SUBARU is showing off its ultimate Impreza WRX, a six-speed all-wheel-drive road-rocket. There will be two versions available in the United Kingdom, the standard STi and a special edition STi Prodrive Style with special spoilers, grille and front bumper, from Prodrive, the UK-based rally car engineers and designers.

It is too early for prices, but these will be available in good time for the January, 2002, on-sale date.

Both models will arrive in the showrooms with smoked glass, projector beam headlamps, bigger bonnet air intakes and a single large-diameter rear exhaust pipe. Where they will also differ from the regular WRX is with the special gold-coloured spoked alloy wheels, colour-keyed sill spoilers and an interior featuring blue suede-effect seats with model logos and red stitching for the steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake lever.

Up to 80 per cent of the STi's all-alloy engine is new compared to the standard turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cam boxer unit as fitted to the regular Impreza WRX.

There is a maximum power output of 261.5bhp at 6,000rpm and 253lb.ft of torque at 4,000rpm. The new models will be able to scorch from 0-60mph in 5.2-seconds.