In addition to those wheels, the Special Edition gains 16-percent stiffer front springs 29-percent firmer rear dampers, stronger rear subframe bushings, and the rear swaybar grows 1mm. It also drops the HID headlights in favor of halogens, drops automatic climate control for manual HVAC and loses the fancy 10-speaker stereo for a 4-speaker item. All that should help keep the cost down around the same $35,690 as the regular STI.

Here's the release:

The 2010 WRX STI Special Edition is aimed at the driving enthusiast who is willing to trade a few amenities to gain an extra measure of handling performance over the already extraordinary WRX STI. Suspension for the new version of this high-performance machine is adopted from the Japanese domestic market WRX STI spec C model, which adds a 1-millimeter thicker rear stabilizer bar, stiffer rear sub-frame bushings plus upgraded and retuned springs. The front springs are 16-percent stiffer, while the rear shocks have been stiffened by 29-percent.

Available in early Spring, the first 125 units of the 2010 WRX STI Special Edition will be painted in exclusive Aspen White, set off by the charcoal-colored 18 x 8.5 in. 14-spoke alloy wheels from the JDM WRX STI spec C. The WRX STI Special Edition will then become a regular production model later in 2010, available in standard colors.

The WRX STI Special Edition was developed by Subaru Tecnica International, the high-performance and motorsports subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. Compared with the standard 2010 WRX STI, the WRX STI Special Edition features halogen rather than HID headlights; a single-disc CD player / 4-speaker audio system instead of the 6-CD /10-speaker system; manual air conditioning in place of automatic climate control, and body color side mirrors.

All other aspects of the WRX STI Special Edition remain as on the standard model, including the 305-horsepower / 290 lb.-ft. turbocharged/intercooled Boxer engine, 6-speed manual transmission and a high level of driver-selectable powertrain- and dynamic handling-control systems. The car's bulged fenders and rear quarter panels, rear gate-mounted spoiler and aerodynamic ground effects give the WRX STI a direct link to Subaru competition cars. The hood scoop, brake-cooling air intakes and engine heat outlets are all functional.

The Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) version of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, which remains exclusive to the Impreza WRX STI, offers three selectable automatic performance modes in addition to six manual center differential locking settings. The WRX STI is in addition equipped with limited-slip front and rear differentials. The Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction control system features three driver-selectable positions. On all WRX STI models, the 18-in. wheels are fitted with Dunlop SP600 245/40R18 tires.

The Brembo Performance Brake System employs ventilated 4-wheel Super Sport anti-lock (ABS) disc brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). Side-curtain airbags and front seat side airbags are standard. The Incline Start Assist feature can momentarily prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when being driven away from a stop on an incline.

There's also this awesome video to see it in action as it doesn't so much drift around the snow drifts as it plows through them.

Ha-ha, you suck American consumer. Once again the JDM market roolz you. 900 STI Spec C's will be cooking the tires all over the Japanese islands and they'll be doing it faster than you silly gaijin. The engine gets an upgraded turbo with better bearings and an ECU recalibration resulting in 304 HP, the suspension gets tighter and the car gets special wheels wearing sticky Potenzas. More power is great, but they also attacked the weight, with thinner windows and lighter body panels and battery. Have fun with that Japan, we'll never see it on these shores.

Reader Lars, who goes by the handle "GRID," designed this incredibly awesome concept of the STI. It's simultaneously realistic in ways normal automaker concepts hardly ever are, while being effortlessly aggressive. The sight lines might leave something to be desired, but we can practically picture ourselves on a desolate gravel road out in the boonies, bombing through the countryside at unsafe speeds.

[GRID]

It's a testament to Subaru engineering and the benefits of aftermarket safety upgrades. The car was outfitted with a harness bar and safety harnesses along with the flashier stuff like a carbon fiber nose, but the driver is probably thanking his lucky stars he'd installed the safety bar. We're glad this Subaru gave its life to save its occupants. Details below:

I got a call from my buddy at 1:30am this morning, I assumed it was drunk dialing and went back to sleep. I guess I was wrong. Apparently when he swerved to miss a deer (NOT SUPPOSED TO DO THAT!!!) the rear end came off the ground, hit a tree, flipped twice, took out a stop sign and another tree. Thanks to a harness bar his and his passengers lives were spared (they walked away). He's a lucky SOB.

(Hat tip to Ed!) [also via FinalGear]

While we're huge fans of both Travis Pastrana and the 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, the two have, in this case, combined to create something incredibly horrible. To be fair, we doubt the rally star actually had much involvement with the vehicle.

