Introduction
Imagine standing on the sidelines of a rally stage in the late 1990s, the air thick with anticipation. The distant roar of an engine echoes through the forest, growing louder with every second. Suddenly, a flash of blue blazes past, kicking up dust and gravel in its wake. That car is the Subaru Impreza STi 22B, a machine that has become a legend in motorsport. For Australian car enthusiasts, the 22B isn’t just a car; it’s a modern symbol of automotive passion, engineering brilliance and a testament to Subaru’s relentless pursuit of perfection.
The Subaru Impreza STi 22B holds a special place in the hearts of motoring enthusiasts. Its story is one of limited production, rally success, and unparalleled performance. Whether you’re a seasoned car collector or just someone who appreciates the finer details of automotive craftsmanship, the tale of the 22B is bound to captivate your imagination.
Limited Production and Rarity
The allure of the Subaru Impreza 22B STi begins with its extreme rarity. Picture a treasure chest hidden away and accessible only to a fortunate few. Only 424 units of the 22B were ever produced, making it a rare gem in the automotive world. Out of these, 400 were designated for the Japanese market, with just 16 reaching the UK, 5 making their way to Australia, and 3 remaining as prototypes.
This scarcity is not just a number; it’s a testament to the 22 B’s exclusivity and desirability. Each car is a piece of history, a collector’s dream, and a tangible connection to Subaru’s glorious past. The few 22Bs that grace Australian roads are revered, their presence a reminder of a time when Subaru pushed the boundaries of performance and design.
For car enthusiasts, the rarity of the 22B is akin to finding a rare artefact. It’s not just about owning a piece of metal and machinery; it’s about possessing a slice of motoring legend. The limited production run has only fuelled the desire for the 22B, turning it into a coveted item that represents more than just a car – it’s a legacy.
Commemoration of Subaru’s Success
The Subaru Impreza 22B STi wasn’t just a car; it was a celebration. Created to mark Subaru’s 40th anniversary and to commemorate the brand’s third consecutive manufacturer’s title in the FIA World Rally Championship, the 22B embodies a sense of triumph and legacy. Think of it as a victory lap, not just for Subaru’s rally team, but for the entire brand.
The year was 1998, and Subaru was riding high on a wave of rally success. The 22B was the crown jewel, a car that encapsulated everything Subaru had achieved on the rally stages worldwide. It was as if Subaru had bottled the essence of its rallying prowess and poured it into the 22B. This car wasn’t just built to perform; it was built to celebrate, to stand as a monument to Subaru’s dedication and success.
Subaru’s decision to produce the 22B was bold. It wasn’t just about creating another model; it was about creating a legend. The 22B was designed to be a limited edition, a collector’s item from the outset. Each car that rolled off the production line was a nod to the fans, the drivers, and everyone who had supported Subaru through its rallying journey.
In Australia, the 22B’s arrival was met with great enthusiasm. Enthusiasts recognised it as more than just a car. It was a piece of motorsport history, a collector’s item, and a symbol of Subaru’s engineering excellence. The 22B wasn’t just a car you drove; it was a car you cherished that told a story every time you turned the key.
Unique Design and Appearance
The Subaru Impreza 22B STi’s design is a feast for the eyes, especially for those who appreciate the fine details of automotive craftsmanship. Inspired by Subaru’s World Rally Championship cars, the 22B’s aesthetic is aggressive and elegant, a perfect blend of form and function.
Imagine standing in your garage, the garage door lifting to reveal the 22B in all its glory. The first thing that catches your eye is the widebody stance. The fenders, widened by 80mm, give the car an imposing presence. It’s like a sprinter poised at the starting blocks, ready to unleash its power. The unique hood and front and rear fenders, crafted specifically for the 22B, enhance its aggressive look, making it clear that this car means business.
The WRC-inspired front bumper and large adjustable rear wing aren’t just for show. These elements are functional and designed to improve aerodynamics and downforce, keeping the 22B planted firmly on the road even at high speeds. The exclusive “74F” blue paint, also known as World Rally Blue, is a nod to Subaru’s rally heritage, a colour that has become synonymous with the brand’s success. And then there are the gold 17-inch BBS wheels, a finishing touch that adds a touch of elegance to the car’s sporty persona.
The 22B’s design is more than just skin deep. Every curve and line is a testament to Subaru’s engineering prowess and attention to detail. This car isn’t just about looking good; it’s about performing at the highest level. And for car enthusiasts, it’s this blend of beauty and performance that makes the 22B so special.
