Yeah yeah, I’ve heard it all before. “Is that the new Honda Civic?” or, “it looks just like an Evo,” just doesn’t cut it after you’ve seen the 2015 Subaru WRX STi in person. Especially the Launch Edition. That shimmering WR Blue Pearl paint matched with those iconic gold BBS wheels took me back to the WRC cars of old and I couldn’t help but fall in love all over again. Of course you hated it at first, but everyone hates the new STi at first.

Everything about the new STi is new except one major component… the engine. But don’t fix it if it ain’t broke, right? You are still getting the same 305 boxer rumbles as before but they are now complimented with 67% faster steering response, a race tuned suspension, 16% less body roll, and a big Brembo brakes. Now all of those numbers are surely nonsense until you drive one but we can be almost certain that it’s a completely new animal than the previous gen.

The special part about this one is that it is the extremely limited Launch Edition. That means you would only be one of a 1000 that will have Subaru’s signature Pearl Blue paint and gold BBS rim combo. You will also get the exclusive blue accented interior, keyless entry/start, and an STi short shift with upgraded bushings. So rest assured, owners of the Launch Edition will remind you that they are extra special for spending their $38,000.