The WRX STI is just about the most versatile platform to come out of Japan in the last century. Whether it be rally, autocross or even a touch of time attack, the STI can do it all, and do it brilliantly. At the time, many of Kyle’s friends owned Evo’s brining on the hunt for something different, sparking a love for the Hawkeye WRX STI. Purchasing the WRX brand new in 2007, Kyle has spent most of his time since then trawling the internet for rare and discontinued parts, which brings us to what we see today, a WRX STI that encapsulates that early 2000’s Japanese style, a unique sight in the Bay Area, where Kyle currently resides.
Kyle’s WRX is a catalogue of brands you will have heard of, or should have heard of. It is the result of a car that has been thought through from start to finish, not thrown together like a six-dollar subway. The ways in which each part works in unison with the next is what makes this WRX the best sandwich you’ve ever had. One of the more prominent modifications done to the car is the Voltex wide body, extending the tack width by 40mm front and rear. Extending the track width this dramatically can sometimes clash with the cars overall stance, however in this case it is nicely tied together with the Voltex front bar, side skirts, canards and diffuser.
One of the most prominent part of any WRX is, you guessed it, the hood scoop. Since the beginning of production the WRX has always sported a hood scoop, becoming an iconic feature of the model. However in Kyle’s case, this has become a redundant feature of the car, with the intercooler moved to the front of the car, Kyle has replaced his with the ARC variant. Matching the ARC front mount intercooler of course.
A more controversial modification to the car is the removal of the STI rear wing. The STI wing is debatably one of the nicer factory features, however the choice of a Do-Luck carbon fibre Low-Mount Spoiler is best suited to the aggressive Varis lines and styling of the car. Paired with this is the Do-Luck carbon fibre trunk, paint matched to the car, a subtle but neat addition.
Like any well executed build, the smaller, less obvious details are the ones that help bring the car together. There are a number of these on Kyles WRX, from the Japanese variant clear markers, headlights and visors, Genki tail lights and Craft Square mirrors. To the APR carbon fibre license plate surround.
With wider guards, comes the need for wider wheels. This has been taken care of perfectly with the forever safe choice of 18×11 Volk TE37’s wrapped in Falken Azenis RT-615K’s. Originally coming with grey faces, Kyle was after something different, this resulting in polished lips and faces matching the Carbing 11-Pt Roll Cage, complimenting the car perfectly.
Holding the TE37’s on are a set of BC Coilovers paired with swift springs, Stanceparts Front & Rear Cup Kit, Cusco front strut bar, Carbing rear strut bar and a Do-Luck rear floor bar.
Kyles interior hosts all the usual suspects including, Bride Zeta III driver and passenger seats, Defi Gauges, Works Bell hub and quick release and a Vertex x StanceNation Steering Wheel (top choice).
Kyle’s WRX has a number of the expected go fast bits, some of the stand outs for myself are the ARC titanium exhaust and Tomei UEL exhaust manifold, creating quite the note. A few other smaller bits and pieces include the ARC oil cap, radiator cap, catch can, front mount inter cooler, intake and oil cooler.
Kyle’s WRX STI is the perfect example of a car that has been thought through and executed perfectly. Constantly on the quest for something different, Kyle has put together a neck snapping, but not over the top build. A car that has been built to enjoy.
Whilst Kyle is happy with the car as it currently sits, like all cars, it is never complete. Some future plans include a bigger turbo and flex fuel, “but you never know it all can change”!
