Snow banks, sand dunes, river crossings and gravel pits are familiar territory to the Subaru Impreza WRX STi. Flip though any Subaru catalog, visit any nationwide dealership or cruise through any rally website and you'll most definitely catch a glimpse of an airborne STi mere milliseconds after it has rocketed off of an embankment.
Watching in-car footage of WRC driver Petter Solberg or ex-multi champion Tommi Makinen is akin to being witness to one of the greatest automotive ballets ever -- with their fluid inputs and the STi's resulting response bordering on unbelievable. Developed and refined through years of competition in the World Rally Championship, Subaru's top dog is best known for two things -- getting dirty and blasting through forests sideways.
Born in mud, the STi packs years of off-road success into one street-ready platform. A potently turbocharged four-cylinder engine, active all-wheel drive system, lightweight forged wheels and a healthy Brembo braking setup -- all have Subaru's rally interests to thank. But the beauty of all-wheel drive is not saved for rough surfaces alone. As can been seen in the Super Taikyu, Grand-Am, USTCC, and Speed World Challenge ranks, Subarus are also at home on racetrack asphalt. The STi's turbo engine can be tuned to deliver big power; big brakes and light wheels are always good on a racetrack; and all-wheel drive can help deliver monstrous corner exit acceleration. No matter what surface you look at, the STi can deliver.
For the complete story on this track ready STi, pick up the October 2006 issue of Import Tuner, on newsstands now!