Page 1 of 1 The 1999 London Motorshow saw the introduction of this, the Subaru Impreza P1. The P1 (short for Prodrive One) was especially developed for the UK market by a joint effort of Subura, Subaru Tecnica International (STi, Subaru's racing department) and Prodrive (runs the WRC campaign for Subaru). At its introduction it was the most extreme Impreza on the UK market and the only two door version of the Impreza.
Power leaps from the standard Turbo's 218bhp at 5,600 rpm to 280bhp, while torque has increased to 363 Nm compared to the 'normal' model's 290 Nm at 4,000 rpm.
Fundamental to the Impreza Turbo's 'cult car' reputation for dynamic 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 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.
Highly respected British designer, Peter Stevens who designed the McLaren F1 and Subaru WRC car developed a 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 P1 requires 3 less bhp to achieve 100 mph compared to the GT Turbo. Stevens was also responsible for the titanium look OZ wheels.
At its launch a 500 car production run was planned but demand was so high that in the end a total of 1000 cars were built. Page 1 of 1
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Impreza P1
The 1999 London Motorshow saw the introduction of this, the Subaru Impreza P1. The P1 (short for Prodrive One) was especially developed for the UK market by a joint effort of Subura, Subaru Tecnica International (STi, Subaru's racing department) and Prodrive (runs the WRC campaign for Subaru). At its introduction it was the most extreme Impreza on the UK market and the only two door version of the Impreza.