Comeback for Subaru Impreza 22B

The legendary Impreza 22B – essentially a road-going version of the car that won Subaru the manufacturers’ title in the 1997 World Rally Championship – has returned as an ultra-exclusive restomod. Called the P25, the newcomer is the work of Banbury-based Prodrive, which ran Subaru’s works rally team from 1990 to 2008. Just 25 examples will be produced, each using an original two-door Mk1 Impreza WRX as its basis and priced in the UK at around £552,000 including VAT. This is no barrier to success, however, with Prodrive announcing within days of the car’s debut that its order book was full.

The reinvented 22B keeps its charismatic flat-four engine, but with capacity raised from 2.2 to 2.5 litres and its output boosted to more than 400bhp. It drives both axles through a six-speed semi-automatic gearbox.

The engine is Subaru’s latest-generation ‘boxer’ unit paired with a Garrett motorsport turbocharger and performance intercooler. Its cylinder liners, pistons, con rods and valve train are all bespoke. Aided by a kerb weight of less than 1200kg (thanks to carbon-composite panels for the boot, bonnet, roof, sills and quarter panels), the P25 is said to be capable of 0-62mph in just 3.5 seconds.