A WRC car for the road? Driving Prodrive's P25 Subaru Impreza | Henry Catchpole - The Driver’s Seat
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- čas přidán 19. 12. 2023
- Back in 1997, Prodrive built the first Subaru Impreza of the WRC era that took over from Group A in the World Rally Championship. Now, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the WRC97 that Colin McRae, Piero Liatti and Kenneth Eriksson all drove to the 1997 Manufacturers’ title, the same company in Banbury has produced what it claims is a road-going version of a WRC Impreza and it’s called the P25.
Some have suggested that the P25 is a restomod of a 22B (or P1), but although it looks very similar, it is quite a different car under the skin. In fact the skin itself is different, because almost all the P25’s bodywork is made of carbon fibre. In lightest, pared-back track spec it weighs just 1150kg. The EJ25 Engine is also substantially upgraded and produces 450bhp and 442lb ft of torque, meaning a 0-60mph time of under three seconds. Sport Plus mode also brings Anti-Lag to the party, which does nothing for fuel economy and everything for response and entertainment.
There is also bespoke suspension, a new interior by Callum Designs (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), AP Racing pedals and brakes, a choice of seats and a hydraulic handbrake in addition to the electric parking brake. But perhaps the centrepiece of the whole car is the gearbox; a Prodrive six-speed sequential with helical cut dog gears. It’s operated by a single paddle that you pull towards you to change up and push away to change down. There is also a fly-by-wire clutch that you don’t need to touch at all when you engage the rather spectacular launch control.
Sadly only 25 P25s are being produced and each one starts at £552,000. It also won’t be for everyone as it is undoubtedly a pretty focused and at times raw experience. But it is also hugely involving and exciting and lives up to those claims of being a WRC car for the road. As with the other, very different, rally restomod that I drove earlier this year, the Kimera EVO37, the world is a slightly brighter place for it existing. There is also a suggestion that this could just be the start for a new road car arm of Prodrive, so watch this space. I’m hoping for an older four-door Impreza next with a manual and unequal length headers. And to be able to take it to a track.
We hope you enjoy the film. As ever, the main man behind the scenes is Glenn Winhall and he was ably assisted on this shoot by Benjamin Cornish. If you would like to help support these shows, then please do think about taking out a subscription to the Hagerty Drivers Club - bit.ly/Join-HDC-Henry - or perhaps topping up with some Mobil 1 next time you’re in need. A like and a share would also be hugely appreciated. Many thanks.
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Hope you all enjoy this! Having been lucky enough to drive a few WRC cars over the years (even a couple of Imprezas) it’s fascinating to feel just how close this P25 is to a full-on competition car. Hope you all have a great Christmas - thank, as always, you for all the support.
They are only making 25 of them though
Yes, thx for vid!
Happy Christmas
How does it compare with the Kimera Evo37? It sounds like they are targeting a similar enthusiast market. Would love to see the two of them driven back to back.
How can we not, this is motoring poetry as usual from you.
Great video as ever. (I find your style far more to my tastes than another well know Journalist who reviewed this car a while ago. Do sort of wished you spent a bit more time with Prodrive and the people that designed it.
My father was an engineer that designed and tuned some of the original Prodrive Subaru WRC suspensions. So nice to see it on the road in this form.
It also has the similar bhp input to the Impreza 1995 Rally Counterpart.
As a Scotsman that grew up watching Colin, and owned a few WRX and STi in my life..
This brings a tear to my eye.
Such a good video. ❤
Wish him and Richard were here to see and drive it 😢
Right there with you
I'm 20 and I really want a wrx or sti but I don't think I'll ever be able to afford one..
@@dct1i also hope Taki Shiina drove this Impreza car one day.
@@Usercehdbfthe Impreza Prodrive for me is quite cheap. On par with the TVR Griffith in terms of price tag.
I’ve been driving an ‘04 STi for the last 10 years, and I fall in love with it again every time I drive it. The only thing I would want on this build is UEL headers. Despite all the arguments for efficiency. The sound is everything. Most people are looking well before I come into view, and they already know what’s coming. Had a 6 year old boy grab his dad one day and say “ that’s the car from my game!!!”. Coming full circle almost brought a tear to my eye.
Honestly, rally car/builds are THE most suitable platforms for road-going purposes, really wish more people would appreciate these more!
Not much show, but what a machine. Ferrari posers need not apply.
@@pl0930what if people afford to buy the rare Delta S4 instead?
I'm tempted to mod mine more towards rally inspired mods, rather than street inspired.
So true especially with all the potholes lying about. Low riders would panic at their sight but rally cars just eat them up
Magnificent car, would love one. 500k is ridiculous unfortunately.
