DRIVE TO BELIEVE - SUBARU IMPREZA WRX STI CAR

Once more Australia rounds off the World Championship, after three days of flat-out gravel action on the roads around Perth. The stages contain a unique 'ball-bearing' surface, which disadvantages the first car on the road that is forced to sweep up the 'marbles' for everybody else following behind. Most of the western Australian forest stages are lined by trees very close to the side of the road - meaning that any mistake invariably results in a substantial impact. While the weather is normally hot, rain showers are not unheard of: another fascinating twist to what is always an intriguing and popular event. Many people take advantage of the sunshine to stay on for a well-earned break at the end of a long and tough season. The rally concludes with the world-famous Bunnings Jumps: arguably the most spectacular photo opportunity of the year!

IMPREZA WRX STI SEDAN 2006 The STI leaves no stone unturned. Everything from a 300 horsepower turbocharged boxer engine to a Brembo performance brake system; this car is fully-loaded. Standard Features 300-hp 2.5-liter DOHC intercooled, turbocharged boxer engine 300 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) High performance sport-tuned 4-wheel independent suspension Brembo performance brake system Daytime Running Lights (DRL) 140-watt 6-speaker premium audio system with 6-disc in-dash CD changer Automatic climate control 17-inch BBS wheels STI-design front seats with fixed integrated head restraints and embroidered STI logos Remote keyless entry system Antitheft security system

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 will be sold '04 model. 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, 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 wate...