Now that the Mitsubishi Evo is no longer among us, the Subaru WRX STI is the only rally-bred Japanese machine that has to fight Europe's rising hot hatches, with the 2016 Ford Focus RS leading that latter's offensive.
While the Blue Oval's compact still hasn't lost its baby teeth, the aftermarket is determined to make the most out of the strengthened Mustang EcoBoost turbo four hear of the car. So far, the Focus has been taken to 375 hp, but, for instance, Hennessey promised it would deliver a 500-pony Focus RS.
Given the Ford's tuning assault, we're here to see how things on the STI side of the aftermarket adventure are. For now, we want to focus (no pun intended) on a US-tuned Subaru that aims to take the game to an area placing this far, far away from the current wildest dreams of Focus RS Mk III tuners.
To put things another way, we're dealing with an STI that delivers no less than 1,200 hp and 908 lb-ft of twist, with the sedan having been taken to the gym by IAG Performance.
The Maryland-based specialist is, unsurprisingly, a company that handles Subaru tuning and servicing, so this isn't the kind of build that can be labeled as a collection of elements coming from various parts of the tuning realm.
As you can imagine, reading the complete list of mods takes a bit of time, so we'll only mention the most important bits here.
We're dealing with an IAG Stage 4 Extreme short engine block, a Manley crankshaft, IAG Stage 5 heads, a custom lubrication system, as well as a custom radiator.
When it comes to forced induction, the boost is provided by a Precision Turbo unit, working with all the required support hardware. Oh, and let's not forget the 3.5-inch exhaust. The ECU may be the stock one, but the hyperpower job required a COBB Tunning V3 Accessport.
The driveline mods include a triple-disc clutch, a carbon fiber driveshaft, a custom gear set for the six-speed manual, DSS Level 5 front and rear axles, as well as Enkei wheels shod in Hoosier Slicks.
This Subaru also comes with matching stopping power, having been gifted with P&L Wilwood Drag Racing front and rear brakes.
The piece of footage below shows the STI proving its output on the dyno - the soundtrack is on the house.
In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist. Full profile
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