For that amount they should offer more options, if I had that kind of cash burning a hole in my pocket I would want an H shift and unequal length header for the boxer burble with proper antilag bangs, I know it's objectively slower but man, talk about a visceral track experience!
u can probabaly build it urself for like 150k or probably even less (including car)@@anydaynow01
I dunno about 150k. That motor alone is probably over 100k if you were to buy. To build this thing properly and as close to this as possible without labor it's going to cost 250-300k + car @@Evil-La-Poopa
@@anydaynow01 you realise the wrc Imprezas had equal length headers
@@Evil-La-Poopago do it then. Guarantee you can't
Imagine the dream rally restomod garage you assemble these days with all the offerings that are now available!
What are the other options,
@@daniesalex7073 I think he's talking about parts availability. So many good parts are available these days, it's just the chassis are getting harder to find in decent shape. Before long someone will make a business to make the '90s classics as bodies in white for a full build.
I would like a Lancia 037 rally restomod but unfortunately I'm not a millionaire 😂
We just need someone to make a Celica ST205 resto now, then the dream garage would be complete :D
@@daniesalex7073 LCE Audi Sport Quattro, Kimera 037, Manifattura Lancia Stratos, Maturo Lancia Delta Integrale, some cool Mini's like the David Brown Mini Cooper Monte Carlo, the Prodrive P25 from this video... loads of cool restomods in recents years!
Hands Down The BEST Looking Subaru!!!!
My Absolute Dream Car..
This Subaru Is So Gorgeous
😍😍..
Hopefully One Day I’ll Own One..
Agreed. This was the best looking they ever were.
Yes, just what I thought when I saw the coupe body and narrow headlights, these things are getting harder to find in decent shape for a build.
True. No other Subaru does the looks as well as this one.
Absolutely, looks fantastic, but while it looks like an Impreza... it certainly doesn't sound like one!
The EJ engine with unequal length headers and an appropriate aftermarket exhaust is the best sounding engine on the planet (subjective opinion obviously). Opinions aside, people that know cars will all be familiar with the Subaru boxer rumble. It's a huge part of it's unique and desirable character. I'm guessing they needed to install equal length headers for more efficient power, but 450bhp is more than enough. I'd sacrifice some of that for the iconic low burble that is iconic to the Impreza and would certainly want it at that price.
@@9unslin9erthe 1995 Impreza 555 Evo II WRC also looks equally great like Impreza P25.
Let's be clear: This car is far beyond what they were driving in 1997, in the new "high power" EJ20.
I personally run arguably the rarest of all GC8/GF8 cars, a '97 Tommy kaira M20b wagon - one of fewer than 300 made.
Although I own Porsches, I daily drive it - and it is without doubt one of the greatest cars of all time.
I have restored it, and continued upgrading it (gently, and carefully) to the spec Tomita would have created today, with heavier 20mm symmetrical anti-roll bars, STI Version 8 brakes, Brake-master cylinder brace (Rock hard pedal!), RA alloy bonnet, alloy swing arms, nolathane bushings, BBS 18" R-GR wheels with 215/35 rubber, KYB twin-tube shocks, de-cat super fat downpipe, feeding the famed Fujitsubo exhaust - which sometimes spits flames on the over-run, due to the HKS BOV. :)
Every time I drive a modern car, I am reminded of how truly awful they are. How heavy they feel. How totally disconnected you are from EVERYTHING. How bland and quiet they are. How horribly they handle and feel (Like a boat). How wanky the interiors are, and how you sit on the seat, not in it. And how stupidly tall and wide and long modern cars tend to be.
This car has a "throttle cable", which physically connects your right foot to the throttle body, and it is one of the best things about it. You're driving it. There is no computer deciding when you are allowed to have the amount of gas your right foot requires.
It's almost like the industry has intentionally stopped making lightweight simple cars that are fun to drive, and extremely reliable - adding stupid amounts of complexity you don't want and didn't ask for, and which disable the car when they fault. Accelerated obsolescence is disgusting. I'll have no part in it, thank you.
Your talking utter rubbish
I agree with the last paragraph to a certain extent, but every now & then a truly good new car slips through the cracks & is both fun & driveable & built on a platform that has great scope for tuning. But there’s a certain magic performance window from the 90’s into the early 00’s that is never going to be repeated.
