Iconic Race Cars / #5

jazzye (32)in #cars • 7 years ago (edited)

Don't let the humble road-car beginnings sway you. This car made its racing debut in WRC in 1993, sporting the now-famous blue and yellow livery.

The car? Subaru Impreza

Subaru World Rally team dates back to 1980, however team in its current form, existed since 1989 when British firm (Prodrive) took over its operations and moved its base from Japan to Banbury, England. Team has won manufacturers' championship three consecutive times (1995,1996,1997) and the drivers' championship three times (1995,2001,2003). The team withdrew from WRC competition at the end of the 2008 season due to widespread economic downturn.

Engine was 1994,3cc, turbocharged flat four ‘boxer’ quad-cam 16 valve, producing 320-330BHP.

Colin McRae piloted the Group A Impreza 555 during his World Championship winning year in 1995, and along with Carlos Sainz, turned the Subaru brand from farmer’s choice to the enthusiast’s choice.

Did you know

Before each rally, each bodyshell is completely rebuilt. In 1993, each bodyshell rebuild took 160 hours. In 2003 it took 650 man hours. In 2006 it took 780 hours.

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