Powerful Engine and Performance
Beneath the bonnet of the Subaru Impreza 22B STi lies a heart that beats with pure power. Imagine the feeling of sitting behind the wheel, knowing that you control one of the most potent engines Subaru ever built. The 22B is powered by a 2.2-litre turbocharged flat-four engine, known as the EJ22G. Officially, this engine is rated at 280 horsepower and 363 N⋅m (268 lb-ft) of torque. However, among enthusiasts and experts, it is widely believed that the actual output exceeds 300 horsepower.
This engine isn’t just about raw power; it’s about delivering that power in a way that makes every drive an exhilarating experience. The 22B can rocket from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 3.9 to 4.7 seconds, a testament to its impressive performance capabilities. Imagine launching off the line, the force pinning you back in your seat as the turbo spools up and delivers a surge of power that feels almost electric.
Driving the 22B is an experience that engages all your senses. The sound of the engine, a throaty growl that turns into a high-pitched scream as the revs climb, is music to the ears of any car enthusiast. The sensation of the car responding to your every input, the precise steering and communication, and the suspension firm yet compliant make you feel connected to the road in a way that few cars can match.
The 22B’s engine is more than just a powerhouse; it’s a work of art. Subaru engineers meticulously designed and tuned it to deliver peak performance, reliability, and durability. This engine is a testament to Subaru’s engineering excellence, a marvel of technology that continues to inspire awe and admiration.
Advanced Drivetrain and Suspension
The Subaru Impreza 22B STi’s performance isn’t just about its powerful engine. It’s also about how that power is delivered to the road. The 22B is equipped with an advanced all-wheel-drive system featuring an adjustable centre differential. This system allows the driver to fine-tune the car’s handling characteristics, ensuring optimal traction and stability under various driving conditions.
Imagine carving through a winding mountain road, the 22B’s all-wheel-drive system working seamlessly to distribute power to each wheel, maintaining grip and composure even in the tightest of corners. The adjustable centre differential gives you the flexibility to tailor the car’s behaviour to your preferences, whether you’re looking for more aggressive cornering or smoother, more controlled handling.
The 22 B’s suspension system is equally impressive. Featuring uprated components such as Bilstein shocks and Eibach springs, it offers a ride that is both firm and comfortable. The suspension is tuned to provide exceptional handling without sacrificing comfort, making the 22B a joy to drive on both the track and the road.
With red Subaru-branded callipers, the brakes provide powerful stopping performance, ensuring that the 22B can scrub off speed as quickly as it can build it. This combination of advanced drivetrain and suspension components makes the 22B a car that inspires confidence, allowing you to push its limits and explore its full potential.
Rally-Inspired Technology
The Subaru Impreza 22B STi is not just a car; it’s a direct descendant of Subaru’s rally champions. Imagine taking a rally car, honed and perfected on the world’s toughest stages, and making it road-legal. That’s essentially what Subaru did with the 22B. Drawing heavily from their extensive rally experience, Subaru incorporated various advanced technologies into the 22B, making it a true road-going version of their rally cars.
The 22B’s DNA is infused with rally-bred technology. For instance, the advanced all-wheel drive system, derived from Subaru’s rally cars, ensures optimal power distribution and grip. This technology allows the 22B to maintain exceptional traction on any surface, whether tarmac, gravel, or snow. The adjustable centre differential, a feature often found in rally cars, allows the driver to customise the handling characteristics, enhancing the car’s versatility.
The suspension system, featuring Bilstein shocks and Eibach springs, is designed to handle the rigours of rally driving. This setup perfectly balances comfort and performance, allowing the 22B to glide over rough surfaces with ease while maintaining excellent handling and stability. With their rally-inspired design, the improved brakes ensure that the 22B can stop on a dime, providing the kind of control essential in rally racing.
Driving the 22B is akin to piloting a rally car. The connection to Subaru’s rally heritage is palpable in every aspect of the driving experience. The car responds instantly to your inputs, the steering precise and communicative, the suspension firm yet compliant. It’s a driving experience that engages all your senses, making you feel like a rally driver whenever you get behind the wheel.
Cultural Impact
The Subaru Impreza 22B STi isn’t just a car; it’s a cultural icon. Among Japanese sports car enthusiasts and motoring fans worldwide, the 22B holds a revered status. It represents the pinnacle of Subaru’s performance capabilities during its era, capturing the imagination of car enthusiasts and collectors alike.
The 22B’s impact on car culture cannot be overstated. Its limited production run and rally-inspired design became an instant classic, making it highly sought after. In the world of Japanese sports cars, the 22B stands out as a symbol of engineering excellence and rally dominance. It’s a car that enthusiasts dream of owning, a piece of automotive history that continues to inspire awe and admiration.
