yes, it does. in 2001, when the wrx arrived, what was there for performance domestically? it was the end of the f-body, the mustang wasnt exactly the beast it is right now, and of course, there was the corvette, which wont ever go away......ever. holler if i missed anything.
so, here come a 230 hp 4 cylinder, and all of a sudden, the mustang is in the same league? props to the ford guy for only taking 3 years to kill that idea. (cobra = graemlins/thumb.gif )
mitsu sees the success that the rex is enjoying, and for some reason, even thought at that point the evo had been around for something like 5 or 6 years, they decide now would be a good time to bring it. they did, and about 7 hours later the sti is unveiled.
meanwhile, the gm guys are thinkin, "wow, the high hp version of the impreza (which is sold in oz, too) is doing pretty well in yankee-land. maybe this here monaro would work too."
and for good measure they decided to up the hp on every rear drive performance application they make, and thusly put the four bangers out of range for some time to come.
loose tie ins? ill give you that. am i reading a bit into things? maybe. is it all that far fetchad? maybe not so much as you think. im not saying all of this is becasue of my little ole' car, but it does seem mighty coincidental, doesnt it?
or maybe ive just spent too much time talking to marks sister.......