Under the hood, though, it's less exciting. It appears that the standard JDM Forester XT's 2-liter turbo direct-injection engine, making 276 hp compared to the JDM WRX STI's 303 hp, is paired only with the Lineartronic CVT (which is fitted with a transmission cooler and a specially-programmed control unit, for whatever that's worth). So no matter how legit the rest of the kit is, this is no track-day machine.
On the other hand, the tS is a nice-looking wagon, and STI worked on the suspension, engine calibration, and bolted up Brembo disc brakes with 19-inch BBS wheels (the latter a proud Subaru performance tradition). Strut tower bracing and a rear subframe support could make cornering entertaining, but unfortunately the tS is fitted with 245/45 R19 Turanza E33s, which isn't the most aggressive rubber Subaru could have gone with. The appearance mods? They're admittedly sharp. The tS gets its own front and rear spoilers, an exclusive black roof spoiler, and a model-specific front grille with the classic STI cherry-red striping. And of course, there's the requisite sprinkling of badges and upgraded materials inside, including handsome black leather-and-alcantara seats with red stitching.
On the other hand, the tS is a nice-looking wagon, and STI worked on the suspension, engine calibration, and bolted up Brembo disc brakes with 19-inch BBS wheels (the latter a proud Subaru performance tradition). Strut tower bracing and a rear subframe support could make cornering entertaining, but unfortunately the tS is fitted with 245/45 R19 Turanza E33s, which isn't the most aggressive rubber Subaru could have gone with. The appearance mods? They're admittedly sharp. The tS gets its own front and rear spoilers, an exclusive black roof spoiler, and a model-specific front grille with the classic STI cherry-red striping. And of course, there's the requisite sprinkling of badges and upgraded materials inside, including handsome black leather-and-alcantara seats with red stitching.
300 will be produced for the Japanese market. Just like the last Forester tS, which debuted in 2010 and was also limited to 300 units, the 2015 Forester tS should sell out without any issue.
