehicle collides with a light vehicle, damage to the light vehicle is generally greater. Accordingly, what must be considered from the compatibility point of view is the reduction in the extent of damage sustained by the light vehicle in a collision with a heavier one. To deal with this problem, the cabin of the new Forester was comprehensively strengthened, securing the survival space of passengers. On the other hand, the highest frequency of accidents involving pedestrians is the head striking the hood of the vehicle. In this regard, since the Horizontally-Opposed engine can be mounted in a lower position, it is easier for Subaru vehicles to secure ample space between the hood and engine, resulting in the advantage of having a structure that excels in absorbing impact. On the basis of such advantages, the positioning of the engine accessories was partially reviewed. Meanwhile, the module wiper, which is likely to become a factor endangering a pedestrian at the time of an accident, is built to detach and absorb the impact when load is applied to the unit."
Mr. Takahashi did not deny that there is still more work to be done to achieve higher objectives. However, in the course of ever-progressing development of safety technologies, he mentioned that Subaru vehicles must adopt the most advanced technologies, staying even only a step ahead.
" We are thankful to the users of Subaru vehicles in that most of them use a Subaru vehicle for many years. Therefore, we feel that we are obligated to adopt and equip the Subaru vehicles with the best safety technologies available at the time."
The new Forester incorporates safety measures at the highest level available to Subaru.
New Ring-Shaped Reinforced Frames that firmly protect the cabin have been developed further to effectively disperse and absorb the collision energy.
The module wiper is built to detach and absorb the impact when load is applied to the unit.
Interview with: Katsumasa Igarashi and Takayuki Harashima
"Our mission is to provide users with the utmost convenience under all conditions when they are using the vehicles. Therefore, we can assure ourselves that our mission has been successful as long as the users are not inconvenienced when using the vehicles."
Without trying to over-impress the users with "good," Katsumasa Igarashi's task is to constantly work unobtrusively behind the scenes towards improving the vehicle, even to the minutest detail, to make it easier for people to use.
" The daily uses of vehicles differ greatly depending on the user. Some people use cars in ways we find difficult to imagine. Regardless of how the car is used, we aim to build a car that can be used comfortably, without factors inhibiting driving operations. Therefore, the categories we need to check increase and become more detailed, and each item must be checked more thoroughly. We always use our full imagination to conjure up unusual faults or to look for problems that others wouldn't normally think of, such as, 'What happens when the vehicle user has big hands?', 'What results when he switch is operated from the front passenger seat side?', 'What is the result when the it is operated with the other hand?' and 'How might a child tamper with the instruments?' Therefore, how to assess the modifications prepared by the designers from the standpoint of actual usage is a critical checkpoint for us."
Checking new equipment and design becomes particularly critical. The dimpled patterned pad used for the instrument panel of the new Forester provides an example of this evaluation process.
" Since the dimple pad was created as the result of thorough consideration and efforts of designers, we endeavored to respect the design in its original form. However, those items that adversely affect the use of the vehicle from the standpoint of users had to be revised. The dimpled pattern pad resembling the dimples of golf balls is appealing to the eye of the user. However, we had to consider such shortcomings as dust accumulating in the dimples and the difficulty in keeping them clean. To evaluate these shortcomings, several dimpled pads with different patterns were prepared to perform a number of comparative experiments. As a result, the problem was resolved by smoothing out the edges of the dimples."
In evaluating the utility of the new Forester, Mr. Igarashi adopted the motto of a sense of fun and a sense of uniform quality.
" The Forester was originally based on the fun concept. It was highly acclaimed for its convenience because of its many different storage spaces. In the new Forester the minute design detail was given further consideration and new ideas were adopted in many points. Taking the cup holder as an example, in North America large cups are favored and cups such as mugs are often brought into vehicle, so the two cup-holders were both positioned in the center console in consideration for such regional differences. In vehicles for other regions, in consideration of easy use rather than large cup size, one cup-holder is installed in the instrument panel while another is in the center console. The cup holders of vehicles destined for North America had a groove machined into the wall between the two cup-holders to provide space for the handles of mugs so that they can be handled easily. Another feature related to cup holders for North America is the shifting of the parking brake lever to the driver's side to prevent it from interfering with the cups."