Some new cars are great but the second i drove my 01 wrx wagon i fell in love with it for the same reasons you have. For me it’s the direct feeling of it - everything you do has instant response and feedback. And they’re just so damn fun to drive!
i'm right there with you, trying to keep my older BMWs on the road for daily use, and they really are so much better than modern cars. are they as fast in a straight line? no, but remarkably they ride better (well, that's my doing ;)), have better visibility and are just generally a nicer place to be in. and they have character!
My man you are lucky, but more importantly, your outlook is on point.
It is indescribably beautiful. The PERFECT car. Literally perfect in every way. My heart aches to own one even though I know I probably never will.
Coco Hayashi also love the sound of this Impreza P25 in general.
I can't believe rally cars for the road arent a big genre of cars on the road. We have racecars for the road that are super low and hard but have you seen a road lately, its bumpy, fullof potholes,wet, snowy, you take a ferrari scuderia on a street you will crack 2 wheels and your spine imediatly, you need a car that can take a hit at full speed and keep going, a car that isnt a 2 ton suv. Rally cars should be everywhere
well said mate! (STI owner here)
Just the fact that engines put together by the same person that put together both Colins AND Richards engines makes this car so damn special on its own
The most beautiful Subaru ever made, and probably in the list of top 10 most beautiful cars ever made.
A perfect tribute to our favourite era of the WRC. I've only replayed the few seconds at 6:25 about 27 times now but that number will increase over time as I revisit this video. Great effirt, Henry! 👌
lol same
Never stop driving… I’m going to be grinning ear to ear for quite a while after watching this, thank you.
I had a 2001 Impreza 2.5RS I bought new. Absolutely loved that car, and always wanted to swap in a WRX engine. Unfortunately, it was just a little too cost prohibitive to do it. In 2012 it was declared totaled when someone T-boned the left rear wheel in a parking lot at around 5 MPH. They managed to shove the axle about 3" to the right. The insurance company first declared it repairable, but by the time the body shop dug into it and found other damage, the repair cost went over value. I paid $21,566 for it, got $6535 from the insurance company, and it had 121,853 miles and was in darn near perfect condition. I've tried to find one on and off over the years, but they've all been too clapped out to mess with. The P25 would be nice substitute, but it's outside my budget :)
Had a new 97 black 2.5 RS coupe with the silver 5 spokes that had those dimples, all tinted up, omg that car was so beautiful when it was shined up, sadly I destroyed it being young and dumb. I loved that car, that was before subaru was big in NA for sports.
I have a 1999 2.5RS that only has 17k miles on it. All original. If you're interested in buying out, let me know.
So happy Henry and Hagerty are making these videos. Keep up the amazing work
this!
No, I was gutted it was him
If you close your eyes, when the antilag kicks in, it just feels like you're at the start of the Monte Carlo WRC in '97. Just incredible
The 80s and 90s era of rally was the pinnacle of motor sport. ANY motor sport.
I feel butterflies in my belly watching this... This is what cars should make you feel like !
The Impreza P25 Prodrive car for me sounded like McLaren F1 in terms of engine notes.
Saw this exact p25 on the road the other day and it really gets down and the gear changes are brutal!
I remember when Subaru ruled WRC....This car IS just that!
The only thing I can afford from Prodrive are their forged wheels. And I did.
This Impreza is so much WANT in so many ways.
Thank you Henry, superb video!
I bought a Prodrive WRX for £4,500 in about 2010. Was a fantastic car. I'm just kinda sad that everything now is priced for collectors and millionaires.
I've always wanted to build something like this, good to know someone is out there carrying a torch to a degree I never even thought possible. Price tag hurts, but I'm glad they're doing well for themselves out there. Amazing car.
@Hagerty- please give Henry top billing in the title or in the thumbnail. A Subaru video doesn’t get my attention, but “Henry Catchpole drives P25” definitely would. Had I seen his name I would have clicked the video sooner.
Thanks for the early present and all the great videos. Excited to see what Henry and Jason have in store for 2024!
No matter how good the car is - 500k is ABSURD.
Im always impressed by the quality of Hagerty and the level of passion behind every video
@2:55 im glad you mentioned Colin Mcrea and Richard burns in the dev process of all this, those 2 were my most favorite rally drivers in the 90s, miss them both dearly..thank you
The videography is impeccable. Fantastic work
Videography is not a word. Cinematography is the word you are looking for.
@@fjaajfOf course, it is.
This was an instant watch and like for me.. brings back memories of me watching Colin as a kid.
I love Henrys reviews they are just so good. What a job to have!!
Old scooby or new scooby resto whatever always invokes a sense of happiness and then an acute wave of sadness RIP Colin and Richard both gone too soon 😮💨🙏
Been waiting for Henry to get behind the wheel of this. Best video on the car yet; with real insight and a proper look at what's gone into it. Great work, and no better motoring journalist to test drive it, as Henry is a proper rally man.
