The only surprise here is this is actually a reasonable move on Amtrak's part. By the time Amtrak is able to fund (as in get Congress to give them taxpayer's money) and upgrade the line to 22 mph, the 160 mph equipment being bought now will probably be ready for rebuild or replacement anyway.

The jump from 160 to 220 mph is subtantial as far as design requirements. You also have to resolve the safety issue. Current US regulations demand equipment to be heavier for wreck survivability, but this in turn requires heavier suspension and more power to maintain the desired acceleration and top maintained speed.

To have a true European or Asian style HSR system in the United States, the thinking has to change that there are only reasonable improvements to increase survivability with priority being placed on accident prevention. Think of airliners - there is no way they can be made strong enough to survive most collisions or crashes and still be light enough to get off the ground.

This whole US HSR concept needs to be changed into offering 90-150 mph trains in corridors that can be justified. IF these become overrun, then a dedicated 220 mph system might be justified. Do anyone reasonable really think that the many people riding the San Joaquin will suddenly pay the extra money for a HSR train ride? Remember Amtrak couldn't even keep the overnight train up the coast going.