The £550k Prodrive P25: The most extreme road legal Subaru Impreza!
In the world of automotive enthusiasts, few names evoke as much passion and excitement as the Subaru Impreza 22B. The 22B was a limited-edition variant of the WRX STI, created to celebrate Subaru’s three consecutive World Rally Championship titles in the late 1990s. Now, decades later, the legendary Prodrive engineering team has revived this iconic car with the Prodrive P25—a modern tribute that blends cutting-edge technology with classic rally-inspired design.
Limted to just 25 vehicles in both right hand and left hand drive, the P25 will be an ultra rare sight in the wild, which all the more adds to its appeal.
Images Source: Prodrive
The Prodrive P25 is not just a reimagining of the Subaru Impreza 22B; it is a meticulous recreation that retains the essence of the original while incorporating modern advancements. Prodrive, known for its expertise in motorsports and engineering, has crafted the P25 with a deep respect for the 22B’s legacy. The car’s exterior closely resembles the original 22B, featuring a wide body kit, a prominent rear wing, and a muscular stance that screams rally pedigree.
However, the P25 is not merely a nostalgic throwback. It incorporates lightweight materials such as carbon fibre for the body panels, which not only enhances the car’s aesthetic appeal but delivers an optimum power to weight ratio. Weighing in at just 1,200kg, this focus on weight reduction is crucial, as it improves handling, acceleration, and overall performance – key attributes for any rally bred vehicle at this calibre.
Images Source: Prodrive
The performance figures for the P25 are serious.
Powered by a substantially re-worked EJ25 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four boxer engine the Prodrive P25 is capable of producing 450 horsepower and 600Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a six-speed semi-automatic shift via a single paddle on the steering column, a feature that allows for lightning-fast gear changes in as little as 80 milliseconds.
Bespoke engine components feature including forged pistons, steel con rods, ported cylinder heads and new value seats for improved airflow and combustion, and a valve train with variable cam timing. There is a Garrett performance road turbo with a high-performance intercooler and airbox as well as an Akrapovič titanium tipped racing exhaust system. An anti-lag system ensures that power is available when its needed the most.
0 to 60 mph is achieved in just 3 seconds using its WRC-style launch control system.
The P25’s Road, Sport, and Sport+ adjustable mapping enable the driver to control the boost levels from the turbo resulting in sharper throttle and engine response.
The P25 sits low and wide and power to all four wheels is delivered through a drivetrain via an adjustable active centre differential and limited slip differentials front and rear. And if you thought the aero package was all show, you’d be wrong – the front bumper and splitter reduce lift and the rear wing improves downforce. Every element of the P25 is intentional and has been thoroughly through to maximise performance.
Images Source: Prodrive
Prodrive’s work has continued in the cabin and the P25’s interior is a significant upgrade from Impreza’s of old . The interior features high-quality materials, including Alcantara and carbon fibre, providing a premium feel. Modern conveniences such as a touchscreen infotainment system, climate control, and advanced driver assistance systems are also included, ensuring that the P25 is a useable and comfortable driving machine.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Prodrive P25 is its exclusivity. Prodrive has announced that only 25 units of the P25 will be produced, making it an extremely rare and sought-after vehicle. This limited production run not only enhances the car’s desirability but also ensures that each unit is crafted with Prodrive’s meticulous attention to detail.
As for pricing, the Prodrive P25 commands a very premium price tag which is becoming the norm for this end of the limited edition Restomod market. The car is priced at around £550,000 (yes that is over half a million pounds) placing it in the upper echelons of the premium restomod market. However, for collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate the blend of heritage and modern performance, the P25 represents a unique and compelling proposition. We know this because Prodrive has now sold all 25 cars.
Images Source: Prodrive
The P25 is more than just a car; it is a tribute to a bygone era of rallying greatness, a showcase of Prodrive’s engineering prowess and a testament to the enduring appeal of the Subaru Impreza 22B. With its fine tuned performance, advanced driving dynamics and limited production, the P25 is set to become a modern classic, cherished by collectors and admired by enthusiasts eager for a slice of WRC history.
The Prodrive P25 is a masterful blend of nostalgia and innovation. It captures the spirit of the iconic Subaru Impreza 22B and whilst it may make the bank managers and accountants run for the hills – for those lucky enough to own one of these rare machines – the P25 is not just a car; it is a piece of automotive history, reborn for the modern era.