Subaru Tecnica International seems to have really found a market for its new "Tuned by STI" tS limited edition models. Even if this Forester tS isn't quite as extreme as the Impreza we saw yesterday it certainly shows that enthusiasts are willing to spend a bit more to gain a more sporty feel from their Subaru. Just like the Impreza the tS Forester is sold out, most of the cars having been snapped up in less than a month since their introduction late last year. Having not seen one yet I took these pictures of a customer car as it was in for maintenance at the STI headquarters in Mitaka.
Like the Legacy and Impreza that came before it the Forester tS gains only handling improvements in the form of a Flexible Tower Bar, STI tuned dampers with unmistakable pink springs and a series of chassis and suspension stiffening supports to tighten up the handling.
STI half leather half alcantara seats spice up the interior…
…while the tS badge at the rear identifies this Forester's exclusivity.
17-inch STI wheels and small front and rear bumper spoiler upgrades inject visibly more aggression to the SUV's lines. If the concept we saw at the STI stand at the Tokyo Auto Salon back in January is anything to go on, the next car to get the tS treatment will be the Exiga.
-Dino Dalle Carbonare