Combining the 2.5L turbocharged powerplant from the WRX STI with the Forester's roomy platform, the Forester XTI show car is one of the highest-performance SUVs this side of a Cayenne. Due for debut at the 2008 SEMA next week, the Forester XTI also lays claim to a 0-60mph (96km/h) time of less than 5 seconds.

A cat-back exhaust system from the Subaru Performance Tuning (SPT) catalog boosts power by 15hp (10kW) and 10lb-ft (13Nm) over the stock STI's rating. Beyond the 315hp (235kW) and 300lb-ft (406Nm) of torque thanks to its rally-bred turbocharged boxer four-cylinder, the XTI also offers a host of custom appearance and performance accessories.

Built in conjunction with Practically Wicked, the Forester XTI features what Subaru calls "the full STI treatment", meaning the entire STI drivetrain, including the Driver controlled Center Differential, 18x8" wheels shod with super sticky Yokohama Advan Neova tires, an adjustable coil-over suspension, Brembo brakes and Super Sport ABS and electronic brake distribution.

The appearance mods include a custom 'Atmospheric Re-Entry' paint scheme, front lower spoiler and sport mesh grille from the Subaru accessory catalog, plus a JDM body kit that includes side skirts, rear fascia and a gate spoiler. Inside, the XTI gets leather and Alcantara sport seats, a unique instrument cluster, custom front dash and center console, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.