Subaru is clearly considering what comes subsequent as an edgier various to the WRX. 

One such chance is the WRX by Prodrive, a thoughtfully upgraded efficiency model of the present mannequin for observe days and efficiency driving. 

The edgy various at Subaru dealerships was the WRX STI, which the corporate introduced in March 2022 wouldn’t ever come again in the identical type. “Within the meantime, a next-generation inside combustion engine WRX STI is not going to be produced primarily based upon the brand new WRX platform,” Subaru stated with startling finality. 

That doesn’t imply the STI is useless. Subaru hinted in the identical assertion that the STI might come again with electrification. Take into account how the totally electrical Solterra STI idea proven final 12 months may match alongside fashions such because the Kia EV6 GT.

However that might be a really completely different automotive. 

WRX by Prodrive, Prodrive P25, and Isle of Man Time Assault WRX STI

As I just lately skilled on the UK’s Millbrook Proving Floor, with just a little time within the driver’s seat, the WRX by Prodrive reveals how Subaru may present loyal fanatics with their repair, regardless of a altering panorama.

This trick WRX was put collectively by Prodrive, a UK agency identified for tuning and motorsports help—and for creating the unique $600,000 Prodrive P25 supercar I additionally drove at certainly one of Millbrook’s dealing with programs.

Subaru WRX by Prodrive

Whereas I’m just about charmed by any WRX, this one begins on the fitting word. One of the distinctive components I lock onto from throughout the infield addresses a pet peeve with the present WRX. Physique-colored wheel arches on this model change the inventory automotive’s black-lipped ones, which merely enterprise too far into Outback and crossover territory. The wheel arch extensions add greater than an inch of total width, which most likely provides to the impression—and there’s a rear wing that appears much like the P25’s. It additionally will get the identical measurement wheels because the P25, sporting P255/35R19 Bridgestone Potenza Sport tires.

Prodrive says its WRX makes about 30 hp greater than the inventory WRX due to remapped engine administration, placing complete output simply over 300 hp versus the usual WRX’s 271 hp. On the comparatively tight street course, the place I’m principally in third gear with temporary digs into second, it’s exhausting to really feel that distinction and not using a inventory WRX available, nevertheless it feels strong and versatile within the midrange revs. 

Subaru WRX by Prodrive

Subaru WRX by Prodrive

Subaru WRX by Prodrive

As I discover in the identical dealing with course the place I drove the P25, there may be one instant, distinct distinction versus a inventory WRX: Its upgraded Sparco SPX entrance seats are a wise improve, because the automotive corners rather a lot flatter and so they’re wanted to carry occupants in place. Prodrive has boosted anti-roll bar stiffness entrance and rear, upgraded the suspension bushings, and uprated the specs for each the Bilstein dampers and is derived.

The brakes have been upgraded, too, with a bundle much like the P25 bringing 6-piston calipers in entrance and 4-piston calipers in again—bigger throughout, with sport pads. Solely on my final lap do I start driving this WRX exhausting sufficient to step exhausting into the brake pedal, and it’s extra decisive than the inventory WRX’s for positive.  

Whereas it’s exhausting to inform how a lot harsher this setup may trip on real-world roads, it doesn’t give the impression that it would make the WRX’s capabilities any much less accessible. Like the very best STI fashions—the 2008-2010 mannequin in my thoughts—it opens up new potential. 

Subaru WRX by Prodrive

Subaru WRX by Prodrive

Subaru WRX by Prodrive

The relative simplicity of the bundle and upgrades stands in distinction to the seemingly infinite tuning adjustments and upgrades that STI fashions used to boast over the WRX. There’s no quicker-ratio steering, selectable middle diff, or resonating exhaust, to call only a few.

When you can put a few of these expectations apart, you’re unsure ready for an electrical STI is kind of your factor, and also you simply need a greater WRX, effectively, right here it’s.

Neither Subaru nor Prodrive will say if this could be offered as a bundle or a standalone automotive, by Subaru or by Prodrive, and value actually is not talked about. Nevertheless, each insist that this represents a wise however comparatively frugal set of equipment and enhancements constructed on the inventory Subaru WRX, which begins at $31,625 with a 6-speed handbook (as this one has) for 2023. Seeing that Subaru of America received me out right here, and it’s constructed on what’s basically a U.S.-spec left-hand-drive automotive, it’s secure to say they’re .