The full list of specs reads like a 16-year-old's wet dream. In addition the P**sy Magnet Yellow paint complete with Tonka tire tracks, there's a carbon fiber hood, rear wing and other aero aids. Inside the custom blue interior, there's a ridiculous Kicker stereo sure to highlight the Impreza's thin body panels and passenger seat-mounted, custom yellow Xbox 360 so bad drivers can hone their mad skillz without risking other people's lives.

Under the hood there's a host of unnecessary modifications. The STI is already an extremely fast car that needs much in the way of driver confidence and little in the way of increased mechanical ability.

In fact, the real point of this car seems to be to highlight the range of official tuning parts available through Subaru dealers. We knew we preferred the plain old 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX for a reason.

The full press release follows:

Subaru Designs Custom Impreza WRX STI for Rally Champ Travis Pastrana

PRNewswire
CHICAGO

- Pastrana Won His Third Consecutive Rally America National Championship for Subaru in 2008

- Special WRX STI Fortified with SPT and STI Parts

- Carbon Fiber Hood and Rear Wing

- Custom Interior with High-Power Audio System and Xbox

CHICAGO, Feb. 9 /PRNewswire/ — Subaru of America, Inc. will show a one-of-a-kind Subaru Impreza WRX STI designed for its factory rally driver Travis Pastrana at the Chicago Auto Show, February 13-22 in McCormick Place. Subaru worked with Pastrana to create a brilliant yellow "199" liveried WRX STI to commemorate his third consecutive Rally America National Championship. Pastrana is scheduled to appear at the Chicago Auto Show to sign autographs in the Subaru booth February 14th and 15th.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080325/SUBARULOGO)

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090209/NEM137)

Winner of nine X Games Gold Medals, two for X Games Rally competition, Pastrana's street ride had to be as formidable on the road as his racing WRX STI is on the rally circuit. The Travis Pastrana WRX STI is not only a visual stunner, but also amps up performance capability of the stock production Impreza WRX STI. Vermont SportsCar, technical partner for Subaru and builder of the team's rally cars, customized the WRX STI using an array of Subaru Performance Tuning (SPT) and STI parts, along with unique custom pieces. The SPT and STI engine, exhaust, chassis and interior parts showcased on the Travis Pastrana WRX STI are available for any WRX STI through authorized Subaru dealers.

Travis Pastrana: Rally Star

Pastrana was already a motocross champion and X Games gold medal winner when he launched a rally career in 2003. He began driving for the Subaru-backed Vermont SportsCar rally team in 2004.

On August 5, 2006 Pastrana won the gold medal in the first rally car competition at the X Games and was signed to lead the new Subaru Rally Team USA in 2006. Pastrana secured his third consecutive Rally America National Championship driver's title with a win at the 2008 Rally Colorado round of the championship.

Pastrana WRX STI: Back-Road and Highway Star

Commissioned by Subaru, Vermont SportsCar started the Travis Pastrana WRX STI with a stock 305-horsepower 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX STI. Pastrana's new WRX STI delivers even sharper handling response than the stock model. An SPT front strut tower brace and SPT lower chassis brace help to further tighten handling response. The stock wheels and tires are replaced by BF Goodrich G-Force Super Sport A/S 275/35 ZR18 tires on Work Evolution XD-9 18 x 9-in. wheels in custom satin black. Red STI Brembo brake calipers with white "STI" decals are visible behind the spokes.

The rally-bred WRX STI exterior design lights up with custom yellow paint and graphics. The carbon fiber hood and carbon fiber rear wing are unique to the Pastrana's WRX STI. As on the stock production WRX STI, the functional hood scoop streams outside air to an intercooler. The Sport Mesh Grille is available for all WRX STI owners. Likewise, the STI front chin spoiler and the exhaust finishers are available through Subaru dealers. A set of PIAA 2100 HID driving lights and rally-spec mud flaps underscore the aggressive rally-bred design of the 5-door WRX STI.

Engine Compartment

Under its custom carbon fiber hood, this WRX STI is equipped with a number of modifications including a performance-tuned ECU and custom Down Pipe to unleash a bit more power from the DOHC 2.5-liter intercooled turbo Boxer engine. A turbo boost gauge facilitates tuning. The SPT billet aluminum battery hold-down and billet aluminum oil cap are rendered in the trademark SPT blue color.

