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NEW SUPER-IMPREZA FOR THE UK MARKET |
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(06 October 1999 - Subaru press release)
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Subaru UK is set to shock both enthusiasts and �grey� importers with the announcement of a scorching 280 PS Impreza Turbo two door saloon - exclusively available in its dealer showrooms alongside regular models in March 2000. Painstaking development work over the last year has resulted in a car which not only meets the most stringent European Whole Vehicle Type Approval regulations but gives �class-leading� levels of ride and handling. Called Subaru Impreza P1 (Prodrive One) the ultimate �real world� driver�s car is planned to be the first in a line of ultra high-performance models which comply with all official noise, emission, environmental and safety rules. By contrast, the various Japanese specification Impreza Turbo derivatives - which are not designed for UK driving conditions - can only be sold by �grey� importers via the less demanding Single Vehicle Approval regulations. But instead of developing a car which merely �scraped through� legal requirements, Subaru UK also set out to beat �benchmark� cars such as the latest Mitsubishi Lancer EVO VI and BMW M3 for performance, ride and handling and genuine B-road thrills. |
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Power leaps from the standard Turbo�s already outstanding 218 PS at 5,600 rpm to 280 PS, while torque has increased to an estimated 260 lb.ft compared to the �normal� model�s 214 lb.ft at 4,000 rpm. Precise power and torque figures will be released at the London Motor Show. Performance significantly improves on the standard car�s 143.5 mph top speed and 0-62 mph time of 6.3 seconds. Top speed for the P1 is estimated to be in excess of 150 mph, while a 0-60 mph time has been recorded at 4.8 seconds. |
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Tests have also recorded the 0-100 mph sprint in 12.27 seconds, with a standing quarter mile in 13.49 seconds and standing kilometre in 24.54 seconds. The much-quoted 50-70 mph time in 5th gear is dispatched in 6.9 seconds. Fuel consumption is a respectable 19.0/30.4/25.0 mpg for the Urban/Extra Urban and Combined cycles. Naturally, the new P1 will enjoy the same comprehensive three year/60,000 mile warranty as any other Subaru model, supported by a highly-trained and widely respected 110-strong dealer network. Fundamental to the Impreza Turbo�s �cult car� reputation for dynamic - yet safe - handling and grip in all weather conditions is its all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. This features a centre differential with viscous coupling. In normal and dry road conditions torque is distributed 60/40 between the front and rear wheels. But in wet, muddy or icy conditions, the viscous coupling senses which axle has the most grip and distributes torque accordingly. The new P1 also shares the Impreza Turbo�s limited-slip rear differential. This further distributes torque - this time to whichever rear wheel offers the most grip.
Extensive Modifications Plus A Mouthwatering Specification
Key Impreza P1 features include:
Tailor-Made For The UK
Its two door bodyshell features a solid rear bulkhead for greater structural rigidity and enhanced handling while the normal �smoked� rear quarter windows are replaced with green-tinted glass. All glazing complies with European safety standards together with mirrors and lights. The P1 features an unusual rear window wiper for greater rear-view visibility in the wet, while the striking �Sonic Blue� mica body colour can be instantly identified with the WRC rally car. Subaru (UK) Limited has also specified a European fascia which includes twin airbags and centre lidded storage box. An aluminium bonnet and carbon fibre strut-brace are also fitted. Highly respected British designer, Peter Stevens who designed the McLaren F1 and Subaru WRC car has developed a new front spoiler extension together with a new design of rear spoiler following extensive wind tunnel tests to reduce lift and improve balance. In fact, the new car requires 3 less bhp to achieve 100 mph. Inside, the sports seats feature grey suede-effect centre panels with blue outer panels and special Prodrive branding. Six upgraded speakers are fitted, together with full audio wiring. The customer is then left with the choice of specifying his or her own extra-cost in-car entertainment system. A higher quality boot carpet is fitted in the UK together with special front and rear carpet mats featuring Prodrive branding. The P1�s general equipment list includes most of the key features of the normal UK-market Impreza Turbo including full Thatcham Grade One alarm and immobiliser, tilt-adjustable sports seats and leather-covered gear-knob and Momo steering wheel. Air-conditioning is also standard.
'User-Friendly� Clutch And Braking System
But because the P1 is aimed for swift - but safe - road use it has the same four-channel ABS system plus ventilated front and rear discs. Its clutch combines durability with ease of use during stop-start traffic driving. A short-throw �quick-shift� gear change is also specified.
