Photo: Subaru
You can all boo and hiss now because that much-rumored 2015 Subaru Forester STI is just a pipe dream at the present moment. Some teaser pics surfaced back in October, depicting an STI-fied Forester, but that particular machine proved to be just a warmified tS variation of the Japanese SUV.
For the unknowing, tS is the next best thing in terms of get-up-and-go after STI-branded cars. Nevertheless, don’t think for a moment the SJ-generation Subaru Forester tS is not exciting. As a matter of fact, the newest model from the Japanese manufacturer is a pretty exciting overall package.
Thoroughly engineered by the Subaru Tecnica International skunkworks that also gave us the mighty WRX STI, it pains us to tell you that this Forester tS thingy will be produced in just 300 units, all of them to be sold only in Japan. Yep, it’s pretty unfortunate we won’t get it the the States, Europe, China, nowhere except the Land of the Rising Sun.
The gods of burning rubber, high-octane gasoline and rallying made the Subaru Forester tS happen
Just like we suspected when we saw the teaser shots over a month ago, there’s not 2.5-liter WRX STI engine under that long, sleek bonnet, but the DIT 2-liter boxer powerhouse of the Subaru WRX S4.
Unlike the 300 hp and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) WRX S4, the Forester tS makes do with 276 hp and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft). A stick shift would’ve been really nice, but the current-gen Lineartronic CVT is good enough for a family-oriented model such as the Forester tS. As for other mentionable elements, all four 19-inch BBS forged alloy wheels hide 17-inch ventilated disc brakes and a 15 mm suspension drop.
A unique transmission control unit and engine control unit, joined by a reprogrammed traction control system Subaru calls Vehicle Dynamics Control. As you can see in the photos attached below, the interior gets the go-faster treatment as well. As for pricing and availability, Subaru is saying the order books are open until April next year, with prices starting at ¥4,350,000 (€26,000 or $36,000 at current rates).
Thoroughly engineered by the Subaru Tecnica International skunkworks that also gave us the mighty WRX STI, it pains us to tell you that this Forester tS thingy will be produced in just 300 units, all of them to be sold only in Japan. Yep, it’s pretty unfortunate we won’t get it the the States, Europe, China, nowhere except the Land of the Rising Sun.
The gods of burning rubber, high-octane gasoline and rallying made the Subaru Forester tS happen
Just like we suspected when we saw the teaser shots over a month ago, there’s not 2.5-liter WRX STI engine under that long, sleek bonnet, but the DIT 2-liter boxer powerhouse of the Subaru WRX S4.
Unlike the 300 hp and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) WRX S4, the Forester tS makes do with 276 hp and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft). A stick shift would’ve been really nice, but the current-gen Lineartronic CVT is good enough for a family-oriented model such as the Forester tS. As for other mentionable elements, all four 19-inch BBS forged alloy wheels hide 17-inch ventilated disc brakes and a 15 mm suspension drop.
A unique transmission control unit and engine control unit, joined by a reprogrammed traction control system Subaru calls Vehicle Dynamics Control. As you can see in the photos attached below, the interior gets the go-faster treatment as well. As for pricing and availability, Subaru is saying the order books are open until April next year, with prices starting at ¥4,350,000 (€26,000 or $36,000 at current rates).
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