Interior

The custom blue Alcantara interior upholstery, the trademark of the original U.S.-spec WRX STIs, is accented with Pastrana's traditional yellow piping and "199 Pastrana" embroidered logos in yellow thread to match vehicle exterior. Likewise, custom yellow stitching is used to accent the steering wheel, shifter boot and parking brake handle boot. An STI short-throw shifter provides an even more direct connection to the 6-speed manual gearbox. Carbon fiber patterned interior trim highlights the dash, doors and console. A rally map light and co-driver foot rest bring a bit of Pastrana's Subaru Rally Team USA car into his new street WRX STI.

During a rally, Pastrana listens to a continuous stream of navigation commands from his co-driver. In his new custom WRX STI, he can listen to anything he wants — loudly. The audio system is based on an Eclipse AVN 6620 navigation/DVD/CD/MP3 stereo head unit and uses Kicker amplifiers and speakers, including:

* Kicker ZX700.5 4x75 watt and 1x400 watt stereo amplifier
* Kicker RS65.2 6.5-in. component speakers, front
* Kicker RS56.2 5.25/6-in. component speakers, rear
* Kicker Solo-Baric L5 10-in. subwoofer in a custom subwoofer/amplifier enclosure

An Xbox 360 is also mounted under the front passenger seat, rounding a package that is as entertaining as its owner. Pastrana and his co-driver can play the Colin McRae DIRT video game using custom yellow controllers.

Michigan is home to both the start and end of the yearly RallyAmerica racing circuit. The 2008 season came to an end in Houghton, Michigan last October at the Lake Superior Pro Rally. The fresh 2009 season begins anew here in Atlanta, Michigan during the dead of winter.

Snowmobiles and 4x4 trucks aren't just a convenience in Atlanta - they're a necessary facet of life. Good thing we were locked, stocked and two smoking cameras while rolling in our Roush Propane-powered F-150. This time we were pushing giant steamroller tires on chrome wheels as the factory hides met a smokey demise at an earlier date.

The rally went down as a classic snow rally with plenty of snowbank-Plinko and lots of off-course sliding. Spectators were quick to jump in and assist when drivers chose to jam their cars firmly into the stout, powdered walls. Our rookie favorite of last year Kyle Sarasin was stuck in an old front wheels-driven Mitsubishi Eclipse after his previous yellow Subaru-wielding team was disbanded. The title of Most Jalopnik Rally Car of this event was taken by Greg and Tom Woodside in their turbo 1987 Dodge Shadow.

After a short battle with Travis for the lead, Ken Block was knocked out in the first day with a mechanical failure as a result of a minor crash. Travis Pastrana and Christian Edstrom secured the first place finish while Tanner Foust and Co-driver Chrissie Beavis locked in the second rank in their Hyundai Tiburon. Andrew "ACP" Comrie-Picard and Marc Goldfarb snuck into third place after fighting against some handling problems in their Mistu Evolution IX. BMX baddie Dave Mirra pulled in a strong 6th-place finish.

Keep an eye on our RallyAmerica tag as we'll soon be following up with an exclusive behind the scenes look at Subaru's Rally Team, a full HD video of Sno*Drift and Travis and Ken's In-Car video. We're stuffing our hatchbacks in preparation of the 100 Acre Wood rally in a few weeks time located in Salem, MO. Press on regardless!

Partial Photo Credit: Alex "Tater Salad" Conley

As of this writing, the WRX-S and the STI 330S are "go" for limited production by way of Prodrive. Of course, our speed-addled minds only want to know about the 380S. Well, according to Subaru, the car is at least six months from public availability, and even then, subject to public demand. So all you hooligans out Great Britain way, feel free to let 'em hear your pleas.

HIGH-PERFORMANCE HAT-TRICK FROM SUBARU

* Three new high-performance Special Edition Imprezas
* 255 PS Impreza WRX-S at £22,495 OTR
* 330 PS Impreza WRX STI 330S for around £30,000 OTR
* Ultimate 380 PS Impreza WRX STI 380S concept

Subaru has scored a high-performance hat-trick for the British International Motor Show with the launch of no less than three new Special Edition new-shape Impreza models - two of which can be seen at the show.

All receive Prodrive engine upgrades plus comfort and styling tweaks, giving enthusiasts an unprecedented choice of sporty Subarus.

The 255 PS Impreza WRX-S costs a highly-competitive £22,495 while the 330 PS Impreza WRX STI 330S will be priced at around £30,000 (both on-the-road). First deliveries are expected in September.

