Examined 5.4.00
In response to waves of gray import WRX and WRX STIs shipped in from Japan, Subaru appointed Prodrive to construct a particular Impreza only for the UK.
A brand new catalytic converter and ECU helped to retain the Subaru Impreza WRX’s energy and torque outputs whereas decreasing noise and bettering economic system, and factory-applied reinforcements to the two-door physique shell allowed the P1 to satisfy European security requirements.
Prodrive softened the trip by altering the entrance springs and all 4 dampers, and new 17in alloys have been launched. Styling tweaks by McLaren F1 designer Peter Stevens added aggression and diminished drag.
Efficiency was sensational, however not fairly as much as Mitsubishi Evo VI GSR requirements. Increase constructed rapidly between 2000rpm and 3000rpm earlier than the engine screamed in the direction of the 8200rpm limiter. The P1 felt rock-solid at 155mph, too. The gearshift was candy, however the brakes have been fade-prone.
Trip high quality was excellent for a automobile of the P1’s talents, however the steering was gradual and understeer was prolific. Comfortable Prodrive bucket seats, good ergonomics and beneficiant equipment impressed inside, however at this value, the laborious plastics didn’t.
For: Rock-hard appears, efficiency, trip high quality
Towards: Weak brakes, numb steering
Factfile
Worth £31,495 Engine 4 cyls horizontally opposed, 1994cc, turbo, petrol Energy 277bhp at 6500rpm Torque 253lb ft at 4000rpm 0-60mph 4.7sec 0-100mph 12.3sec Standing quarter 13.9sec at 105mph Prime velocity 155mph Economic system 19.5mpg
What occurred subsequent?
The deliberate run of 500 automobiles was doubled to 1000 — all of which have been completed in Sonic Blue paint and bought out simply — however solely round 200 are nonetheless licensed for UK roads. Final 12 months, Prodrive launched the P25, successfully a high-spec road-going restomod of the 1998 two-door Impreza 22B. Simply 25 will likely be made, priced at £552,000 every.
