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LAS VEGAS, Nov. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Subaru of America, Inc. is showcasing high-performance concepts, along with a group of specialty tuner and race vehicles at the 2008 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center Nov. 4-7. Among the vehicles spotlighted in the Subaru SEMA display are a 2009 Forester XTI and the WRX STI featured in the upcoming 'Fast and Furious 4' film.

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Subaru upped the ante in the street performance arena for 2009 with a thoroughly revised 265 horsepower Impreza WRX. This year's WRX, in 4-door or 5-door models, hits the tarmac with more boost, power and a fully retuned suspension. On display at the SEMA Show this year is a new WRX upfitted with SPT parts, 18-inch wheels and a radical paint scheme.

The Forester XTI Concept combines the versatility of the all-new Forester 2.5XT with the all-out performance of the Impreza WRX STI. Forester was recently named MOTOR TREND magazine's Sport/Utility Vehicle of the Year for 2009.

The magazine applauded the new Forester's combination of performance, utility, comfort, safety technology and value in giving it the award. MOTOR TREND editor Angus MacKenzie, citing the judges' unanimous decision, said, 'The Subaru Forester is the SUV for our times.' In other award news, the Subaru 2.5-liter turbo Boxer engine -- variations of which power Impreza, Forester, Legacy and Outback models -- was named 'International Engine of the Year' by a global panel of 65 judges.

Following is a rundown of the Subaru specialty vehicles for the 2008 SEMA Show:

2009 Forester XTI Concept

Can a vehicle be both wicked and practical? The Subaru Forester XTI answers with a roomy interior and a lot of turbo boost. This concept for an ultra-performance crossover utility vehicle inherits the full STI treatment. STI (Subaru Tecnica International), the high-performance and motorsports subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., excels at designing race and street cars and the XTI concept blends both.

The 'Wicked' Forester starts with more menacing styling, which is set off by a custom Atmospheric 'Re-Entry' paint scheme. The front spoiler and Sport Mesh Grille are right from the Subaru Genuine Accessory catalog and are joined by a JDM body kit, including side skirts, a rear valence and a gate spoiler.

Built by Subaru of America technicians, the crew started with the engine and entire drivetrain from the WRX STI. In the Forester XTI, a custom stainless steel cat-back exhaust by Subaru Performance Tuning (SPT) helps to raise output of the 2.5-liter intercooled turbo engine to an estimated 315 hp (from 305 stock) and an estimated 300 lb.-ft. of torque (from 290 stock). As in the WRX STI, power flows through a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission and the Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) version of Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The DCCD system offers three selectable automatic performance modes in addition to six manual differential-locking settings.

The 18 x 8-in S204 forged alloy wheels are by STI and are wrapped in Yokohama Advan Neova 255/40R18 performance tires. The Forester XTI Concept also features the powerful Brembo brakes from the WRX STI, with 4-piston front calipers and 2-piston rear calipers, along with Super Sport ABS and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). Inside, the STI treatment adds leather and Alcantara sport seats, a special instrument cluster, front dash and center console and leather-wrapped steering wheel.

'Fast & Furious 4' WRX STI

Coming in June 2009, the debut of 'Fast & Furious 4' features a muscled up Subaru WRX STI in the thick of the action. In this fourth installment of the successful film series, lead character Brian O'Connor (played by Paul Walker) is released from prison and helps the Feds bring down a heroin ring. His ride? A very special WRX STI patterned after the World Rally Car Concept.

A Vellside body kit and hood give the WRX STI a sinister look, reinforced by custom black and silver paint with red pin striping by Jack's Auto Body. Eukei NT03+M wheels mount 285/40 R18 Continental Sport Contact 2 tires.

The movie car features a mostly stock factory powertrain, with a Perrin intake, Cobb Tuning ignition and 3-in. Cobb exhaust to unleash a few more horses from the 2.5-liter turbocharged / intercooled Boxer engine. A twin-plate clutch and Vellside shifter reinforce the drivetrain, which retains the stock DCCD Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.

The Fast & Furious interior gets a rally look and feel with Vellside seats and steering wheel, a custom rollcage and Takata seatbelts. The movie arrives in theaters June 12.