Still in concept stage is the 380 PS Impreza WRX STI 380S which could become available within the next six months pending positive customer response.

Visitors to the show (July 23 to August 3, ExCeL, London) can see both the STI 380S concept and the WRX-S on Subaru's stand N23.

Impreza WRX-S Offers More Power And Style
Based on the new Impreza WRX, the 'S' model offers £4,500 worth of extras for a £2,500 premium, costing £22,495 OTR.

Banbury-based Prodrive has re-programmed the 2.5 litre 'boxer' engine's ECU (electronic control unit) and modified the exhaust system. This sees power leap from 230 PS at 5,200 rpm to 255 PS at 5,400 rpm while the torque improvement is even greater, growing from 236 lb.ft at 2,800 rpm to 287.6 at 3,000 rpm - a staggering 51 lb. ft more.

Maximum speed remains at 130 mph but the 0-60 mph time drops from 6.1 seconds to 5.5 seconds. Naturally, in-gear flexibility is greatly enhanced.

The new Impreza WRX-S also boasts 18x7.5 ins anthracite GT1 alloy wheels with 225/40 tyres, an STI front grille, STI front lip spoiler and STI rear wing and body-colour tailgate moulding.

Also standard is a MOMO 'Air-Race' gearknob while the colour choice is between San Remo Red, WR Blue Mica, Obsidian Black Pearl and Satin White Pearl.

Standard equipment on the Impreza 2.5 WRX-S includes front and rear spoilers, side skirts, a rear diffuser, leather-covered steering wheel, all-wheel drive, a rear limited-slip differential with Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control, 10-speaker, six-disc radio/CD player and xenon headlamps.

Impreza WRX STI 330S Brings Back The Burble
The new Impreza WRX STI 330S also benefits from a Prodrive Performance pack with modified ECU and exhaust system - this time with paired twin 90 mm diameter stainless steel exhaust pipes to bring back the burble so loved by 'scooby' fans.

Power goes up to 330 PS at only 5,400 rpm compared to the 300.5 PS at 6,000 rpm of the standard model.

Torque is boosted from 300.2 lb ft at 4,000 rpm to 346.6 lb ft at a lower 3,400 rpm making for an even swifter, effortless driving experience.

Top speed is the same 155.3 mph but the 0-60 mph time drops from an already swift 4.8 seconds to only 4.4 seconds.

Expected to be priced at around £30,000 OTR, the new Impreza WRX STI 330S has an especially luxurious specification - even compared to the already well-equipped standard STI which costs £26,595 OTR.

Upgrades include leather-covered Recaro front seats, satellite navigation, Smart-entry and push-button start.

Visually, the new special-edition sports new five-spoke 18x8.5 ins alloy wheels wearing 245/40 R18 tyres. It will be available in the full range of STI colours.

Standard equipment on the Impreza WRX STI includes a six-speed gearbox, Si-Drive giving three different engine response modes, a Multi-mode Driver Control Centre Differential, Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control and - of course - symmetrical all-wheel drive with front and rear limited-slip differentials.

Show-Stopping WRX STI 380S Concept
Sure to be a crowd-puller is Subaru's range-topping special edition Impreza WRX STI 380S which previews at the London International Motor Show.

Dubbed a concept, the STI 380S could reach dealers within six months pending positive response. Its final specification will be finalised following customer input and will be hand-built to order.

The STI 380S will include a complete engine rebuild by Prodrive with many up-rated components to reliably achieve the target 380 PS.

Improvements over the standard Impreza WRX STI will include uprated suspension and exhaust system plus an enhanced body kit.

Other visual changes will be the option of either gold or silver-coloured 18x8.5 ins BBS alloy wheels with 245/40 tyres.

Subaru has begun testing its WRX STi Spec C — a rally-inspired take on the WRX that should put it on top of the WRX performance pecking order. The spec C promises to be the most extreme, stripped-down WRX variant, with lighter weight construction likely shedding 150-200 pounds. Engine upgrades are expected, as is a higher-performance braking system hiding behind the spec C's trademark white-painted wheels. Visually, there are subtle differences between the Spec C and standard STi models, most notably the redesigned rear diffuser.

