With each succeeding generation of vehicle development, there seems to be an irresistible law by which auto companies are compelled to enlarge and refine their model lineups. Year after year, lithe and lean offerings become larger, heavier, and slightly softer. Glancing at Subaru’s press release, one might think the same fate has befallen the legendary Impreza WRX STI.

With that worrying thought in mind, we packed our bags and headed to the Tokyo Motor Show, where Fuji Heavy Industries was to unveil the new STI and get us behind the wheel of the Japanese domestic market (JDM) model on Fuji Speedway, a 2.8-mile road course that had recently hosted Formula 1’s Japan Grand Prix.

And so it was with delusions of Lewis Hamilton-like greatness in our heads that we fiddled with our helmets and chatted excitedly while watching a brace of STIs whir into pit lane. As we stood by, it was impossible not to note how much more powerful the STI appears than the standard WRX. Subaru has given the model sheetmetal-level changes for the first time, and the impact is immediately evident. Previously, this top-shelf Impreza relied solely upon aerodynamic add-ons (wings, flares, etc.) to convey its range-topper credentials, but this is the most radically differentiated STI yet.

CLICK HERE to continue reading this review of the 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI.

Magazine Issue: Winding Road Issue 28