BEDFORD, England — In case you’re like me, Subaru’s option to axe the STI from its redesigned 2022 Impreza WRX lineup hit you want a ton of bricks. With different producers selecting to go exhausting with their closing ICE-based efficiency machines, Subaru’s choice to choose out of its range-topping sport compact mannequin appeared like an enormous miss — particularly in a pandemic-era fanatic market seemingly unfazed by skyrocketing MSRPs. Absolutely, I believed, the plain, ol’ WRX with a CVT can’t be the one ace up Subaru’s sleeve? Alas.
Enter Prodrive. This British tuning store dabbles in a little bit little bit of every part, nevertheless it’s maybe finest identified to the broader fanatic group for its motorsport efforts, whether or not in affiliation with Subaru or in any other case. Within the 90s, Prodrive was liable for engineering and growing Subaru’s world-beating rally machines, together with the Impreza WRC97 that was homologated because the 22B STI. That relationship spawned a line of Prodrive improve components for street-going Subarus that has since been discontinued. May that change?
The 2023 Prodrive Subaru WRX prototype is an STI in nearly every part however title. The bundle contains revised engine programming that squeezes out one other 30 horsepower (for a complete of 300) and greater, Prodrive-branded AP Racing brakes (six-piston entrance; four-piston rear) that can assist you rein within the further ponies. A suspension overhaul includes considered one of two stiffer anti-roll bar choices (purchaser’s selection), stiffer bushings and uprated Bilstein dampers with stiffer springs that additionally drop the prototype’s physique by an unspecified (however evidently not vital) quantity.
There’s some visible pizzazz too. For starters, the virtually universally abhorred fender cladding has been changed by a painted arch extension package, which not solely eliminates the plasticky look however widens the automotive by 1.2 inches, and a body-colored rear spoiler built-in with the usual trunk lid. A set of 19-inch satin gray wheels impressed by the Prodrive P25 completes the outside look; they’re wrapped in Bridgestone Potenza sport tires in 255/35 R19. Mmmm. Beefy.
Absent are the swankier WRX GT’s further drive modes and adaptive suspension (to not point out the STI’s DCCD system to regulate heart differential bias), however Prodrive says the automotive is track-ready, not track-solely. We’ll must take their phrase for it, largely. I solely had the chance to show a number of fast laps in Prodrive’s prototype on a considerably brutally surfaced take a look at monitor at Millbrook Proving Grounds in England. However even on that aged concrete with giant, uncovered mixture, the Prodrive WRX didn’t rattle my tooth out or threaten any inside organs with liquefication.
The opposite unlucky consequence of such a short outing is the issue in pinpointing the advantages of Prodrive’s engine tuning. An 11% bump in energy is actually nothing to sneeze at, however discovering its advantages within the house of some 35-second laps of slender monitor with out the good thing about a inventory automotive for comparability is extra guesswork than assure.
The WRX’s approachable, go-anywhere angle lurks beneath the Prodrive’s sharpened edges, however the Prodrive’s turn-in feels crisp and extra deliberate and the chassis extra inclined to rotate than roll with throttle inputs. It nonetheless drives a bit free, however actually not gentle. The beefier aspect bolsters of the Sparco seats are welcome additions, even when the Prodrive’s flatter cornering angle makes them much less of a necessity. Which brings us to an necessary level: Prodrive designed this bundle to be opt-out pleasant. If produced, the package can be bundled for many who need a one-box answer, however the elements can even be obtainable individually. Don’t want the larger bolsters? High quality. Skip ‘em.
Our time with the Prodrive WRX was fairly temporary, nevertheless it bolstered one thing we already knew: This newest iteration of Subaru’s compact chassis got here from the manufacturing unit virtually begging for a warmer remedy; it might probably take this and a lot extra. Thankfully, what’s right here feels good, and it’s heartening that Subaru is open to kicking one thing out the door for its monitor rat prospects. There are actually those that need greater than what the WRX gives with out having to resort to piecemeal aftermarket options.
There’s an elephant within the room, although: Prodrive hasn’t but dedicated to providing this bundle. Each the tuner and Subaru stated they’re paying shut consideration to the prototype’s reception. You already know what which means, people. If you’d like the goodies, shout it from the rooftops. The powers that be are all ears.
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