In Australia, the 22B’s cultural impact is particularly significant. The car’s rarity and performance have made it a legend among local enthusiasts. Owners of the 22B are seen as custodians of a piece of motorsport history, and the car’s presence at car shows and events draws crowds eager to catch a glimpse of this iconic machine.
The 22B has also left its mark on popular culture. It has been featured in video games, movies, and television shows, further cementing its status as a legendary sports car. For many, the 22B is the epitome of Subaru’s rally success, a car that embodies the spirit of competition and the thrill of driving.
Increasing Value
The Subaru Impreza 22B STi isn’t just a legendary car because of its performance and design; its value has alsoskyrocketed over the years. Imagine owning a piece of art that only increases in value as time goes on, reflecting its historical significance and rarity. That’s what the 22B represents in the automotive world.
Over the years, the 22B has become one of the most sought-after collector’s items. Initially sold at a fraction of its current value, the 22B’s price has escalated dramatically. Some examples have fetched well over $300,000 at auctions, making it one of the most valuable Japanese sports cars ever produced. This increase in value is a testament to the car’s iconic status and the high regard in which it is held by enthusiasts and collectors.
This appreciation in value is driven by several factors. Firstly, the limited production run means that there are very few 22Bs available on the market. This scarcity makes each car incredibly desirable. Secondly, the 22B’s connection to Subaru’s rally success adds to its allure. As a car celebrating Subaru’s dominance in the World Rally Championship, it holds a special place in motorsport history.
For Australian collectors, the 22B’s value is particularly significant. The few units that made it to Australia are highly prized, with their value reflecting the car’s legendary status. Owning a 22B isn’t just about having a high-performance vehicle; it’s about possessing a piece of automotive history that continues to appreciate in value.
Driving Experience
Driving the Subaru Impreza 22B STi is an experience like no other. Imagine the thrill of piloting a car that combines the raw power of a rally machine with the finesse of a high-performance sports car. The 22B captures the essence of 1990s performance cars, offering an exhilarating and engaging driving experience.
The 22B’s 2.2-litre turbocharged flat-four engine delivers a surge of power that propels the car forward with an urgency that few cars can match. The acceleration is immediate, the turbocharger spooling up to provide a burst of speed that pins you back in your seat. The engine’s roar is a symphony of mechanical might, a soundtrack that thrills with every rev.
The car’s handling is equally impressive. The all-wheel drive system and the advanced suspension setup provide exceptional grip and stability. Whether you’re navigating tight corners or cruising on a straightaway, the 22B feels planted and responsive. The precise steering gives you the confidence to push the car to its limits.
Inside, the 22B offers a driver-focused environment. The seats are supportive, the controls intuitively placed, and the visibility excellent. It’s a car that connects you to the road, every input translating into an immediate response. This driving experience makes the 22B unique; it demands to be driven and rewards you with an unforgettable journey.
Historical Significance
The Subaru Impreza 22B STi represents a pivotal moment in Subaru’s history. It’s a car that showcases the brand’s engineering prowess and solidifies its reputation in the performance car world. The 22B is more than just a vehicle; it’s a symbol of Subaru’s dedication to excellence and its commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
Subaru was at the height of its rally success in the late 1990s. The 22B was born out of this era, a car that celebrated Subaru’s achievements in the World Rally Championship. It embodied the lessons learned on the rally stages, translating them into a road-going machine that offered unparalleled performance and handling.
The 22B’s significance extends beyond its rally heritage. It represents a time when Subaru was willing to take risks, to create a car that was bold, innovative, and unlike anything else on the market. The 22B’s limited production run, unique design, and advanced technology make it a landmark in automotive history, a car that continues to inspire and captivate enthusiasts around the world.
In Australia, the 22B’s historical significance is deeply felt. It’s a car that resonates with local enthusiasts, its presence a reminder of Subaru’s rally dominance and engineering excellence. The 22B isn’t just a part of Subaru’s history; it’s a part of Australia’s motoring heritage, a car that continues to be celebrated and cherished by those who understand its true value.
Conclusion
The Subaru Impreza STi 22B is more than just a car; it’s a legend. From its limited production and commemorative significance to its unique design, powerful performance, and rally-inspired technology, the 22B represents the pinnacle of Subaru’s engineering achievements. Its cultural impact, increasing value, and unforgettable driving experience make it a car that will always be revered by enthusiasts and collectors alike.
For Australian car enthusiasts, the 22B symbolises passion and excellence. It’s a car that tells a story of success, innovation, and dedication. As we look back on the legacy of the 22B, we are reminded of what makes it truly special – a perfect blend of history, performance, and design that continues to captivate the hearts and minds of motoring fans worldwide.e