Prodrive's homage to the Impreza
It’s 25 years since Prodrive debuted the two door Impreza World Rally Car (WRC), which inspired the Subaru Impreza 22B. Only 424 of these special edition road cars were manufactured and over time it has achieved cult status as the ultimate turbo charged four wheel drive car of its era.
Now 25 years later using the latest technology and materials, Prodrive has reimagined what this car would have been today. Just 25 cars will be produced, each with an original two-door Impreza WRX chassis at its core. This is the very same chassis used in the first Impreza WRC, but now with reduced weight, a more powerful engine and improved vehicle dynamics.
Extensive use of carbon composite means the car weighs less than 1200 kg. The use of the latest 2.5 litre flat four ‘boxer’ engine producing over 400 bhp and 600 Nm of torque, combined with a six speed semi-automatic gearbox, WRC-derived launch control and turbo anti-lag, means the P25 will reach 100kph from rest in under 3.5 seconds.
While Prodrive’s focus has been on the driving experience, the interior has also been upgraded, recreating an authentic late 1990s Impreza interior using a combination of leather, alcantara and carbon trim. The P25 can carry four passengers, but there is also the option to remove the rear seats and have a partial safety cage fitted.
Peter Stevens, who styled the original Impreza WRC in 1997, as well as subsequent Prodrive limited edition Subarus, has restyled a number of features of the P25. Peter has worked alongside the Prodrive engineering team, overseen by technical director, David Lapworth, who was responsible for developing the first Impreza WRC 25 years ago.
Photos © Prodrive