SINGAPORE: Motor Image, the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in Singapore, unveiled new variants for its Forester sport utility vehicle line-up consisting of the GT Edition, e-Boxer and a one-off Forester Ultimate Customised Kit Special edition at the Singapore Motorshow 2020.
The special edition Forester is the second GT Edition model in Singapore by Motor Image following the XV GT Edition.
The new special was created in collaboration with renowned engineering company Giken Co. Ltd and former Subaru Corporation global advanced design studio head and chief designer Masahiko “Jack” Kobayashi.
Kobayashi was responsible for the exterior design of more than 12 Subaru production models, including the legendary WRX STI.
The special edition aero kit has been slapped with a front bumper lip extension, side skirts, roof spoiler and a rear bumper lip extension.
These are complemented by a set of 18-inch bespoke alloy wheels while boasting of bespoke leather upholstery inspired by German and British cabins of high-performance grand tourers.
Completing the equipment package of the Forester GT Edition is a new 8.0-inch Display Audio System with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity as well as a 360-degree Around View Monitor (AVM) system.
All that gets mixed in with Subaru’s Core Technologies that include its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, 2.0 naturally-aspirated Boxer engine, Subaru Global Platform and EyeSight Driver Assist Technology.
Kobayashi, now an independent designer, originally trained and practised as a fashion designer in Tokyo before graduating with a degree in Transportation Design. In his 25-year career with Subaru, he was known as the ‘hit-maker’.
After designing numerous successful models, including the original Outback, which was the world’s first sports utility wagon, several generations of the Legacy and Impreza, the current WRX and WRX STI sports saloons, the Levorg sports tourer and the first-generation XV.
Giken is an award-winning engineering company founded in 1964 which holds numerous patents in Japan, South Korea and the United States and has established itself as an industry leader in the design and manufacturing of technological and material handling systems.
The company has been known as a well-known global supplier of aero-parts and other passenger car components to Subaru and other major Japanese car brands.
Also on display is the Forester e-Boxer that’s been equipped with a mild-hybrid system that combines battery-powered electric motor assistance to go along with the 2.0-litre naturally aspirated Boxer engine and symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.
With its new hybrid system, the Forester e-Boxer has been touted to now offer smoother and better accelerative qualities along with enhanced off-road capabilities and higher overall efficiency in both city and highway driving conditions.
To take on the weight its newfound hybrid components, the Forester e-Boxer vehicle’s undercarriage has been strengthened of help maintain the driving qualities commonly associated with its non-hybrid Forester model variants.
Just for laughs, the Subaru booth also featured a one-off Forester Ultimate Customised Kit Special edition (not-for-sale) that was fitted with unique aesthetic fixtures and fittings including wheels, body-wrap, blacked-out headlights and taillights while the cabin featured Alcantara and leather combination upholstery among others.
Visitors to the Singapore Motor Show (2020), held at the Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre from now until Jan 12, can take part in giveaways at the Subaru booth.
By liking the ‘ILOVESUBARU’ Facebook page or by following the official Subaru Asia Instagram account (@subaruasia), visitors can redeem a Subaru file.
Those who take photos with the Forester GT Edition and Viziv Adrenaline concept and post them on Facebook or Instagram (with #ILOVESUBARU) get to redeem a Subaru highlighter.
Also, a pair of Russ Swift Show tickets can be redeemed with every purchase of SGD$50 worth of Subaru merchandise.
Keyword: Singapore Motorshow 2020: Subaru Forester GT Edition and e-Boxer launched