Irish Subaru Drivers Club

Subaru Model:	2004 Impreza Limited Edition WR1 (Number 140 of 500)
ISDC Forum Name:	Keith Dublin

History of the Impreza WR1

In 2003, The Subaru World Rally Team & their driver, Petter Solberg, won the World Rally Championship and to commemorate this achievement, Prodrive developed the Impreza WR1 for Subaru. This was the latest in a line of limited edition cars that Prodrive developed with Subaru to commemorate its success in the World Rally Championship.

For the WR1, Prodrive developed a new performance pack in just three months which produced 320PS and 420Nm of torque. Furthermore, it did not affect the car’s standard three year, 60,000 mile Subaru warranty. This gave the car a 0-100 kph time of 4.25 sec, 0-160 kph time of 10.7 sec and a standing quarter mile of 12.8 sec - comparable to the Porsche 911 Carerra and Ferrari 360, but at a fraction of their prices! The WR1 had a revised suspension set up and Prodrive lightweight 18" P-FF7 anthracite wheels. To ensure the car was clearly different from the standard Impreza STi, all the WR1s came in a unique, ice blue metallic finish with a number of new styling cues, including a stainless steel grille and gas discharge driving lights.

WR1 Specification Upgrades – Prodrive Performance Pack

The Prodrive performance packs have been designed to deliver class leading performance, increasing power and boosting torque across a wider rev range than the standard engine. These improved characteristics ensure that drivers have the responsiveness required for performance driving including all-important, mid-range overtaking.

Prodrive's intimate knowledge of the Impreza has enabled the development of the performance package for the WR1. The pack includes a recalibrated ECU and changes to the exhaust system, which, in some instances can lead to increases in torque of up to 30%. The WR1 got an up-rated Prodrive Y Pipe and IC piping, free flow cat and larger WR Sport single tailpipe.

Driver Q&A

How long have you owned your WR1?

I have the car since February 2011, just about 5 months now. I was searching for something limited edition with my eye originally on a Blob/Hawkeye Spec C. But when the WR1 came up with the car at unbelievable value and because I already knew the history and condition of the car, it was too good of an opportunity to pass up and I still got myself a limited edition Subaru, number 140 of 500.

Where did source the car from?

I bought the car from a Club member, James Gunning, who I’ve known for years. He has always maintained his cars impeccably so I knew what I was getting when I bought it.

Have you previously owned a Subaru?

Yes, I’ve had 2 Impreza’s before the WR1. The first was a 1994 V1 Impreza STi in silver. It was a brilliant car, absolutely bullet proof and I still see it driving around the odd time. The second was a 1999 V5 Impreza Type R in Charcoal Grey. It was my pride and joy for nearly 6 years but it was time to move on to something new.

What made you decide to make the change from the Type R to the WR1?

The main reason was because it was an everyday car and I wanted something a bit more comfortable and useable with an ever increasing family to cater for as well. I wanted to move to something with 4 doors but stay with Subaru and have something just as powerful as the Type R.

How does the WR1 compare to the Type R in terms of handling, power and comfort?

Handling – Obviously the WR1 is not as track focused and not as aggressive or raw as the Type R and apart from the bit of typical understeer (even with the prodrive settings), it would have no problem holding its own out on track. We’ll know for sure in September anyway

Power – Well, even though the WR1 is slightly more powerful than the Type R was, the Type R has it up to 100MPH but after that the WR1 wins hands down. A reliable source told me, that they will see 150MPH on the clocks and still have something left. The WR1 is much more refined than the Type R but still has the DCCD so you can have a play with it when the mood takes you.

Comfort – There is no comparison, the WR1, with its Prodrive suspension and Spec C bucket seats, is just a much nicer place to be every day. It’s much more suited to everyday use.

What modifications have you made to the car since you bought it?

Not a whole lot yet. I have a set of Fog Light covers and a brand new set of mudflaps ready to go on now.

What future plans have you for the car?

Next on the list is a front splitter as the car is in bad need of one at the moment. In the next while, I will be getting the car mapped to address the poor base map that Prodrive put on the car as standard. After that, I will be refurbing the wheels and beginning to add a load of whiteline goodies, hopefully in time for the trackday in September.

Car Specification

Interior

	All Black STi bucket seats (as featured also in the hawkeye Spec C’s)
	Satin black dash surrounds
	Subaru Double Din head unit
	STi Pedals
	WR1 Alloy gear knob
	WR1 Interior Plaque signed by Peter Solberg after 2003 WRC Championship win

Exterior

	Car Registration 04 WX 140 – Especially reserved to match build number 140/500
	18” Genuine Prodrive PFF7’s in Gunmetal Grey
	Brembo brakes all around
	Prodrive designed suspension
	Fog light covers
	Top & Bottom Grill Mesh finished in chrome

Engine

	VF35 Turbo
	Prodrive Exhaust with sports cat
	Prodrive remapped ECU
	Zerosports chrome induction pipe
	Intercooler Water Spray

Thanks for looking and I hope you enjoyed my first feature, now eat my dust!!!

Words & Pictures... Sweetcakes

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