[DanM]

I suspect the no LSD/Recaro seats in Canada for MY05 is just an availability thing. You're right, it's not a safety issue or anything. I just don't think they're making very many at all this year, and don't have much to spare to send to Canada.

In MY06, there will be 3 engines; 2.2L NA 145hp, 2.0L SC 205hp, and the new one will be a 2.4L NA 170hp. The current 205hp supercharged will still be the most powerful engine in MY06. No need to wait for anything there.

Edit: and in your case, I'd buy one now. That's what I did. Think about it this way - no better engine to wait for, so forget that. LSD + seats will be about a $2000CDN package. Maybe more. Personally, I don't want the seats. If I find out next year that I really want the LSD, I can buy the part and have it installed for probably around $2500CDN, so it's not a big loss.

Up to you though. If you really want that LSD, you'll have to wait.

 

[DanM]

The general concensus seems to be that when they say 'two new powertrains', they're referring to something else. Ie, both the coupe & sedan may get the 2.4L. Or they could be talking about a 2.4L with a manual trans and a 2.4L with an auto trans. Either way, the 2.0 SC will still be the top engine.

Whether the LSD is worth it is gonna depend on how hard you drive the thing. If you're going to be driving it hard, taking off hard, zipping around corners, or if you want to AutoX it or something, the LSD will be nice. If you're going to drive it 'normally', I don't think it's necessary. The average driver wouldn't notice the difference between having an LSD and not having one.

I still say if you don't care about the seats, it's not a huge deal. The LSD+Seats package will be $2000 CAD (ballpark). You will be able to buy the LSD from a dealer and have it installed for not a whole lot more than that later, if you decide you want it anyway. Of course you won't get the seats, but you said you don't care about that....

I don't have mine yet. I wish. It's still on order.