NURBURG, Germany ??” The first spy photos of the 2009 Subaru WRX STI have hit the Web, offering a moderately camouflaged look at the future powerhouse.

Caught lapping at the N??rburgring test track in Germany, the STI prototype reveals some of the WRX's subtle changes. A mesh grille replaces the egg-crate design on the standard WRX, and the deeper front airdam has a larger center air intake.

A larger spoiler and quad tailpipes signal the STI's rear, and aggressive-looking wheel flares flank the car's sides.

Performance specifications have not yet been released, but the STI is expected to produce approximately 325 horsepower from its turbocharged flat four-cylinder engine when the much-anticipated Subaru goes on sale in 2008.

What this means to you: Spy photographers have provided an early look, but you'll have to wait until the 2007 Tokyo Auto Show for the STI's official reveal.

Source: [url=http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=121532]Edmunds.com/Inside Line[/url]