The spy-masters at KGP Photography have nabbed some excellent images of two of Japan’s finest sports cars (and traditional rivals) doing what they do best: hammering around a racetrack.

While Mitsubishi stuck with the classic “steroid-fed sedan” design that made Evos of old so popular with the fast n’ furious set, Subaru have instead adopted the 5-door hatchback body of the new WRX as the basis for their STI model. The change is incredibly detrimental to the STI’s image as a sports car for young ‘uns: where the Evo is all toned muscle and sharp, angry creases, the STI features flabby folds and lazy lines while the sumptuous curves and flared ‘guards of previous STIs have all but disappeared.

The bonnet scoop appears to share the same dimensions as the base WRX too, which while it may be a boon for forward vision it does nothing to make the STI stand out amongst the crowd. Sadly, the traditional mammoth rear wing has been turfed in favour of a more subtle spoiler along the top of the hatch - obviously the aerodynamic properties of a hatchback preclude the use of giant, 747-esque wings.

While the outlook doesn’t look good for Subaru’s STI, things may change once that camouflage falls off and production models are seen. Subaru really needs to sharpen up the design of the GH-based STI Impreza if they want to have a fighting chance against the production-ready Lancer Evolution. In its current form, the STI looks frumpy and distinctly un-sporting and its going to take a lot more than some subtle fender flares and a new front bumper to save this one.

Visit Autoblog for a full gallery of shots of the Evo and STI testing on the Nurburgring.

[Source: Autoblog, KGP Photography]
[Photo courtesy of KGP Photography]