Love this shape of impreza and i was lucky enough to see this car in banbury at a petrol station and the sound of it is fantastic i want one
Love this video Henry…. You captured the essence of what was so great about rallying in the Burns and McRae era…. The noise, the drama… perfect. Need to look behind my sofa for the half mill……
What a piece off kit that is and Henrys love of rallying makes it another stellar video. Might have to rewatch some off the previous ones he made for other channels after this comment.
When i was a kid my dad had the Impreza P1. We are huge rally nuts and i used to love being taken to school in it. He's had loads of rally derived cars, the Yaris GR being his most recent. This video brings back so many memories. For me, the late 90's up to the late 00's was the best era for performance cars. All the tech you'd want and nothing else. This P25 takes what i absolutely love about cars to a whole new level. Excellent job Prodrive! Amd excellent job on the Video too, the quality of your productions are the best out there, keep up the great work! This video has really made my day.
Thank you Henry, i genuinely had tears of joy welling up in my eyes and tingles shooting down my spine as i watched this. What a car and phenomenal team that brought us all that blue and gold happiness.
This is the only video of this car that has made me want it.
I absolutly LOVE this Subaru. It is gorgeous, pure and raw performance. Also, I'd like to say that the quality of the videos from this channel is epic, the "Bench mark" for sports car Yt channel. Thanks Hagerty!
I had a little problem to stop the tears in my eyes - Thank You for That material.
It's encouraging - The Motorisation still LIVES!! ❤
my new favorite video!
thank you for everybody making this beauty of a car and video 💙
I've been eagerly waiting for Henry's review over all the others specifically due to his history with WR cars. Honestly wish it was longer!
One of the greats. Thank you for the awesome production time and time again Hagerty.
I haven't signed into youtube to comment on anything in over 10 years until now. that was the most enjoyable 10:59 I could have hoped for.
Henry has instilled pure joy in me delivering this video.
Pure Joy...
Yet again, Henry makes the best auto film. You've got a great team there mate.
I love the depth of passion you have for these cars. The way you describe the history and legend behind them reminds me, in each video of yours, why I'm a petrolhead.
The one aspect I do appreciate of Henry's review is he's absolutely honest about how raw the car is. Others were trying to gloss over that fact. For me, as a former Impreza owner, it's something that I'd like to experience but I think with the lower and stiffer springs my WRX had (as well as the performance pack) it was pretty much idea for UK roads. Soft enough to tame the surface, but stiff enough to give you confidence. How will the P25 compare? I suspect you need to be going for a white knuckle ride before its talents shine through.
Wow just wow, thank you Henry & Hagerty
This + DLS (perfect two car garage)
I love this video in 4k i can appreciate the production work and angles. Anything GC8 rally racing bring excitement. Ive owned 4 different gc8 cars and restore them for the street
great video and camera work! I always love autumn leaves flying through the air on car shots... reminds me of the olden days of playing Need for Speed 🙂
Great review. Love Rally, loved McRae, and love '90's JDM. I have owned quite a few Impreza's and Evo's and was lucky enough to test drive a 22B whilst living in Tokyo. I still own a V5 STi RA and I will never part with it - there is just something so special about this era and especially the Impreza's imo and great to see it revived. And if i had 500k burning a hole, yes I would.
They have done a super job with this one! This body style never gets old. Fantastic video, and so happy that it exists.
What a great video Henry - puts the hairs up on the back of the neck! Superb!
Henry is absolutely killing it! Best presenter around right now. Never seen him so animated, it’s clear the P25 left its mark on him.
As a 90s kid and huge Impreza fan, this car is to die for (no pun intended).
Had a Classic Turbo, an STi and a P1 back in the day........ the 'B' was a dream away...... thank you Henry, thank you.
This is the best P25 review I’ve seen. Great video 👏🏾🔥.
I sooooo wish I had the money to get one of those, brilliant just brilliant and once again Mr Catchpole brought it to life for us all. Hope you have a great Christmas and a happy new year!
Here's to more excellent video's in 2024
thankyou for driving this car. its always a pleasure to see it
What a beauty 😍 one of the best looking cars of all times . Great video as always 👏
Well this is an early Christmas present for young master Catchpole isn’t it?!
Having Lexus and Porsche as daily, the Forester 2007 with Ej204 takes the special place in hearts and garage of our family. 15 yeards ago we started relationship between us: husband, wife and Forester SG5. I learn car maintenance on her now and kids learn driving on sand beaches - our belove Subie is here for us. But I understard that my one-love Subaru has nothing to do with the car on a vid :)
Thank you Henry and Hagerty for content like this!
