Building On Perfection Prodrive Sti Test
"We had one major objective for the Prodrive STi," said Simon Lines, the account manager for Product Technology, "and that was to match the performance figures of the P1." For Scooby aficionados, the P1 was close to the ultimate Impreza. The coupe had the chassis to match its dramatic performance, and while it was less enthralling than an Evo VI on a twisting road, it was a consummate all-rounder.
Ensuring that the latest STi matched the pace of its illustrious predecessor was no easy task. Improved safety kit and refinement has taken its toll on the Impreza's midriff, and while the original was a lightweight, its successor is a hefty middleweight. And, of course, this STi has a couple of extra doors.
To achieve the desired hike in power, Prodrive's engineers have reprogrammed the ECU and fitted a high-flow catalyst and sport exhaust. This is enough to boost the power output from 262 to an ample 300 hp, while the torque rises from 253 to 299 lb-ft. The P1, by contrast, offered 280 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, but it weighed just 1,283kg (2,829 lb), compared with a 1,470kg (3,241 lb) for the new car. Its power-to-weight ratio of 218 hp was therefore greater than the STi's 204 hp.
Nevertheless, the latest car has an extra gear ratio and Prodrive claims a 0-to-60-mph sprint of 4.6 sec., which betters the P1 by 0.1 sec. This is also 0.7 sec. faster than the standard STi, while top speed has risen by 7 mph to 155 mph. And these aren't just barroom boasts-the increased performance makes a huge difference on the road. Impressively, the peak power and torque outputs occur at the same engine speed as the regular car's, so the engine's flexibility remains undiminished.
There's the familiar stressed, flat-four growl, but it's now accompanied by a greater shove to the spine, particularly below 3500 rpm, where the Prodrive car feels massively quicker than the standard STi. It's also deeply impressive at very high speeds. Helped by the standard, well-stacked ratios, it was still pulling strongly at 130 mph on the Prodrive test track. Our test car was built to UK specifications, but Lines is confident that a similar pack will be offered to U.S. customers.
The pack is likely to be offered initially as a performance upgrade, but Lines is keen to sell customers a one-shop solution with performance, dynamics and aesthetic enhancements. Our test car was therefore equipped with some delicious 18-in. O.Z. Racing alloys and a prototype suspension that both lowered and stiffened the system.
The resulting package is, unsurprisingly, more extreme than the standard STi. It's still not quite as manic or hardcore as a Mitsubishi Evo VII, but the difference is minimal. For the dedicated enthusiast, there's no doubt the changes are beneficial. The Prodrive car turns-in more keenly and the steering offers a smidgen more feedback. It's also pleasing to note that the firmer brake pedal offers improved feedback and makes it easy to heel-and-toe.
Prodrive has not adjusted the differential, but a few laps of the test track reaffirmed just how different the STi is to the standard WRX. While the latter greets an enthusiastic right foot with power understeer, the combination of front, center and rear diffs on the STi replace the initial understeer with an armful of power oversteer.
It's easily corrected, and for the skilled driver it's an absolute hoot, but anyone used to the failsafe antics of the WRX should be wary.
In the UK, the power upgrade costs 1,995 ($3,170), but prices for the suspension and wheel upgrade are still a closely guarded secret. The engine kit brings the total price of a Prodrive STi to 27,990 ($44,490). When you consider that a 300-bhp Evo VII FQ300 costs a profligate 31,495 ($50,062), the Scooby starts to make an awful lot of sense. This is an enticing package that shows impressive engineering integrity. We're promised this is just a taste of what we can expect in the future from Prodrive. If that's true, then we're in for a feast.