A carbon-roofed version of the Subaru Impreza STI is at the Tokyo motor show.
However, although the new lid should sharpen the car by reducing weight and lowering the centre of gravity, Subaru has taken the decision to fit the car with a five-speed automatic gearbox.
See the high-res Impreza Carbon picture gallery
The transmission comes straight from the Legacy and a manual version will not be available. The interior, including the seats and dash, are now covered in suede.
Subaru says the decision to launch the car as an auto was to offer "distinctive driving pleasure to a wider range of customers."
A source at Subaru said the Impreza Carbon was "unlikely" to make it to the UK.
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