Art. A piece of art. Love everything about this car. Excellent storytelling.
Absolutely fantastic car ............. Wonderful review, many thanks Henry.
That's my favorite of all the WRX models.
Seeing one drive like that reminds of why.
Great car Prodrive.
damn.
brilliant job, henry... i think you nailed every aspect of this car - the company behind it, the quality, and of course - the history. the sounds!! i remember scrambling to watch whatever highlights i could on what there was of the internet back in the mcrae and burns days (i'm in north america and it simply was not broadcast here), and just watching in... disbelief? it was mesmerizing. and looking at this beautiful creation - and hearing those sounds again - holy moly. and i have to say, when you mentioned "this car is... mcrae, burns (etc)" - i couldn't help but well up a bit inside. i love everything about this. it's a shame that i will never be able to afford one, and probably will never even see one in real life. but i absolutely adore it, and the concept of it. thanks so much for this. and merry christmas. :)
This brings back such good memories. I need one of these back in my life ASAP.
Such a huge luck to have driven this amazing looking car. I own a P1 from Prodrive and can only imagine what the P25 is ! Thanks for the share !
Worth every last god damm penny !!! I can see it now when I used to hike into Grizedale forest with my Grandad, flask of tea in hand and watching the group B monsters . such fond memories .. Thanks @HenryCatchpole
I have a 1996 STI RA in my collection used as a tarmac rally car, and the P25 would be awesome to have and compare too im sure its streaks ahead.. Great video.
Nice very jealous you still have yours I sold mine 15 years ago always the plan to just buy another one later in life but now so hard to find nice example for fair price in my eyes still the best ever made everything else has to much driver ads can’t beat driving by the seat of your pants the only thing I would of changed would of love to mod was a 6 speed bit longer legs
This stirs my soul. Thank you, Hagerty ❤
What an exciting car. Those of us who’ve ever owned - or perhaps still do - any Prodrive version of the WRX, can only perhaps begin to appreciate how incredible the P25 must be to drive. A brilliant video.
Having owned 2 P1’s (blew my 1st one up the infamous 3rd cylinder?) when they 1st came out in yr 2k this just brings back all that magic of that era! Going to watch the Lombard rally in Kielder then diving home and playing out what you’ve just watched! What a time to be alive 💙🚗
So happy Henry and Hagerty are making these videos.))))
Dream car, right here... Great video, as always!
Great video, quality production, what a car 👊🏻
What an absolutely cracking video 👌super job 🤙
I'm an American muscle guy, but this thing is an absolute DREAM car! It's incredible in every way...
Awesome video!!! Love the shots
This film made me wistful for an era I only barely witnessed. Incredible car; outstanding presentation.
I was a bit nonplussed when this was first announced. I couldn't fathom the price. But Henry, thank you for making me see the light. Spellbinding.
Brandon and Oliver would be an INSANE combo!!!
100% agree. Subaru competing in WRC again would awesome.
Amazing job as always, words, imaging, driving. The whole lot. And the car is mesmerising. What a machine. The price is out of this world but oh well, I can’t have it anyway in any way. Merry Xmas!
From college boy to grownup adult I'm currently owning my 6th GC8. It was a pleasure to grew up with this soulful machine!
I think Henry has found his car. Great review as usual, thanks.
Henry Catchpole one of the best car reviewers ever.
Beyond amazing, great video!👍
Videos like this needs LOVE button! What a Masterpiece of a machine and legendary history behid this creation !
I never find myself lusting for half a million dollar plus cars That changed today, what a machine!
so happy that my Cross Turismo is ALL of the cars in this Channel combined!!!
pride and joy of my lil town called banbury
What a car. Great content as always
What..a…video! Needed Henry to do this car justice! 😊
man that sound at 6:33 is what we all crave for
Awesome car, awesome video Henry! Really enjoyed watching your review. I think you nailed it completely. 💪 Can't wait to continue building my Subaru Impreza WRX Type R STi V4 V-Limited into a wide arch track weapon. 🔥
The lines on this car are GORGEOUS. ❤
This exact build is now one of my favorite car x)
No doubt it's impressive, but for me the joy of Imprezas was that I paid £5k for my PPP WRX and it was awesome, exploitable, capable but reassuring. The Impreza made it's mark as an everyman hero. And here is an example destined to sit in a collections, for one very rich person to admire and occasionally drive it to 2/10ths of it's capability.
Every brand needs a halo car even if it's just to admire.
That closing statement is perfect