New Subaru Impreza WRX Goes on Sale in Japan, 2008 WRX STI Details Emerge

TOKYO — The new Subaru Impreza WRX goes on sale in Japan this week as a late 2007 model, and already a few details have emerged about the high-performance STI version, which won't be officially revealed until the Tokyo auto show in October.
The Subaru Impreza WRX five-door hatchback (known as the Impreza S-GT in Japan) features a turbocharged 2.0-liter version of the Subaru boxer-4, and it produces 248 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. When this car is introduced to the U.S. this fall as a 2008 model, it will have a 2.5-liter iteration of this engine that produces about 225 hp and 226 pound-feet of torque.
The high-performance 2008 Subaru WRX STI is expected to remain under cover until the Tokyo auto show, but already a few key facts have been leaked.
As expected, the STI engine will be calibrated for about 300 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. It will be available only with Subaru's current six-speed manual transmission. Subaru is giving up a slight edge in technological wonderment to the 2008 Mitsubishi Evo X, which will feature an optional twin-clutch sequential-manual gearbox with steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles.
Apparently the STI will have to wait for a trick transmission until a new twin-clutch design from Aisin arrives in time for a mildly updated Impreza in 2009.
Meanwhile, Inside Line has learned that the WRX STI will look slightly different from the new WRX shown here, featuring a hood scoop, grille and front airdam that will improve airflow to the high-output engine. Fender flares will accentuate 18-inch wheels, while the current Brembo brakes will be carried over. You can also expect some performance tuning of Subaru's all-wheel-drive system, and naturally the suspension setup will be calibrated for more extreme speed.
Finally, a set of high-bolstered sport seats will keynote an upgraded interior treatment.
What it means to you: As different as the new Impreza looks, the WRX package is pretty familiar, and apparently the same can be said of the STI. Does this mean there's a hot-rod diesel in the Impreza's future?