Stats box »  Engine: 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder »  Wheels: 18x8.5 Advan RG IIs on BFGoodrich KDWs 235/40/18 »  Performance: Element Tuning GT52 turbo kit with upgraded WG Spring, Hydra ECU with launch control, Hydramist, Element Competition downpipe, exhaust, catch can, 1260cc low-impedance injectors, fuel rail kit, Turbosmart Eboost2 EBC, Race Port BOV, fuel pressure regulator, APS D/R 525 FMIC, APS short ram intake, GTSpec up-pipe and header »  Interior: Pioneer AVIC Navigation TV with TeleNav/Bluetooth, XM satellite radio, Stewart Warner gauges, Sparco harness bar, harness, seats, GReddy turbo timer, ATI triple gauge pod with blue inserts, Aquamist water/methane gauge »  Exterior: Kaminari lip kit, carbon fiber hood, Graphics by Speedesign, custom painted headlights, custom smoked taillights, 8K HID fog light conversion, Goodridge stainless steel brake lines, Hella horns, Grillcraft custom grill, Killer B Motorsports radiator and alternator shroud, Gimmick Motorsports hood dampers, Turbosmart oil cap

Subaru made an international reputation for itself by entering its cars into World Rally Championship events across the globe. Unfortunately, just like soccer, this type of driving, which requires vehicles to navigate everything from asphalt to ice, has never created enough excitement to court the interest of the average American sports fan.

So when Subaru eventually brought its Impreza WRX STI stateside, it may have taken industry watchers by surprise who couldn't fathom the appeal of a turbocharged four-cylinder car boasting all-wheel-drive capability. But for worshipful fans, it was just what the doctor ordered.

The upgraded STI trim line, which was meant to compete directly with the Mitsubishi Evolution, was still getting accommodated to the American market when James Mulherin bought his 2005 model. Less than three months into owning it, the car was wrecked in a five-car accident while in Georgia. As a member of the armed forces, Mulherin tapped the USAA's discount program, and in October 2006 he drove away in another Subaru Impreza STI, this time a 2006 model that he bought through a Tennessee dealership.

When it came time to re-enlist in the U.S. Air Force, Mulherin took his re-enlistment bonus and decided to do some upgrading. A friend of his worked for a wholesale distributor and most of his parts came through that relationship. The goal was to reach maximum output on the vf39 engine.

"Trying to hit 20 psi on the vf39 was a no go," said Mulherin. "In fourth gear, I was hitting 11 psi and I was determined to get off that turbo as fast as I could."

Mulherin had already added an HKS turbo catback system, new injectors, an APS intercooler, and GTSpec header. Upgrading to a bigger turbocharger required more money he didn't have. With the receipt of another bonus check and some saving, Mulherin graduated to the more aggressive Element Tuning GT52 turbo kit along with better wheels to handle the additional power on 18-inch Advan RG IIs wrapped in BF Goodrich KDW tires. The HKS catback system was likewise swapped out in that same year for an Element Tuning set up. By this time, Mulherin was able to attract a few sponsors along the way including industry familiar Kaminari who provided him with a new hood.

Mulherin had already added an HKS turbo catback system, new injectors, an APS intercooler, and GTSpec header. Upgrading to a bigger turbocharger required more money he didn't have. With the receipt of another bonus check and some saving, Mulherin graduated to the more aggressive Element Tuning GT52 turbo kit along with better wheels to handle the additional power on 18-inch Advan RG IIs wrapped in BF Goodrich KDW tires. The HKS catback system was likewise swapped out in that same year for an Element Tuning set up. By this time, Mulherin was able to attract a few sponsors along the way including industry familiar Kaminari who provided him with a new hood.

Because the STI never had a proper tune on a dynamometer, Mulherin upgraded his ECU software and added bigger injectors and performance fuel rails, which demanded the treatment he had neglected. Mulherin thinks that with the extra power added he'll be close to 450 hp when he has it tested next month.

The final touch was a graphics package that was as wild and attention-getting as the car is fast. Mulherin solicited the expertise of Brandon Fugit at Speedesign, who created for him the one-of-a-kind look that wins him admiration whenever he's driving slowly enough for others to get a close view.

What do you drive? A 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX STI.

Why do you drive it? Other than a means of transportation everywhere, they say you spend 25 percent of your life in a car. I just want to enjoy it.

What makes this car so special? This car even in stock form is built pretty well and has some good power from the factory.

What was the first car you owned? I'm ashamed to admit this but the first one I owned was a 1995 Dodge Neon sport, and I thought it was so pimp. Boy was I wrong.

What music are you currently listening to in your car? A little bit of everything. But I prefer hip-hop and R&B.

And your first ticket? What was it for? My first ticket was for following too close on I-295 in D.C. I owned a 1995 Neon for four days and I was in the middle of a five-car accident in 2001 and the cop said he couldn't tell who was at fault so he wrote us all a ticket and I seemed to be the only one who took it to court where it was dismissed.