More “GT models” to come after Subaru Forester GT launch at the Singapore Motor Show



The veil was just lifted off the new Subaru Forester GT at the 2020 Singapore Motorshow, after our media preview following its first appearance at the Taipei International Auto Show in December last year.

Subaru GT Edition cars are designed in close collaboration between Giken Co. Ltd., and Mr. Masahiko ‘Jack’ Kobayashi, who is the former Chief Designer at Subaru Corporation. Jack’s portfolio over the years include 12 different production Subarus, including the halo WRX STI.

Pictured here is Mr Kobayashi

In a brief chat with Mr Kobayashi, he also confirms that more GT Edition cars are coming, but he declined to confirm which models they will be.

All around the exterior of the car is a new aero kit that consists of a front bumper extension, side skirts, a roof spoiler, and a rear bumper extension. The GT Edition Forester also gets bespoke 18-inch alloy wheels.

For now, Subaru says there is no plan to sell the GT Edition kit separately for the current Foresters.

Inside, a new two-tone seat design differentiates it from the regular Forester. There’s also a new generation infotainment screen in here. While it may be the same 8-inch head unit, the resolution has been improved and it has a few new features like the All-round View Monitor 2.

It offers a 360-degree view of the car, and as the Forester and XV both share the older screen, it will be introduced as a running update to both models in Malaysia around March this year.

As for the existing models, they can retrofitted with the new head unit at a price, although it isn’t disclosed just yet.

Underneath the new GT kit is the 2.0i-S EyeSight variant so you get the same features except those mentioned above. LED DRLs give it an unmistakable road presence at all times, while the rear tail lights are shaped to resemble the pistons on a boxer engine.

There is a powered tailgate with memory function, while true to its offroad aspirations, there are headlamp washers as well.

As mentioned, the EyeSight system makes an appearance here too. Twin cameras pointed to the front of the car enable Pre-Collision Braking and Throttle Management, Lane Sway and Departure Warning, as well as Adaptive Cruise Control and Lead Vehicle Start Alert.

Other systems like Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Blind-Spot Detection also finds its way onto the car.

However, yesterday during a short test circuit we were introduced to two new features, the Emergency Rear Braking and a new parking guidance system for reverse parking.

Subaru has no plans to introduce the former to our market, though, as its cost outweighs its utility, according to their studies.

Under the hood, the Forester GT will have a 2.0-litre Boxer engine pumping out a healthy 156 hp and 196 Nm torque which is the same as the other variants. It is partnered to a 7-speed Lineartronic CVT gearbox, and power is sent to all four wheels.


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Subaru Forester GT