Subaru shows off Asia-only Forester GT Edition

The extraordinary SUV is now much sportier, designed exclusively for Asia 

SINGAPORE – Motor Image, the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles across eight markets in Asia, today unveiled the new Subaru Forester GT Edition. This special edition Forester is the second GT Edition model created by Motor Image. It was created in close collaboration with Masahiko “Jack” Kobayashi and the esteemed engineering company Giken Co. Ltd.

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Kobayashi was the former Chief Designer (Head of Global Advanced Design Studio) at Subaru Corporation and was in charge of the exterior design of more than 12 Subaru production models, including the legendary WRX STI. 

The special GT Edition aero kit has four well-made and integrated elements, giving the rugged yet refined Forester a sleeker and even sportier look: front bumper extension, side skirts, roof spoiler, and rear bumper extension. 

These features are complemented by a set of bespoke 18-inch alloy wheels. It also boasts its own seat-leather design inspired by the cabins of high-performance grand tourers from Britain and Germany. Completing the equipment package of the Forester GT Edition is a new 8-inch Display Audio System with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and a 360-degree Around View Monitor camera system, enabling drivers to park and maneuver with ease. 

Tailored specifically with Motor Image’s in-depth understanding of the market, Kobayashi’s expertise and Giken’s experience, the Forester GT Edition is expected to be a game-changer for Subaru in Asia. 

An extraordinary SUV that does it all, the Forester GT Edition comes with four hallmark Subaru Core Technologies – Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Boxer Engine, Subaru Global Platform and EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. 

“I am happy to bring Giken and Kobayashi-san back for our second bespoke GT Edition project. Some people feel that the Forester over the years has become a little sedate and mainstream. Now, it no longer is. With its sharpened design all-around, we are positive the sporty and stylish Forester GT Edition will stand out wherever it goes. I hope our customers will find the design of the Forester GT Edition befitting of the time-honored GT badge and I look forward to working on the next GT Edition with them,” said Glenn Tan, Deputy Chairman and Managing Director of Tan Chong International Ltd. Tan Chong International Ltd. owns the Motor Image Group of companies. 

Kobayashi originally trained and practiced as a fashion designer in Tokyo before graduating with a degree in Transportation Design. Throughout 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. He also designed several generations of the Legacy and Impreza, the current WRX and WRX STI sports saloons, the Levorg sports tourer and the first-generation XV. He is now an independent designer. 

Giken is an award-winning engineering company founded in 1964. Holding numerous patents in Japan, South Korea and the United States, it has established itself as an industry leader in the design and manufacturing of technological and material handling systems. Giken is a global supplier of aero-parts and other passenger car components to Subaru and other major Japanese car brands. 

The Subaru Forester GT Edition will make its first public appearance at the Taipei International Auto Show in December 2019 followed by the Singapore Motorshow in January 2020. It will then make its Southeast Asian debut at the Bangkok International Motor Show in March 2020 and the Manila International Auto Show in April 2020. Subsequent market launches will be announced at a later date.