Caught for the first time on the Nürburgring test track in Germany, the 2009 Subaru WRX STI looks as though it has enough upgrades to quiet the uproar over the standard model's tepid styling. Although the prototype in question still had some camouflage over the front and rear fascias, there are notable changes in store for the next-generation WRX STI.

If it's the chrome-trimmed nose of the WRX that offends you, then you'll be happy to know that the STI should arrive with a more stylish snout. From the looks of these prototypes, the WRX STI will get a mesh grille in place of the standard WRX's egg-crate design. With tape over the trim, it's hard to tell if the chrome strip will get tossed, but we do like the monochrome look of the prototype, so we can only hope for something similar in the production model.

There's a slightly different shape to the grille opening, but it's not considerably bigger than that of the standard model. It looks as though the foglights have been tossed aside as well, so this STI mirrors the layout of the current model. We wish we could say the same about the fender flares. Although the prototype does have bigger flares than the WRX, they aren't quite as exaggerated as they are on the current STI.

Another element of the current STI that has been toned down is the rear wing. Clearly the hatchback can't incorporate a real wing, but the small spoiler above the rear window is surprisingly modest.

Subaru seems to have put more of its time into the exhaust setup, as this prototype sports a very Germanic-looking set of quad tailpipes. Four pipes and four cylinders — interesting concept.

Nothing about this prototype gives any hints about horsepower. We're expecting the same turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-4 as before, but output will probably jump to between 320 and 330 hp. A six-speed manual will be the standard gearbox, with some reports suggesting a new sequential gearbox as an option. Given that Mitsubishi is going with a similar arrangement for the next Lancer Evolution, it's not much of a stretch to think Subaru will do the same.

Article key :  Subaru WRX STI, Subaru, Germany, New Car, 2009