Chassis Developed By Enthusiasts For Enthusiasts
"Our target was to achieve exhilarating yet safe characteristics on the typical sweeping A roads and pitchy B roads of the UK," said Project Manager - Engineering, David Stevens. He added: "We wanted the driver to feel confident and secure at any speed. We researched the wide variation of spring, damper and anti-roll bar combination that are available for the Impreza Turbo family. For example, the �grey� import WRX STi is too hard at the front and soft at the back for our roads and suffers front-end bounce which holds back the engine�s true potential. We experimented with 22 different spring and damper combinations which we whittled down to eight variations, measuring the effect of every single change. Despite the theoretically harsher low-aspect ratio of the 205/45 tyres, the low-speed ride is superior to the normal UK-spec Turbo, while body control is far better at high speed on an undulating road." |
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Meanwhile, engineering colleague, Hamish McEwan, who helped devise completely different front and rear geometry settings for the P1, said: "Apart from evaluating every little change at MIRA and on the country roads around Oxfordshire, we also used a pool of typical drivers for their subjective reactions. Our benchmark cars were the standard Impreza Turbo, WRX STi, 22B-STi Type UK, BMW M3 and Mitsubishi Lancer EVO VI. We are now convinced we have them all beaten." |
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Apart from enhanced steering weighting and feel, the Prodrive engineers have also specified a �faster� 13:1 steering ratio instead of the normal 15:1. The result is sharper turn-in, but without any hint of nervousness, plus greater �feel�. Compared with the European-spec Impreza Turbo, the new P1 shares the same front and rear anti-roll bars but with firmer springs and dampers. However, because they are better matched, the ride improves, while geometry �tweaks� sharpen overall agility and driver confidence. The standard wheels for the P1 will be new 17 x 7 ins diameter O.Z. 10-spoke alloys with a dark titanium-effect finish and carrying 205/45 Pirelli P-Zero Tyres. The O.Z. wheel will mirror the style of the wheels fitted to the 2000 Season Impreza World Rally Car. As Hugh Chambers, Marketing Director for Prodrive Limited commented: "We wanted to create the ultimate Impreza Turbo for UK driving conditions. In response to Subaru�s brief, we have gone far beyond what was strictly necessary to make this car pass noise and emission regulations. This new chassis fully exploits the true potential of the 280 PS engine which is a tremendous unit for power, flexibility and response. The result of our work is significant advances in ride and handling."
Teamwork Overcomes The Impossible
Now that import restrictions will be lifted in the year 2000, Subaru decided it could risk the considerable investment in developing the P1. Tests conducted at Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire showed the typical �grey� Impreza to exceed noise and exhaust emission tests by substantial amounts. "Far from being killjoys, we have long wanted to satisfy the needs of customers desiring even more performance than our standard Impreza Turbo," said Managing Director of Subaru (UK) Limited, Ed Swatman. He added: "What Prodrive achieved was to challenge the assumption that it was impossible to be �clean and mean�. They identified the parameters and carried out invaluable work by showing what needed to be done to allow us to retain the full 280 PS power output while meeting the necessary noise and emissions requirements. The next stage was for Subaru Tecnica International to develop the necessary electronic control unit to overcome the daunting emission hurdles. This was achieved after much painstaking work. The ECU is designed by Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd of Japan which also acts as the supplier. Without the full co-operation of STi and FHI this exciting car would not have been possible." Ed Swatman also praised the "sheer dogged determination" of his Subaru (UK) Ltd technical staff including Technical Services Director, Bryan Pimm. "Bryan�s unmatched in-depth knowledge of Subaru engineering and no-nonsense practicality was invaluable" said Ed Swatman. Meanwhile, Group Homologation Manager, Keith Hadley nursed the project over seemingly "insurmountable" legal and engineering hurdles. Keith said: "We knew the noise and emission limits would be a major challenge if we wanted to retain the full 280 PS power output. One method of overcoming this challenge was by replacing the normal twin catalytic converters with a single higher-density �cat�. However, there was still much work to be done. We wanted the Impreza P1 to qualify as a �Supercar� under the noise tests. This would give us one extra decibel to play with. To be classed as a �Supercar� it would have to accelerate in third gear between two fixed points within a specified time. I�m delighted to say, the P1 qualified."
Full Manufacturer�s Backing
Also standard is membership to Subaru Assistance, a home and roadside repair and recovery service - valid throughout the UK and Europe.Naturally, all Subaru dealers will be fully trained and equipped to service the P1. In addition, specially trained Subaru staff will carry out all suspension and interior and exterior enhancements at the company�s �3.5 million vehicle distribution centre in Quedgeley, Gloucestershire. Unusually for an importer, the European Whole Vehicle Type Approval for this car is exclusively held by Subaru (UK) Limited and not the manufacturer. Subaru holds the 1st place Gold Award in the 1999 J.D. Power and Associates/Top Gear UK Customer Satisfaction Study. In addition, the Subaru Impreza was placed 1st in the model by model survey, with the Subaru Legacy in 2nd place. |
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