The image comes from Japanese magazine CarTop, and is claimed to be a hardcore Spec C testing on the Nürburgring. We're a bit skeptical because there appears to be no attempt whatsoever to disguise the car with any sort of camouflage. Real or not, the sad fact is that we may not even get the Spec C version on American shores when the rally star does make it to production.
[Nihon Car via Speedhunters]

On those body tweeks, it looks like Subaru is the latest to fall victim to the ridiculous fender vent trend. We thought you were better than that Subaru. We can't wait for Rex's to start showing up with Buick-inspired fender vents at the evening drive-in. [Carscoop]

Suitability Parameters:
Speed Merchants: Yes
Fashion Victims: No
Treehuggers: No
Mack Daddies: No
Tuner Crowd: Yes
Hairdressers: No
Penny Pinchers: No
Euro Snobs: No
Working Stiffs: No
Technogeeks: Yes
Poseurs: No
Soccer Moms: No
Nascar Dads: No
Golfing Grandparents: No

Also Consider:
• Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
• BMW 135i
• Lotus Elise/Exige
• Volkswagen R32

Vitals:
• Manufacturer: Subaru
• Model tested: Impreza WRX STI
• Model year: 2008
• Base Price: $34,995
• Price as Tested: $39,440
• Engine type: 2.5 Liter DOHC Boxer Four
• Horsepower: 305 @ 6,000rpm
• Torque: 290lb/ft @ 4,000 RPM
• Red Line: 6,500 RPM
• Transmission: 6-speed manual
• Curb Weight: 3,395 lbs
• LxWxH: 173.8" x 70.7" x 58.1"
• Wheelbase: 103.3"
• Tires: 245/40 18
• Drive type: AWD
• 0 - 60 mph: 4.8 seconds
• 1/4-mile: 12.7 seconds
• Top speed: 155 MPH
• EPA Fuel economy city/highway: 17/23 MPG
• NHTSA crash test rating: N/A

Also see:

• 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One

• 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part Two

Acceleration: ***
Below 4,000rpm, you've got nothing, above that it flies, but a 4.8 second 0-60 time is now unremarkable in this class. Whilst hooning, you're working the gearbox hard and never notice the turbo lag, everywhere else, you do. In sensible mode, it never becomes easy to pull away smoothly, making you hop and jerk like a 16-year old just learning how to use a clutch.

Braking: ****
Competent and confidence inspiring, if somewhat unremarkable. The relationship between gas and brake pedals makes for easy, intuitive heel and toeing.

Ride: ***
Abysmal, but nothing less than what you'd expect from a car of this caliber. On the plus side, the STI always feels in control, no matter how rough the road gets, just keep a firm hand on the steering wheel. It also has a reasonable ride height, which means you wont be grinding out the undercarriage on every driveway lip and speed bump.

Handling: ****
Ultimately extremely capable, but pushing it hard initially requires an unnatural level of trust as the chassis lacks that nth degree of feedback. The STI rewards a firm, experienced hand like few other cars while still providing plenty of thrills for the inexperienced, and it never feels like it's going to bite.

Gearbox: ***
Notchy, requiring a firm, accurate throw. The clutch is suprisingly light, which, if it weren't for the engine's lack of fervor at low rpms, would make for easy stop-start driving.

Audio: *****
It's not the radio that makes this car sound special, it's the engine. Since when did 4-cylinder turbo boxers sound this characterful and just plain special? The stereo with Aux input sounds pretty good too, but you won't want to turn it on, it covers up the engine noise.

Toys: ****
Right where you'd expect to find an iDrive knob or climate controls in a lesser vehicle, the Subaru features a knob to adjust the throttle response and a switch to adjust the degree to which the differential locks up. In fact, the only thing keeping the STI from a five star rating is the painful lack of a manual intercooler water spray button and Active Yaw Control. Oh, and if tweaking the throttle and differential settings ever gets old - trust us, it won't - the touch-screen sat/nav system works pretty well, too. There's an acceleration meter located somewhere in the depths of the touch-screen, but it's gimmicky and we prefer trusting the seat of our pants.

Value: ***
At $39,440 with BBS wheels and sat/nav, the STI isn't the performance bargain it once was. Still, this level of performance doesn't come any more practical. If you're prepared to put up with the harsh ride, road noise and turbo lag, you could get away with using it as an everyday car. A BMW 135i is similarly priced and more luxurious, but lacks both the space and pace. A Lotus Elise would provide a similar thrill level, but has only seats two and starts at $46k. Crucially, however, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution comes in about five grand less than the Subaru.

