1998 Subaru Impreza 22B STi

The Subaru Impreza 22B STi was introduced in 1998 to commemorate the company's 40th anniversary, as well as the third consecutive win in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC Manufacturers Title). It was given several unique design features from the Peter Stevens' designed rally car, including the fender flared widebody, unique hood, a one-off adjustable rear wing, front and rear bumpers, and unique '555' Blue paint color. Power was from a 2.2-liter EJ22-engine, complete with unique forged pistons and a larger turbocharger and intercooler. It had a seam-welded bodyshell that was reportedly identical in shape to the WRC, special gearing, strengthened drive/prop shafts, driver-adjustable front/rear diff and bigger brakes, and a twin-plate racing clutch. The suspension uses unique forged aluminum lower links, rose-joined transverse links, inverted Bilstein dampers and unique Eibach springs, plus a set of 17-inch BBS alloy wheels.

Zero-to-sixty MPH was accomplished in just 4.5 seconds. With the swollen wheel arches, an 80mm increase in width, and a high-rise rear spoiler, it was as close to Colin McRae's rally car as possible. It was more of a road-going replica than a homologation special, and the '22' in the model's name was in reference to the engine capacity, which was increased from 1994cc to 2212cc. Officially, the turbocharged flat-four developed 276bhp, but the actual figure almost certainly started with a three. The 'B', meanwhile, stood for Bilstein, the damper supplier.

The 22B was also given full-time all-wheel drive, Bilstein suspension, Brembo brakes, and a twin plate upgraded clutch with 'ceramic' discs.

Only 399 22Bs were built for sale to the domestic market (another 25 were made for overseas markets) and they pre-sold almost instantly in early 1998.

by Daniel Vaughan | May 2016