This car was to be called the Prodrive P1 (Prodrive One), would have the full 280PS (276bhp) of the Japanese spec cars and carried a full 3 year warranty with support from all Subaru UK dealers. This astonishing car had been painstakingly developed, and not only met all requirements necessary for full European Type Approval, but also set class-leading standards for both ride and handling. The main features of the car are as follows:
- 2 Door Saloon Body
- Available exclusively in Sonic Blue, similar to the WRC cars, and the same as the 22B
- 280PS engine, with an estimated 260 lb/ft of torque
- Top speed of 155mph, 0–60 in 4.6 seconds
- Special Hella driving lamps
- Specially Designed “Titanium” 10-spoke O.Z. 17 x 7 alloy wheels
- High Ratio Steering Rack
- Ventilated front and rear brakes
- Shorter throw “Quickshift” gearchange
- 4 Channel ABS brakes
- Rear wiper
- Specially designed aerodynamically superior front and rear spoilers
- Category 1 alarm/immobiliser, and RAC Trackstar tracking system
- Air Conditioning
A production run of 1,000 cars was eventually produced, and there were some delays in getting the earlier cars to customers, following production problems with some of the parts fitted here in the UK.
1.8GL
A very special special! In 1993 Subaru UK brought in 6 Impreza WRX RSs, the development car which led to the RA. Due to type approval regulations, the cars were registered as 1.8GLs! 3 went to Prodrive and were presumably smashed to bits in a forest, while 3 went to Subaru UK who later sold them as used cars. At least one is known still to exist. Yes, it says 1.8GL on the registration document. Yes, it has a 2 litre engine with a huge turbo under the bonnet …
