Subaru Impreza PWRC

Article Courtesy of

Impressive as it is, the Subaru Impreza PWRC is certainly not a supercar. To adhere to the regulations of the FIA's Group N category, its performance has only been lightly tuned, with an air restrictor limiting engine power.

Best Car magazine immediately jumped on the opportunity to have an exclusive interview when they found out that Toshihiro Arai—who was the champion in the 2005 and 2007 Production World Rally Championship (PWRC)—joined "PRINCE" Aoyama in taking the car out for a spin.

"PRINCE" AOYAMA: Although the tyres weren't heated yet, it handled like magic!

TOSHIHIRO ARAI: The slightly elevated tyre pressure affected road contact; we should lower it before the next round.

With the tyre pressure reduced, the second run highlights the Impreza PWRC's stellar acceleration and responsive handling. Treated to a first-hand experience of Arai's driving skill and honed reflexes, Prince is speechless.

"PRINCE" AOYAMA: It was amazing! It was all I could do to hold on! The car was tilting sideways like we were driving on a dirt track— perhaps Arai's talents include automotive acrobatics!

TOSHIHIRO ARAI: We drove on a paved road with gravel tyres; if it were on a dirt track, we would have tilted sideways even more.

"PRINCE" AOYAMA: Though I've had the chance to sit in the passenger seats of many professional drivers, this sensation is a first. It was the kind of handling that required a synergy between car and driver, and for the driver to be in tune with every reverberation of the car.

After experiencing Arai's driving, Aoyama joyfully takes the wheel. He performs pylon slalom and ends with a spin turn halfway into the course.

"PRINCE" AOYAMA: Since I was not used to handling the car, it was slightly difficult to control. I felt as if the car was slipping out of my control as I entered the turn, and halfway through, I thought, "This is too difficult!" With nearly 588Nm of torque, acceleration is fantastic. But it seems that a lot of practice is needed to properly handle this car!

Controlling oversteer and understeer seemed like a challenge!

TOSHIHIRO ARAI: Enhanced body rigidity improved handling—but the key to preventing oversteer and understeer is to react immediately when you feel your control slipping.

How did you keep the front of the car facing inward?

TOSHIHIRO ARAI: There are various methods but they are not easy to explain. One way is to ensure that the rear still faces outward by completely cutting the clutch and keeping the car steady, then slightly gripping the clutch and pressing "circle", "triangle", "cross"….

"PRINCE" AOYAMA: Though I understand the principle, its execution seems pretty impossible!

How does the Impreza PWRC compare with other cars? For example, does its transmission allow half-clutch?

"PRINCE" AOYAMA: It is a racing car, so it does not come with brake servos—but the transmission was rock solid, and felt really good. It did not reach maximum power on this narrow circuit. In any case, it was completely different from any car I have ever driven.

That's the Impreza PWRC for you—but specifications like these will likely raise its price to ¥14 million. That being the case, what score does it get?

"PRINCE" AOYAMA: Instead of driving this car on public roads, I would rather use it to polish my driving skills on a closed course. There is no way of faking your abilities with such well-defined handling, so it is the best car to practice with. It is also a pleasure to drive, so I give it 85 points out of a hundred.