2023 Prodrive P25

In 1997, Prodrive debuted the two-door Subaru Impreza WRC 'Group A' car and won the FIA World Rally Championship Manufacturer’s Title in its inaugural season. The WRC97, as it was known, thrilled motorsport fans the world over and gave birth to much celebrated road-going versions. 25 years after the introduction of the WRC97, the Prodrive P25 was launched, a modern interpretation of the rally icon reimagined, redefined and recreated using its DNA to deliver the ultimate competition car for the road.

Peter Stevens, who designed the original Impreza WRC in 1997, restyled a number of features for the P25 and working alongside the Prodrive Engineering Team, the modern version is aligned with the heart and spirit of the original rally contender. The technical focus was on making the P25 lighter, more powerful and with even better handling than its 1990s sibling and as a result, the Prodrive P25 is, quite simply, the best road-going Subaru Impreza ever built.

The specification is truly impressive, with the P25 being based on the lightweight bodyshell of the Subaru Impreza WRX STi and then comprehensively re-engineered to cutting-edge motorsport standards by Prodrive’s world renowned engineers and technicians. The engine is a heavily reworked version of Subaru's long-serving EJ25 turbocharged 2.5-litre flat-four now boasting forged pistons, stronger connecting rods, ported cylinder heads and a new Garrett turbo resulting in an impressive 440bhp at 6,000rpm and 457lb/ft from just 3,000rpm. Additional features include a competition anti-lag system (ALS) and rally start launch control along with an Akropovic titanium rear exhaust with silencer bypass system. It's mated to a 6-speed sequential gearbox, plus an active electronically controlled centre differential that varies the amount of torque sent to each axle, upgraded driveshafts and prop shafts. Retardation is provided by AP Racing brakes sitting behind Prodrive GC-012L 8.5 x 19" wheel rims, wearing Bridgestone Potenza Sport 235/35 R 19 tyres all under carbon wheel arches that take their cue from the original WRC97. Handling benefits from an improved aero package and the front bumper and splitter reduce lift and improve cooling airflow, whilst the P25’s carbon rear wing, also based on the WRC97 design, provides impressive downforce.

As the name implies, just 25 highly personalised examples left Prodrive over a two year period.

Here at Iconic Auctioneers, we are extremely proud to offer the first ever Prodrive P25 to a physical auction anywhere in the world. Serial number 36A-001 is a right-hand drive example and is being offered directly by its first and only owner having covered just 121 miles since purchase. There are over £17,000 worth of 'options' for this particular P25, as detailed below:

• Sparco SPX trimmed seats
• Two 4-point harnesses (only available on SPX trimmed seat option & rear seat-delete option required)
• Rear seat-delete and roll cage install
• Spare wheel mounted in boot with quick jack
• Personalised wheel colour option: *TOTAL 12 wheels, six gold wheels with tyres (delivered on gold), six Anthracite, just rims.
• Bespoke P25 car cover

An homage to the world's original affordable sportscar and the heroic drivers who wrote them into motorsport folklore, the Prodrive P25 is not only an amazing car to drive in the real world, but it’s also a true collectors piece, much like the preceding 22B. 

Presenting as you would expect for a car that’s covered just over 120 miles since it left Prodrive, this really is an unrepeatable opportunity to join a rather exclusive and illustrious club. Seriously interested parties are welcome to get in touch with Harry Whale to find out more.