Ok, I was in San Juan Capistrano this morning (that's in south Orange County, CA) with my brother in a work truck, we work together. ANYways, we were on Rancho Viejo road (to the east of the 5) about to make a turn towards the freeway at 11:20am when we glanced up and saw a flash of three Blue cars, giant spoilers and gold rims heading into the canyon (the opposite way we were going to turn). We both were in disbelief, could they be... STi's? Although they sat a little lower, they didn't seen too lowered like most people make them when they get suspension work done. Its VERY unlikely that a crew would all mod their cars to look identical and why would all three get those gold rims? We didn't get a good view of their fronts, we just saw the sides so you know what we HAD to do. Even though we were in the right turn lane waiting for the light, I asked the guy in the left lane to let me in...

We decided to make a little detour on the Ortega Highway and call it a long lunch. For those of you that haven't heard of it, this is a very twisty 2-lane road that goes into the hills, connecting SJC to Lake Elsinore. Well, we had 3 large trucks and a red Pontiac Sunfire in front of us and my poor, overloaded truck doesn't have much pickup but we could barely see the 3 blue cars and they were stuck behind traffic as well. Heading towards Elsinore for the first 8 miles or so the road consists mostly of long sweepers, but there is also no passing allowed (not like I really could in the truck but if the timing was just right and I was heading downhill I might be able to). We'd have to be patient and hope these trucks pull off in a bit. Well, two of them do just before the twisties start but I still have 1 big truck and a sunfire in front of me but I can see the 3 cars almost the entire time now, there isn't much traffic but these Subies are holding back for some reason. They are actually going slower than most traffic. Good for me otherwise I couldn't keep up.

I glance at my speedo and CRAP!!!! realize that I am completely empty!! When we first saw these cars I forgot that the reason I was turning right at the stoplight was to get gas! Oh well, we're so close and the low fuel light isn't on yet, maybe they might even pull off on a turnout and we could ask them questions. Finally, the last big truck pulls off and I get a very clear view of these cars even with the Sunfire in the way. We notice the Pink badge on the Right side the trunks and the tails are facelifted ones (there are 2 round partial circles on the underside). These are definitely the updated STi's, but are they USDM? In just a couple of moments I notice the first STi pull over into a small turnout with the other two doing the same. GREAT! I can finally talk to these guys, so I pull over and the Sunfire continues on. I notice the last car at least has a Jersey plate and it appears that there are 2 people in each car. I'm sure these guys must be wondering why these 2 weirdo's pulled over behind them but it didn't matter because I HAD to find out. No sooner had I unbuckled my seatbelt and started to open the door when the first car starts to take off. I am pissed. There is now way I'm going to make it through the canyon on an empty tank so I close the door and turn around. Well, I ran outta gas anyways and my stupid low fuel light didn't even come on! Oh well, it was worth it.

I am pretty sure these were USDM STi's. They were probably magazine testers I would figure. After all, it takes about 2 month's before an article would come to print which would be just before the STi's official release.

Ok, I had to get it out, that's my story for the day...

 

damn
thats a long story all right..



in short: 3 Stis heading fotr the canyons


:P

very very cool..

glad they are be tested out..

thx for the head up