When Subaru developed its WRC car, it did so with the help of a UK-based company called Prodrive. The new Impreza UK300 is another joint development between Subaru and Prodrive, a sort of rally car for the street. Unfortunately for most, only 300 will be available exclusively in the UK. Based on the Impreza WRX, the UK300 can be distinguished aesthetically by the new gloss black headlamps, front and (massive) rear spoilers (which effectively reduce lift), the 18-inch gold wheels and sole available colour: the blue show above. 225/40 Pirelli P-Zero Rosso tires wrap the somewhat tacky wheels. The interior also receives some touchups, including blue suede bucket seats with matching door inserts, carpeting and mats.

2001 Subaru Impreza WRX UK300

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2001 Subaru Impreza WRX UK300
  • Horsepower: 245@5000
  • Torque: 4000
  • Transmission: 5-Speed Manual

2001 Subaru Impreza WRX

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2001 Subaru Impreza WRX
  • Horsepower: 380@6500
  • Torque: 5000
  • Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

The Subaru Impreza WRX UK300 was a joint project between engineers at Subaru (UK) Limited and Prodrive Limited of Banbury, with major styling work carried out by Peter Stevens who designed the famous McLaren F1 and Subaru WRC rally car. As it name suggests it was uniquely available in the UK and limited to 300 units.

Features

Key changes include new headlamps featuring black gloss shells with twin high-intensity Hella light units identical to the Impreza rally car. Sitting above the twin lights are small diameter circular indicators. The new Peter Stevens designed front and rear aerodynamic aids reduce high-speed lift, enhancing tyre grip and handling control. For example, at 100 mph, front lift is reduced from 35.6 lbs to 27.8 lbs while rear lift goes down from 29.6 lbs to 20.7 lbs - a reduction of 25.6 per cent. Only one colour has been specified for the UK300 - WR Blue Mica - which is also extended to the WRX's standard deep side skirts.

The UK300 also boasts gold-coloured OZ 10-spoke alloy wheels measuring 18 ins by 7.5 ins and carrying the latest 225/40 Pirelli P-Zero Rosso tyres - up from the standard WRX's already generous 17 x 7 ins alloys with 215/45 tyres. Other exterior enhancements include white side indicators and white front markers.

Inside, the UK300 features blue suede-effect seats - the front being the rally-style bucket type - plus matching door inserts. The potential collector's car also has special deep-pile carpet and boot mats plus a limited edition numbered plaque.

Not only the exterior and interior are upgraded but the engine was fitted with the Prodrive WR Sport package. The secret to the £1,600 Prodrive WR Sport performance pack option is a reprogrammed Electronic Control Unit (ECU), uprated intercooler piping and free-flow exhaust system with a large single tailpipe. Both power and torque have benefitted from the package with a power increase from 218 bhp to 245.