I’ve finally had a chance to slide my fat behind into the driver’s seat of Mitsubishi’s much awaited Evo X. Unfortunately, time only allowed a very short blast through mid day Toronto traffic, but it was enough to make a bit of a comparison with the Subaru STi following a similar short trip in that monster machine.

Our ride today was a 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X GSR, with the 5 speed manual. The car is a pre production model that is destined for the mandatory crushing that PT units receive after they’ve been flogged repeatedly by anyone who has the opportunity. This particular car has seen media road tests, track days and heavy road use. The clutch is releasing fairly high in the travel due to many, many drivers launching it hard. Still, the drivetrain hooks up and leaves no question as to the potential of the beast.
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It has been a while since we’ve checked in with Matt and the boys at Garage 419 and their twice weekly brand of hard core car video. In today’s edition, Dirty Gene Sanchez shoots “>Matt Farah while Matt gets up close and personal with the newest versions of Subaru and Mitsubishi’s modern pony car warriors.

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As I mentioned on the weekend, the 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STi has finally arrived in stores. I know that many folks are iffy about the switch to a hatchback format, but I think the car looks great. The only complaint I have is the front fenders end too abruptly, looking more like a homebuilt GT-3 car rather than a world class rally car.

Gallery after the break
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I just got back from a vary quick blast in a 2008 Subaru WRX STi! On cold, salty roads it’s hard to get too much of a feel of a car. Suffice it to say that the thing is very fast. Autocrossers will like the super short first gear, followed by a slightly longer second. The shift throws are one of the shortest I’ve seen in a production car.

Unfortunately, I don’t have my camera with me today.

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At the LA Auto Show yesterday, Subaru announced pricing for the long awaited STI version of the Impreza. The 305 horsepower super hatch will hit US showrooms in January for $34,995. Fully loaded with BBS package and Navi, the STI will fetch $38,795.

Given that the 2007 STI retails for $48,995 here in Canada, it will be interesting to see where the price point falls on the north side of the border. One would think that execs at Subaru and Mitsubishi will be keeping close tabs on where their arch rival prices their rally star.

Get the full vehicle details after the break
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