Subaru has been caught out and about testing a new, high-performance take on its venerable WRX STI all-wheel drive, rally-bred sporting five-door. Dubbed the WRX STI Spec C, the car was snapped in Germany in a town near the famed Nurburgring as well as on the "Green Hell" itself. Differences from the standard WRX STI are subtle, but visible. The new silver-colored rear diffuser is the most obvious revision, though the white twelve-spoke wheels also differentiate this test mule from the standard car.
Should the WRX STI Spec C follow past versions sold in Europe and Japan, we can expect some significant weight reduction via fewer interior niceties and the use of lighter weight materials in the vehicle's construction (earlier reports indicate an aluminum hatch, thinner glass, and a lightened roof). More power and bigger brakes are also likely to be on the playlist, keeping true to the Spec C's track-oriented theme, and you can expect a sportier interior with a smattering of Spec C badges.
Will the Spec C finally come to the U.S.? That's anyone's guess at this point. A quick glance at history would indicate it will not, but with the WRX's continued success in America, Subaru must be wondering if it can afford not to bring its top performer stateside. Meanwhile, we're waiting for news on what the Spec C's lap times are coming in at. Be sure to keep it tuned to Motor Trend Online for all your Subaru WRX STi Spec C updates.