I don't think there were any trim levels on the STI hatch, but the standard amenities made it closer to the Limited Sedan than the Base, sans moon-roof of course.

No, that's not what I'm saying. Both companies share platforms, engines, and parts between models. But one of the companies has global sales of 800K, and the other has sales of 9.5M. The difference in volume is at least an order of magnitude.

But in all seriousness, good luck! More Jalops is always a good thing. Hopefully your children will share your interest.

AutoZone......really? You're relying on autozone non-oem parts to attempt to prove that VWs aren't expensive to maintain? Sorry, I'm trying really hard not to laugh. I was comparing OEM part MSRP's. The only reason I'd use ANY non-oem part is if I was planning on selling the car immediately afterwards.

This one is rated as having better image quality sans IR LED's, for a similar price.

Like the altearnator? MSRP $600 at VW (or $1733, I'm not sure what the difference is between the Bosch and the Valeo), vs MSRP $520 for Subaru. Starter? $810 bucks at VW, $410 for Subaru. Air Conditioner compressor? $1081 at VW, $600 at Subaru.

Nein. I've found the parts for the STI to be surprisingly reasonable.

Every 2014 STI and most WRX's (except the base trim) come with the All-Weather package standard, which includes heated seats. So unless they decided to remove it for the 2015 model (which I doubt, because the photos of the STI and WRX have the 2 switches in the same place), you clearly don't know what the hell you're…

Pretty decent. It's not a GoPro by any means, but it's certainly sufficient at its purpose and main goal (i.e. covering my ass in case of an incident).

I just had this one installed on my car today:

I thought I saw the rear wheels spinning for a moment in one of the frames, could be wrong though. Is the Escape AWD system essentially FWD with rear wheel assist, like the Rav4/CRV, or is it a full-time system?

Sedan, yes. Hatch/wagon, disagree.

Wrong color, but I forgive you because your heart was in the right place.

Can you explain your math? I'm getting the difference in aerodynamic drag between 265mph and 270mph is roughly 70-80hp, depending on frontal area and air density. Even taking drivetrain loss into account, your numbers seem........excessive.

It's skeptical because you can't provide any alternate sources of information other than your say-so, and as much as I like you and your commentary here, it's far from sufficient as a 'proof'.

The full car should make its debut soon at the Geneva Motor Show, but the world seems to think it will be powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four with something like 220 to 250 horsepower, proper Quattro all-wheel drive, and a six-speed manual.

That is a fantastic shade of blue. Any idea what the specific name of the color is?