Overall: *****
More than the sum of its parts, the 2008 Impreza STI offers a truly special drive, all the more so for its numerous foibles. It's refreshing to find a vehicle this rewarding in such a compact, practical body. The controversial looks will keep it from mass-market acceptance, but don't be afraid to take the plunge, it'll flatter and reward both mediocre and experienced drivers by offering a package that's always safe and fast, but ultimately somewhat challenging to get the most from.

Also see:

• 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One

Palm Springs is kind of like Las Vegas without the seediness. A desert oasis that attracts people looking for golf and happy-ending-free massages rather than poker and hookers. It's still the kind of town where every fourth car costs more than your typical friendly, deprecating hotel staffer will earn in a lifetime of fluffing pillows and decanting fruity cocktails. Up here, on 74, where the views are beautiful and the driving better, the cars that the citizens of Palm Springs own are out in force, ferrying their over-the-hill occupants up and over the long way out of town.

But today, the STI and I don't have time for old men possessing Ferraris or driving their Porsches badly. Today, we've got ground to cover and the tools to make it happen. Quickly.

When I say I drove the STI backwards, what I mean is that pulling out of the hotel parking lot, I switched the throttle mapping into Sport Sharp, the differential to max, the traction control off and gunned it. By the time we reached the first hairpin, the STI and I had already found the rev-limiter and arrived at an agreement. I was going to drive it hard, and it was going to let me.

At about 4,000rpm, the turbo starts spooling up and the STI begins to make real power. Its mad rush forward is accompanied by a roar from the intakes in front of you and a scream from the four exhausts behind. But up here, with the throttle to the floor, there's not time to appreciate the 2.5L boxer's glorious howl. Hairpins arrive sooner than expected, demanding hard braking. The rev-limiter arrives faster—once the engine gets going, get ready to shift. Heel and toe, normally blunted by the decay caused by lack of practice, falls into place, of necessity.

Ten minutes in and the frustration I've felt driving slower cars through New York City or the cramped confines of the Catskills is completely gone. Reawakened are the reasons I do this, and the reasons I don't. Rounding a fast right-hander in third, then fourth gear, pushing all four wheels to hold the line, I pass an unexpected overlook on the left. Gathered are at least a dozen motorcycle cops, stopping for an afternoon coffee. Speed allows only a glance, but it's long enough to see heads turn in the kind of synchronicity usually reserved for Wimbledon. My mind's eye pictures sprayed coffee as well, but the rest of me is already at the next corner, struggling to hold the throttle steady to the apex. Speed is my friend, keeping me safe from whatever lies behind. Far behind.

Turn right off route 74, and 234 will take you through Idyllwild and back down to I-10, scarcely pausing for a straight along the way. You come out about 20 miles from Palm Springs, about an hour later. Making this either the slowest, or fastest trip I've ever taken.

Onto Los Angeles' main east-west thoroughfare and into plain old Sport mode, the differential adjusted for straight-line stability. The sat/nav reads 99 miles and nearly two hours to go. It takes me four.

Enraged by the six or so hours they spend in a car every day, LA's population doesn't much like being held up at much below 80 once the snarls and bottlenecks clear. Traffic flows fast out here, requiring a readjustment from the East Coast's overbearing slowness. Back home, driving something this red with this many bulges at anything near 80 mph would be unthinkable, a literal beacon for every state trooper lurking by the roadside. But, speed is still speed and red is still red, even in California. I take it relatively easy; my self-imposed speed limiter is set at 85.

That's not much slower than I was taking those hairpins on 74, but there I was focusing on the road. Here, stuck in traffic I'm focusing on the car. The wide, grippy tires snare every ripple and rut, pulling the car along with them. The suspension bounces and crashes along those same imperfections. Keeping the STI in a straight line requires a firm hand and quick reactions.

Apparent now too is the engine noise. On the highway it's an ever present grumbling, adding to the road noise emanating from all four tires.

Evaluated subjectively in this environment, the STI would fair poorly. The engine's too peaky for easy speed changes, the ride is just plain awful, and you can't hold a cup of coffee with one hand and steer with the other. A pot hole could send you off the road. But, I drove the car backwards, getting the opportunity to see it in its most favorable environment - the mountain road - first. Right here, on the highway, in traffic, the STI sucks, but overriding every bad input is the memory of the magic this car is capable of. Every jolt, every groan, every floored throttle with no acceleration just serves to remind me of what the STI can do when its in its element, and for that I love it.

Part Two will appear on Monday, stay tuned.

Photography: Grant Ray