2004 Subaru WRX STi

First, the original 227-horsepower WRX. Then, the 271-horse Mitsubishi Evolution. Now, Subaru ups the ante in the compact-sedan wars again--with the 300-horsepower WRX STi. Don't confuse it with the 2.0-liter/ 286-horse STi sold in Europe since 2002; the car received substantial remodeling on its way to our shores and will be sold here as an '04 model.

The intercooler draws fresh air directly from an oversize hood scoop.

All Imprezas get a facial from the front doors forward. The more handsome and aggressive look comes courtesy of Peter Stevens, who (among other things) designed the McLaren Formula One supercar. The new front fascia shuttles air to the brakes, and the massive basket-handle rear wing provides effective downforce. In order to deliver the torque levels American buyers demand, the STi's flat-four (now designated E525) goes from 2.0 to 2.5 liters and gets variable valve timing plus drive-by-wire throttle. A larger-than-WRX-spec air scoop and intercooler help the IHI turbo feed the engine up to 14.5 pounds of boost. A driver-activated sprayer system shoots two-second spurts of water onto the intercooler to reduce charge-air temps. Just as important as the 300-horsepower rating is an equal torque output that peaks at 4000 revs. Those who drive the freeways will appreciate the standard six-speed manual trans; no automatic will be offered.

The black/blue color combo is exclusive to STi; Ecsaine fabric is cool, grippy, and seats are superb.

One of the STi's trickest bits is its Driver Controlled Center Differential. In automatic mode, it maintains a 35/65-percent front/rear power split. The driver can also select a manual mode, which, via a thumbwheel on the console, offers six levels of center differential locking (up to 50/50). There are limited-slip diffs front and rear.

The cabin is essentially standard Impreza fare, augmented with grippy-yet-comfortable sport seats, cool aluma-look trim, a meaty leather-wrapped Subaru World Rally Team steering wheel, and revised instrumentation that puts the tach front and center. It's curious, however, that there's no audio system. Subaru says this weight-saving move is in keeping with the car's rally-inspired persona.