Think of the new Impreza WRX STi as "a wolf in wolf's clothing," suggested Tim Colbeck, the Asian automaker's head of U.S. sales.
The latest in a line of performance models "race and rally bred," the taut five-door was developed by the automaker's performance and motor sports division, Subaru Tecnica International, which worked closely with rally driver Petter Solberg.
Wider and longer, with shorter overhangs than the last-generation STi, the '08 edition aims to "demoralize the competition," added Colbeck, whether one is driving on the rally circuit, or the street.
With its muscular wheel arches and high rear wing, the design of the STI has been generating controversy, but few will likely quibble with the numbers. In U.S. spec, the STI features a turbocharged, 2.5-liter Boxer engine making 305 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of torque. A Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system helps deliver power to the ground, helping the STI to launch from 0 to 60 in just 4.9 seconds.
Subaru claims the new five-door car features a more refined engine and suspension, but also improved technologies to heighten the driver's experience through outstanding dynamic control.
Among the traction-enhancing goodies: all-wheel drive, new Vehicle Dynamics Control (Subaru's take on a performance stability control system), Driver Control Center Differential, and SI-Drive. The goal, declares a Subaru release: "total driving control."
Stay tuned for more details as TheCarConnection.com gets behind the wheel of the STi on December 1.
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