Tuesday, December 20, 2022

1998 Subaru Impreza WRX 22B STi-Version

Shared by @grunty_diecast (Instagram)

This is a '98 Subaru Impreza WRX 22B STi-Version. Designed by Hidefumi Kato and Akira Teshima, the 22B was a special performance-oriented version of the GC8E Impreza. Powered by a 2.2L EJ22G turbocharged flat-4 making 276 BHP, the 22B was intended to recreate the look and feel of the Impreza WRC97, which won the World Rally Constructor's Championship in 1997, Subaru's third and their last in the WRC.

Sold to also commemorate Subaru's 40th anniversary, the 22B featured a number of changes compared to the standard GC8E, such as a new bodykit taken from the WRC car as designed by Peter Stevens, as well as a unique shade of blue, slightly larger wheels, Bilstein suspension, red STi brakes and an upgraded clutch. Produced between March and August 1998, 424 were produced, consisting of 400 Japanese market models and 24 export models; depending on reports all 400 Japanese cars were sold out quickly, a common figure being cited being between 30 minutes to 48 hours.

Now this casting was designed by the late Ryu Asada and introduced in 2020 in the HW Turbo segment of the mainline. This casting has seen eight known releases, the last being this in 2022. A ninth is on the horizon.

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