It's no secret. The US automotive market misses out on some pretty cool cars. Even cars that are offered here have special editions and performance model versions of the standard stuff we normally get are skipped here. So when I found out that the Forester would no longer be offered in the US with a turbocharged engine option, I knew we'd be keeping our 2018 Forester XT in our stable a little longer. And when I found out Japan has a "tS" model of the Forester, I had an idea of what to do with our family hauler.
The Forester tS Project
In Japan, there are several tS models that have been made over the years. "Tuned by STI", these tS models don't typically enhance the engine package like the full STI treatment gets, but are more focused on suspension, aerodynamics, and other things to sharpen the focus on performance. In the case of the JDM Forester tS includes uniquely-tuned dampers and coil springs, lowering the ride height by 15 mm, 19-inch Enkei wheels, and Brembo brakes with four-piston calipers at the front and 2-piston calipers at the rear. There's also a slight body kit that adds some definition to the lower portion of the bumpers and side skirts. Inside there are upgrades such as the STI logo on the leather-trimmed steering wheel, CVT gear knob and instrument gauge, leather and suede trim, red stitching, STI embroidery on the seats, red STI push-button start and black roof liner.
Most of the items are dress-up related. What caught my attention was the suspension and braking upgrades that could improve the driving dynamics of our USDM Forester XT. For transforming ours to earn the "tS" badge, I'm combining the parts list of the Japanese Forester tS with some "sensibility" for our family's daily use. I don't want to sacrifice ride quality, especially given the local roads where I live, but I do want to sharpen up the handling. A little extra flair outside could be fun, too... but I don't want to go overboard and invite challengers at every red light.
Round one for our transformation is adding a little of both. In the styling department, we've switched to a Sport Grille up front, a "tS" badge replacing the "XT" badge on the rear tailgate, and some quad-tipped exhaust borrowed from my STI. Also borrowed from that car is a stiffer rear sway bar that replaces the thinner one from the Forester quite nicely. I've already noticed in hard cornering that the front end doesn't understeer as easily and the whole car seems to stay more planted in the curves. It's been a nice improvement to the driving dynamics and the extra touches outside have helped give it a little more presence in a sea of Crossovers on the road. Plus the primary driver (my wife) doesn't seem to mind the improvements, which means I haven't sacrificed comfort in the name of performance either.
