2005 Subaru Impreza

Just like the dirty girls we enjoy here at 2NR, Subarus love playing in dirt and mud. Keeping that trend alive is the all-new Subaru Impreza WRC2005. It debuted at Rally Mexico in the best way possible: with a dominating win. The WRC championship contender underwent a whole year's worth of work to get it shaped up. While it's a leaner, more refined version of the WRC2004 instead of a completely new car, the WRC2005 still sports more solid engineering and just a tad more carbon fiber than your average WRX.

Starting from the frame, the WRC2005 is both stiffer and wider than its predecessor, sporting fenders that have been widened by 30mm and ultra-aggressive carbon-fiber wheel arches. Yes, to hedge your pursuing question, it really is a lot wider than your normal Impreza. The carbon front and rear bumpers were also redesigned to properly direct airflow through the cooling system and for aerodynamic purposes. Other modifications include tweaking the suspension pieces and the electro-hydraulic gearbox.

But the biggest deal is the trade-your-left-nut-for 2.0-liter four-banger. A redesigned IHI turbocharger works in conjunction with an upgraded fueling system, lighter flywheel and an incredibly well sorted water injection system. Just looking at the intercooler mounting, carbon ducting and anti-lag system is enough to make a grown man cry. You could technically build your own WRC2005, but sometimes it's just easier to be Petter Solberg.

Hot import crackdownIf you own a modified ride and like to attend shows or events, it's time to watch your back: Check your phone lines for taps, walk in zig-zags and always make sure you're not being tailed in traffic. The cops are really out to get you, and they proved it at the first stop of the 2005 Hot Import Nights tour at the L.A. Convention Center. With their blood pressure soaring after a few idiots did burnouts out front, the police proceeded to circle the block and pull over modified cars at random. We saw a Nissan get pulled over after idling at a red light, no smoke, no noise and no movement.

At the show's conclusion, the LAPD set up a multi-car roadblock, complete with support vans, and sectioned off the rear loading area. Every car that exited the show was required to pass under the all-seeing eyes of LAPD detectives. VIN numbers, engines and frames were all checked against one another to ensure none were stolen. If you have an engine swap, bring your invoices with you to prove your legality to Johnny Law. Some cars got a ride on a genuine LAPD flatbed, at their owners' expenses.