Prodrive P25: a 400 hp beast weighing under 1,200 kg beneath the skin of the legendary Subaru 22B

It has been no less than 25 years since Prodrive first unveiled its two-door Impreza World Rally Car, which served as the inspiration for the legendary Subaru Impreza 22B, a version we all remember and of which only 424 units were built, making it one of the most iconic turbocharged, all-wheel-drive vehicles in history.

To continue this very special legacy, Prodrive has just presented the P25, of which, as its name suggests, only 25 units will be produced, based on the original chassis of a two-door Impreza WRX, but equipped with a series of updates to make it more powerful, lighter and, ultimately, a perfect machine.

Carbon fibre galore

Starting with the design and chassis, the new Prodrive P25 keeps its styling practically unchanged from its predecessor, although it introduces a boot lid, bonnet, roof, door sills, mirrors, front and rear wings, bumpers and a spoiler, all made of carbon fibre, thanks to which it manages to achieve a weight of less than 1,200 kilograms.

Inside, although this is a vehicle developed with a focus on the driving experience, it also receives a number of updates, recreating the interior of a late-90s Impreza with leather, Alcantara, carbon fibre trim and a partial roll cage, as up to four occupants can also be accommodated.

In addition, on the dashboard of this Prodrive P25 we find a high-definition screen where numerous vehicle parameters can be viewed, such as throttle response and engine performance, details that, together with its WRC-style hydraulic handbrake, make up the perfect package.

Performance at another level

Under its carbon fibre bonnet we find the latest 2.5-litre boxer engine from Subaru, which has been modified with new cylinder liners, pistons, connecting rods and a valvetrain with variable cam timing to produce 400 hp. The turbo has also been upgraded to a Garrett Motorsport unit, accompanied by an intercooler and a high-performance intake system, and an exhaust system made entirely of titanium and signed by Akrapovič.

Paired with the engine is a six-speed sequential gearbox that allows gear changes in just 80 milliseconds, along with an adjustable active centre differential and limited-slip front and rear differentials, all of which enable it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds.

As for the suspension system, the MacPherson strut setup has been retained, but with machined aluminium uprights to adjust camber and geometry. Its Bilstein dampers are also adjustable for compression and rebound.

Behind its 19-inch Prodrive wheels, shod with Bridgestone Potenza tyres in 235/35/19, sits a braking system by AP Racing, with 380 mm ventilated discs and six-piston calipers at the front, and 350 mm ventilated discs with four-piston calipers at the rear.

Finally, the 25 units of this vehicle will be built at Prodrive’s headquarters in Banbury, United Kingdom, and its price will start at €535,000 excluding taxes, so unfortunately, only a few lucky buyers will be able to afford one of these cars.