Subaru is clearly considering what comes subsequent as an edgier different to the WRX.
One such chance is the WRX by Prodrive, a thoughtfully upgraded efficiency model of the present mannequin for monitor days and efficiency driving.
The edgy different at Subaru dealerships was once the WRX STI, which the corporate introduced in March 2022 wouldn’t ever come again in the identical type. “Within the meantime, a next-generation inside combustion engine WRX STI is not going to be produced based mostly upon the brand new WRX platform,” Subaru mentioned with startling finality.
That doesn’t imply the STI is lifeless. Subaru hinted in the identical assertion that the STI might come again with electrification. Think about how the totally electrical Solterra STI idea proven final yr may match alongside fashions such because the Kia EV6 GT.
However that might be a really totally different automobile.
WRX by Prodrive, Prodrive P25, and Isle of Man Time Assault WRX STI
As I not too long ago skilled on the UK’s Millbrook Proving Floor, with slightly time within the driver’s seat, the WRX by Prodrive exhibits how Subaru may present loyal lovers with their repair, regardless of a altering panorama.
This trick WRX was put collectively by Prodrive, a UK agency identified for tuning and motorsports help—and for creating the unique $600,000 Prodrive P25 supercar I additionally drove at one in every of Millbrook’s dealing with programs.
Subaru WRX by Prodrive
Whereas I’m just about charmed by any WRX, this one begins on the precise observe. One of the vital distinctive parts I lock onto from throughout the infield addresses a pet peeve with the present WRX. Physique-colored wheel arches on this model substitute the inventory automobile’s black-lipped ones, which merely enterprise too far into Outback and crossover territory. The wheel arch extensions add greater than an inch of total width, which in all probability provides to the impression—and there’s a rear wing that appears just like the P25’s. It additionally will get the identical dimension wheels because the P25, sporting P255/35R19 Bridgestone Potenza Sport tires.
Prodrive says its WRX makes about 30 hp greater than the inventory WRX due to remapped engine administration, placing whole output simply over 300 hp versus the usual WRX’s 271 hp. On the comparatively tight highway course, the place I’m largely in third gear with temporary digs into second, it’s exhausting to really feel that distinction with no inventory WRX available, however it feels sturdy and versatile within the midrange revs.
Subaru WRX by Prodrive
Subaru WRX by Prodrive
Subaru WRX by Prodrive
As I discover in the identical dealing with course the place I drove the P25, there may be one speedy, distinct distinction versus a inventory WRX: Its upgraded Sparco SPX entrance seats are a wise improve, because the automobile corners rather a lot flatter they usually’re wanted to carry occupants in place. Prodrive has boosted anti-roll bar stiffness entrance and rear, upgraded the suspension bushings, and uprated the specs for each the Bilstein dampers and is derived.
The brakes have been upgraded, too, with a bundle just like the P25 bringing 6-piston calipers in entrance and 4-piston calipers in again—bigger throughout, with sport pads. Solely on my final lap do I start driving this WRX exhausting sufficient to step exhausting into the brake pedal, and it’s extra decisive than the inventory WRX’s for positive.
Whereas it’s exhausting to inform how a lot harsher this setup may journey on real-world roads, it doesn’t give the impression that it’d make the WRX’s capabilities any much less accessible. Like one of the best STI fashions—the 2008-2010 mannequin in my thoughts—it opens up new potential.
Subaru WRX by Prodrive
Subaru WRX by Prodrive
Subaru WRX by Prodrive
The relative simplicity of the bundle and upgrades stands in distinction to the seemingly limitless tuning adjustments and upgrades that STI fashions used to boast over the WRX. There’s no quicker-ratio steering, selectable middle diff, or resonating exhaust, to call only a few.
When you can put a few of these expectations apart, you’re undecided ready for an electrical STI is sort of your factor, and also you simply need a greater WRX, nicely, right here it’s.
Neither Subaru nor Prodrive will say if this may be bought as a bundle or a standalone automobile, by Subaru or by Prodrive, and value actually is not talked about. Nevertheless, each insist that this represents a wise however comparatively frugal set of equipment and enhancements constructed on the inventory Subaru WRX, which begins at $31,625 with a 6-speed guide (as this one has) for 2023. Seeing that Subaru of America bought me out right here, and it’s constructed on what’s primarily a U.S.-spec left-hand-drive automobile, it’s protected to say they’re .
