"Although the new engine has just about the same figures as the old one, it is indeed an upgrade because the old one had a belt-driven, single-overhead design whereas the new one comes with a more modern chain-driven dual-overhead cam configuration, making it more efficient. Thanks to this upgrade, the car is now one mpg in the city more efficient according to the EPA ratings. In comparison to the old engine, the new one has a larger bore and a longer stroke as the tweaking displacement has grown from 2,457cc to 2,498cc which means that the 2011 Forester is capable of offering an additional four pound- feet of torque at 300 rpm sooner than the old powertrain.
Although the engine has received some minor yet well-deserved updates and improvements, it still is linked to the same old 4-speed automatic gearbox, making this configuration quite similar to what we were used to in the previous generations of the Forester. The new engine is however more smooth and considerably more quiet than the last generation."
This is great news, ...hopefully it will be free from the former engine's head gasket problems. Also, it would be good for the Impreza to get it. Can't wait!
Basia