Straightline

It sounds like Subaru may be borrowing a page from Japan where they offer a Forester model called the Cross Sports; think lowered Forester turbo with some styling and aero tweaks... In any event, many Subiephiles Stateside have been wishing for just such a vehicle over here. It looks like their wish may come true, or at least something very close to it.

According to someone in the know, we will be getting a Forester Sport (Cross Sports?) next month. It's a somewhat de-contented Forester XT, with the JDM Cross Sports grille and front bumper. It also gets VDC on automatic versions, and Anthracite black cloth seats. Colors are black, Urban Gray and WR Blue (WRX/STI blue). Note the picture is actually a mocked up '06 model, showing tan leather seats, which this model will not have.

Gone are the XT's leather seats, roof rack cross bars, power driver's seat, heated mirrors, front windshield deicer and fog lights. Sounds a bit like a XT TR model (in WRX-speak)l, if you ask me.

So the good stuff remains: turbo, 17" wheels—and a lower price than the current XT. It's rumored to debut at the SEMA show, which starts October 31.