The automotive world witnessed one of its most intense rivalries revisited with the debut of the completely redesigned 2008 Subaru WRX STI and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X.

This epic grudge match, originally chronicled in MotorTrend's March 2008 issue, pitted two all-wheel-drive, turbo four-cylinder titans against each other for the ultimate championship title among sport sedans.

Both the Lancer Evolution and WRX STI are celebrated as multitalented warriors, showcasing their prowess across diverse forms of motorsport globally.

They are regular contenders in events ranging from rally and enduro racing to autocross, circuit racing, drifting, and street racing.

Pound-for-pound and dollar-for-dollar, these vehicles stand out as the most versatile sport sedans in the world.

The history between these two icons is rich with competition. In a previous encounter documented in MotorTrend's October 2004 issue, the 2005 Lancer Evolution MR claimed victory.

However, the 2006 WRX STI secured a win in the rematch featured in the December 2005 issue, setting the stage for a highly anticipated showdown with their fully redesigned 2008 iterations.

The 2008 Subaru WRX STI, weighing in at a trim 3356 pounds, presented itself with a powerful presence.

Its aggressive five-door Impreza wagon body, no longer a 'skinny shrimp,' boasted flared fenders, broadened bumpers, and distinctive quad exhaust tips, giving it a chiseled physique.

Underneath its formidable exterior lay a 305-horsepower, 2.5-liter turbocharged boxer engine, coupled with an all-wheel-drive system directly derived from the larger Subaru Legacy sedan.

The STI entered the ring with notable advantages in both less weight and more power compared to its rival.

Conversely, the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR (Evo X) adopted a larger and heavier stance, weighing 3546 pounds and measuring 3.2 inches longer than the STI, primarily due to more stringent safety standards.

Powering the Evo X was an all-new, all-aluminum, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 291 horsepower.

Despite being down 14 horsepower and carrying an additional 190 pounds compared to the STI, the Evo X compensated with its sophisticated electronic trickery.

At its core was the Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system, a complex array of structural and dynamic enhancements, most notably Active Yaw Control (AYC), which served as its secret weapon in the high-stakes contest.