2007 L.A. Auto Show
The 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STi stands apart from the regular WRX with blistered fenders, functional hood air scoop, perimeter lower-body skirts, and standard rear roof spoiler.

The latest version of Subaru’s hot-shot Impreza WRX STi greeted North America barely 30 minutes after its redesigned arch rival, the Mitsubishi Evo X, made its New World debut. All Imprezas are redesigned for 2008, but the STi is the sportiest and most powerful model. The costliest too, with a starting price of just under $35,000. The 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STi comes only as a four-door wagon, unlike the regular “Rex,” which also offers a sedan body style. Both have all-wheel drive, like all Subarus.

A turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with horizontally opposed cylinders returns with various adjustments to produce 305 horsepower, up 12 from the previous STi, and 290 pound-feet of torque peaking at slightly reduced revs for greater low-speed flexibility. A six-speed manual transmission remains mandatory. Stability/traction control is now standard, and adds driver-selectable Normal, Traction, and Off modes to tailor handling characteristics for road and/or track.

Serving the same purpose is a new Driver Controlled Center Differential with three automatic modes and six manual settings for varying the AWD’s front/rear power split from the default 49/51 percent. The front and rear differentials are limited-slip types. In addition, the STi engine includes Subaru Intelligent-Drive (SI-DRIVE), basically an electronic controller that alters throttle response and torque delivery through driver-selected Normal, Sport, and Sport Sharp modes. Other new STi dynamic features include an aluminum-intensive front suspension with inverted struts (the Evo has a similar setup), an independent rear suspension (part of Impreza’s 2008 redesign), and specific 18-inch alloy wheels enclosing Brembo-brand ABS disc brakes.

2007 L.A. Auto Show
The 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STi has a starting price of just under $35,000.

Outside, the STi stands apart from the regular WRX with blistered fenders, functional hood air scoop, perimeter lower-body skirts, and standard rear roof spoiler. It also gets exclusive interior touches, such as sport front seats with leather bolsters and suede-like Alcantara centers and a three-spoke tilt/telescope STi steering wheel. Options are limited to front fog lights, 18-inch BBS forged-alloy wheels, and a navigation system.

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