I was thinking - if you want to release a full STI version, it would be worth testing it to make sure all the new suspension and braking components work seamlessly upon launch.
And what better way to do that than to release 500 copies of an almost-STI version in Japan? Japan is a friendly market that will accept the higher price for that kind of limited edition, and buyers will be less likely to complain if some of the parts need tweaking. They simply needed to hold back the horsepower upgrades for the big launch. Since many Japanese FS buyers will likely upgrade horsepower and track their cars, they will get real world data on how the parts perform under stress.
The tS thus makes a perfect test bed for the global release of the 2015 STI. Makes complete sense to me. I wouldn't be surprised if the STI was just the tS with more horsepower and maybe some carbon body panels. I just hope they go with a 2.5 liter for the power, as it will keep the drivetrain simple and light.
And what better way to do that than to release 500 copies of an almost-STI version in Japan? Japan is a friendly market that will accept the higher price for that kind of limited edition, and buyers will be less likely to complain if some of the parts need tweaking. They simply needed to hold back the horsepower upgrades for the big launch. Since many Japanese FS buyers will likely upgrade horsepower and track their cars, they will get real world data on how the parts perform under stress.
The tS thus makes a perfect test bed for the global release of the 2015 STI. Makes complete sense to me. I wouldn't be surprised if the STI was just the tS with more horsepower and maybe some carbon body panels. I just hope they go with a 2.5 liter for the power, as it will keep the drivetrain simple and light.
