Only Prodrive could even begin to think about restomodding the Subaru Impreza. When it was the fastest A-to-B car on the planet, winning numerous World Rally Championships for drivers and teams, Prodrive was behind it.
When it was in the hands of mere mortals on the A-roads and B-roads of Britain, Prodrive had been through it to varying degrees depending on your outlay.
Then, without the need to be a mass-produced hit, Prodrive overhauled it for a limited-edition restomod. ‘A World Rally Car for the Road’ and ‘An icon redefined’ is how Prodrive’s P25 was announced, leaning in completely to the World Rally Car rules that Prodrive, well, ruled in 1997.
The WRC97’s restyler Peter Stevens was re-engaged to tweak an homage to the real deal.
Carbonfibre has been used to lighten it and increase the power-to-weight ratio, with new bonnet, boot, roof, front and rear quarters and bumpers. Beneath it is a WRX steel monocoque.
The famous boxer engine was overhauled to the extent that it’s got Prodrive stamped on it more than once. Forged pistons, ported cylinder heads, new valve seats, Garrett turbo and intercooler, plus Akrapovič exhaust system, combine for 450bhp.
The six-speed rapid-change semi-automatic gearbox helps the car to a stunning three-second 0-60mph time, but the tricks continue into the corners. Machined uprights as part of a modified suspension configuration have helped create a wider and lower set-up. Prodrive fettled the handling of the fastest road-going Imprezas in period, converting them for British road conditions for Subaru, but the Banbury squad pulled no punches for the P25.
You still get a screen and Apple Car Play inside, mind, like a true modern restomod.
Just 25 were built and delivered in 2022, and all were sold. One such car will be among the Restomod & Reboots display at the sold-out Scramble on Sunday 5 October.