Prodrive P25: The Ultimate Road-Legal WRC Machine
In the niche world of motorsport-inspired road cars, few names command the kind of respect that Prodrive does. The Prodrive P25 is a testament to this legacy—an ultra-limited edition performance machine that brings World Rally Championship (WRC) engineering to the streets. With only 25 examples produced, the P25 is a rare, hand-built vehicle that pays homage to Subaru’s golden era of rallying, while pushing modern performance standards to new heights.
A Legendary Design, Reimagined
The car’s styling and development were led by Peter Stevens, the designer of the original 1997 Subaru Impreza WRC. Working alongside the engineering team at Prodrive—under the direction of David Lapworth, who was also responsible for Subaru’s rally success—the P25 combines classic design with cutting-edge performance technology. The project was not simply about replicating the past, but about creating a car that exceeds the capabilities of its WRC predecessor.
Powertrain and Performance
At the heart of the P25 lies a newly built 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four engine, producing 450 horsepower. Based on the EJ25 block, the engine features forged pistons, steel connecting rods, ported cylinder heads, upgraded valvetrain with variable cam timing, and a Garrett high-performance turbocharger. A custom Akrapovič titanium exhaust system further enhances both performance and sound.
The engine is paired with a six-speed sequential gearbox with helical-cut gears, capable of shifting gears in just 80 milliseconds via paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel. To optimize traction and acceleration, the car features a WRC-style launch control system, capable of taking the car through the first three gears automatically from a standstill. As a result, the P25 can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in under 3 seconds.
Lightweight Engineering
One of the car’s defining characteristics is its low weight. The extensive use of carbon composite materials—in the roof, bumpers, hood, trunk, rear quarters, sills, and even the rear wing—keeps the total weight under 1200 kg. Additional weight-saving options include lightweight racing seats, carbon interior panels, and a lithium-ion battery, all designed to deliver an exceptional power-to-weight ratio and unmatched handling response.
Market Value and Exclusivity
Given its extreme rarity and performance pedigree, the Prodrive P25 is positioned as a high-end collector’s car. One example recently surfaced on the used car market with an asking price of £700,000 (approximately €808,000), reflecting both its exclusivity and engineering excellence. Source:
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