Another new idea is to locate a power source in the console box. This is to address the need to charge mobile phones and to adapt to the increased use of electrical equipment in vehicles. However, it was not merely 'installed.'
" A clearance of about 3 mm is provided between the console box and cover. The clearance allows cables to be drawn back into the box from the front passenger seat and rear seat while the cover is closed. Since the clearance cannot be seen with the cover closed, this feature may not be noticed until one actually uses it."
Another feature noticeable around the instrument panel are damper mechanisms built into every cover, including the glove box, the center upper tray, the outer lid of the ashtray, an eyeglass case and the storage space in the overhead console, to facilitate smooth opening/closing.
" These damper mechanisms were adopted from the development theme, 'Sense of uniform quality.' Not only is the mechanism based simply on a sense of high quality, but users are also provided with a one-push operation which fully opens the cover and also minimizes the driver's need to change the line of sight while driving."
Takayuki Harashima, working together with Mr.Igarashi, is carrying out the utility evaluation from an ergonomic point of view. This work includes driving position, vision, visibility, operability and the riding comfort of seats.
" The seats of the new Forester are designed for fitting snugly into the seats and giving firm support while traveling, the result of finely tuning the seats of the previous model Forester. The rear seats are designed so that the area around the knees is more spacious. Therefore, the sense of spaciousness compared to the previous model Forester has been considerably enhanced."
The visibility of the switch panel in particular is a section of the vehicle that Mr. Harashima was concerned about.
" In order to minimize the impact on passengers in the event of an accident, the degree to which knobs on the control panel protrude has been minimized, but to prevent inconvenience to users, we have refined the configuration and operability. The arrangement has also been designed so that all marks on the panel can be readily seen within the driver's field of vision. White markings and the silver background of the panel were ultimately balanced to attain clear visibility."
Basically, the interior design of the Forester has become the same worldwide. The efforts by Mr. Igarashi and Mr. Harashima, which employed their imagination and vision of how applications are used in real conditions, will be further checked by the users around the world in a variety of use environments.
A power source in the console box is to address the need to charge electrical equipment in vehicles.
Damper mechanisms have been built into every cover.
P.D: Hasta este punto toda la información y las fotos las he ido obteniendo de SUBDRIVEN, posiblemente la mejor web sobre el mundo Subaru.
Un Saludo.
SubaXtreme is a specialist manufacturer of Subaru Accessories. Our Business mission statement is,
“To design, test and manufacture quality and innovative products that meet the needs of Subaru vehicle owners”.
Our personal mission is to provide the best customer service possible. Being recreational vehicle users ourselves, we are in touch with the needs of others. For many years we have chosen to drive Subaru vehicles and are always available to pass on our knowledge.
The aim of all our accessories is to enhance what we believe are exceptional vehicles. Our accessories offer enhancements in areas such as, offroad ability, body protection, appearance, performance, personality, practicality and functionality, while still maintaining the benefits of owning a Subaru vehicle. These benefits are reliability, economy, comfort, longevity, performance, safety, practicality, running costs, handling and safety, just to mention a few.
We believe that to obtain the best out of each accessory it needs to be tailor made for each model. To that end, we are committed to designing and manufacturing products, using this philosophy.
Demands on vehicles and accessories, particularly off-road, are high, and failures can be costly and potentially dangerous. For these reasons we are serious about manufacturing high quality products.
If your require a product that is not in this catalogue, please contact us as we are continuously working on new products, and it maybe in the pipeline.
Enjoy your driving.
The SubaXtreme Team
mmmmmmmm, que wapo estos ultimos.......
el soloauto 4x4 hicieron unas rutas en invierno con un forester, con ruedas de tacos. una pena que subaru no quiera el diesel...........
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