The Spec C edition has a mildly tweaked bodykit, including a rally-inspired roof scoop and the brand’s trademark gold alloy wheels. Most importantly, though, it has lost a lot of weight. As with previous generations of the Spec C, the newcomer gets a lightweight roof, aluminium boot, compact 12V battery, thinner glass and a smaller fuel tank. The revisions shed around 70kg from the STi’s kerbweight, so the Spec C tips the scales at 1,400kg.

Power upgrades for the 296bhp 2.5-litre turbocharged flat-four are expected to be minimal, but when combined with the weight reductions, the Impreza should rival the Evo X MR for performance. The 2008 STi Spec C is due to hit Japanese showrooms later this year.