Review: The Prodrive P25 Supercar – A Salute to the Legacy of Speedy Subarus

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Upon first entering the Prodrive P25, a wave of nostalgia washes over you. It feels like a deja vu moment, bringing together memories of the known and the yet unexplored.

For those of us who grew up in the 1990s obsessed with cars, rally racing was a refreshing change from the regular NASCAR, Formula 1, and other popular motorsports of the time.

The Subaru Impreza Recap

The late 1990s was a golden period for Subaru in motorsports, boasting numerous rally victories under Richard Burns and Colin McRae. Today’s exhilarating Subaru performance DNA owes a lot to the Impreza 22B STi, which was crafted in 1997 to mark Subaru’s 40th anniversary and built a direct bridge from the rally stage to the manufacturing line. However, this iconic car never made it to Subaru’s biggest market, the U.S.

At a glance, the Prodrive P25 bears an uncanny resemblance to the iconic Subaru rally car, of which only 424 were manufactured, mostly for the Japanese market. But for those who crave an exceptionally rare vehicle for track days or back-road adventures, the P25 offers an even more exclusive experience. It begins at a price point of 460,000 British pounds (around $600,000) exclusive of tax, delivery charges, non-UK registration fees, import duties, or other bespoke requests, with only about 25 units slated for production.

Interestingly, the market prices of the most coveted original 22Bs have soared beyond this figure. A limited number of driven models have been imported to the U.S., with even well-worn ones commanding prices upwards of $200,000.

The Prodrive P25

A Subaru Supercar That Isn’t Subaru-Made

Taking the Prodrive P25 for a spin at one of the handling courses at England’s Millbrook Proving Ground, it looks and feels like a classic 90s car, but with a Subaru supercar heart.

For those familiar with the Impreza Coupe—the car that this model is based on—the interior might strike a balance between familiar and novel. The copious use of carbon fiber, distinctive pedal pads and footwell, the absence of a shift knob and the conspicuous paddle beside the steering wheel all point towards a car that’s more than meets the eye. The well-bolstered sport seats offer comfort and familiarity akin to other Imprezas of the era.

Emphasized by Prodrive, the P25 is not a replica. It utilizes the original 1990s-era STi bodyshell as a starting point, but evolves into an independent creation—a restomod that weighs under 2,700 pounds. This makes it lighter than the original by a couple hundred pounds, offers superior performance, and incorporates over two and a half decades of motorsport engineering expertise.

It’s important to note that Prodrive is not part of Subaru. Their motorsport and technology business only partially involve cars, though it’s an avenue where their prowess in weight-saving composites is showcased.

Review: Prodrive P25

P25 Comes with a Subaru Boxer Engine Reworked by Prodrive

The P25’s engine is a Prodrive creation based on the Subaru EJ25 engine from recent models, yet it maintains its individuality. The displacement has been increased to 2.5 liters for superior torque as compared to the previous 2.0-liter engine that Prodrive worked on, explains Tomasz Jermolaj, the engine development engineer for the P25, in a chat with AutoMotorMart.

Continuous development since its debut at the 2022 Goodwood Festival of Speed has refined the P25, enabling it to now clock a 0-60 mph time of less than three seconds. Prodrive has developed an innovative approach to ensure the P25 consistently delivers its boost. It involves maintaining a boost reserve and using more throttle than the engine actually requires, though it might not be the most fuel-efficient method.

Prodrive P25

The Prodrive P25 Is Tuned for Optimum Power Delivery

The power delivery is softened and accelerator inputs are dampened in the Road mode. However, the P25 truly comes into its element when driven hard, especially in Sport mode. It delivers 440 hp from 5,500 rpm to its 7,000-rpm redline, with Prodrive recommending an upshift at 6,500 rpm to optimize the “power plateau” with its gearing. The torque curve (exact numbers yet to be confirmed) spans from 3,000 rpm to 5,500 rpm, ensuring a steady supply of boost and hard-to-fault engine performance.

The powertrain management system is borrowed from Prodrive’s motorsport ECU—the same system that they employ in their Dakar off-road rally racer. The P25 employs a 6-speed sequential gearbox, with limited-slip front and rear differentials and an electronically controlled active center differential. The learning curve for driving the P25 primarily involves understanding this 6-speed sequential-shift gearbox, a significant upgrade from the 22B’s 5-speed manual.

In short, the Prodrive P25 is not meant to be a showroom centerpiece. It’s the bridge between the current WRX and today’s racing cars. It’s designed to be driven hard and enjoyed, offering an authentic rally stage experience.

Subaru covered the travel and lodging expenses for AutoMotorMart to provide this firsthand review.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Prodrive P25 Supercar

More about Prodrive P25 Supercar

• Prodrive Official Website
• Subaru Motorsports
• Goodwood Festival of Speed
• AutoMotorMart (Source of the review)