Discussion
Gazboy said:
Im sure there was someone on here who put an order in for one. Did they pull out or dont they come on here anymore?
Hardly anyone comes on here anymore, hell if it wasn't for Dan and Piers self abusement over Rex's this place would be fields...
those guys crack me up-in the nicest possible way
WR1 was a limited (500 cars in the UK) edition made to celebrate Solberg winning the WRC. I think it is known as the 'Solberg Edition' in Europe.
Prodrive have breathed on a standard UK STI, so the WR1 produces around 320 bhp (standard PPP'd STIs produce about 300). It also features lowered suspension, Prodrive 18" alloys and a manual diff (DCCD) allowing you to vary power distribution to the front and rear wheels. It also only comes in the metallic ice blue. There are a few other differences, but that's basically it.
The manual diff was the thing that really set it apart as that's a first for an official UK car. Jap spec cars have had them for ages. The new 05 STIs also feature the same thing.
Cost new was £29995. The big debate at the moment is whether these cars will hold their value better than a normal STI. It's hard to say to be honest. It hasn't had the impact on the UK Subaru car scene that the P1 had when it was first launched. P1 prices still reflect that today. I think some of that has to do with when it was launched. The fantastic Japanese 'Spec C' was already available and then Litchfield imports launched their stunning 'Type 25' (turbo charged 2.5 litre engine - LOTS of power). If it wasn't for these cars, I think the WR1 would have got more praise.
Make no mistake though, it is a very fine and capable car. It has the bonus of being an official Subaru UK car and therefore carries the full 3 year 60K warranty. John Barker's comment in Evo is a little short sighted when you consider that the WR1 cost less than the P1 did when it was launched 3 or 4 years ago ('WR Spec' P1s would have set you back £34k)
The improved spec of the new 05 STIs will have an impact on prices, but it would still cost you something close to the asking price of a new WR1 to get a similar spec (and it will have less power, unless you do a few warranty-threatening mods). Looking on Subaru's website, there were 12 WR1s available. Prices ranged from £27595 to nearly £40000 for a very seriously dealer-modified one.
If you are not that worried and still fancy an STI. You can get some very good deals on 04 spec cars. Dealers are knocking them out for just over £22K brand new (normally about £25K). I'm sure you could also get a good deal on fitting the PPP and Prodrive wheels and lowered suspension - making a very nice car!
Prodrive have breathed on a standard UK STI, so the WR1 produces around 320 bhp (standard PPP'd STIs produce about 300). It also features lowered suspension, Prodrive 18" alloys and a manual diff (DCCD) allowing you to vary power distribution to the front and rear wheels. It also only comes in the metallic ice blue. There are a few other differences, but that's basically it.
The manual diff was the thing that really set it apart as that's a first for an official UK car. Jap spec cars have had them for ages. The new 05 STIs also feature the same thing.
Cost new was £29995. The big debate at the moment is whether these cars will hold their value better than a normal STI. It's hard to say to be honest. It hasn't had the impact on the UK Subaru car scene that the P1 had when it was first launched. P1 prices still reflect that today. I think some of that has to do with when it was launched. The fantastic Japanese 'Spec C' was already available and then Litchfield imports launched their stunning 'Type 25' (turbo charged 2.5 litre engine - LOTS of power). If it wasn't for these cars, I think the WR1 would have got more praise.
Make no mistake though, it is a very fine and capable car. It has the bonus of being an official Subaru UK car and therefore carries the full 3 year 60K warranty. John Barker's comment in Evo is a little short sighted when you consider that the WR1 cost less than the P1 did when it was launched 3 or 4 years ago ('WR Spec' P1s would have set you back £34k)
The improved spec of the new 05 STIs will have an impact on prices, but it would still cost you something close to the asking price of a new WR1 to get a similar spec (and it will have less power, unless you do a few warranty-threatening mods). Looking on Subaru's website, there were 12 WR1s available. Prices ranged from £27595 to nearly £40000 for a very seriously dealer-modified one.
If you are not that worried and still fancy an STI. You can get some very good deals on 04 spec cars. Dealers are knocking them out for just over £22K brand new (normally about £25K). I'm sure you could also get a good deal on fitting the PPP and Prodrive wheels and lowered suspension - making a very nice car!
Chris,
Many thanks for your comments. I drove Litchfield's Red Spec C car just over a year ago and it was incredible. I didn't buy one as I had an R32 on order at the time. Now, the R32 is about to be sold and I'm in the marketplace. I haven't tried the Type 25, which is a bit more than I want to pay. Indeed your comments regarding Subaru warranty hit the nail on the head. I also love the ice blue colour. So I'm currently in contact with several dealers regarding the WR1. I have one question for anyone to answer please. The Subaru website quotes 0-60 at 4.25 secs. Evo magazine quote 5.3. Anyone know the reason for the difference. And which one is correct. Will keep you posted on developments.
Cheers.
Chris
Many thanks for your comments. I drove Litchfield's Red Spec C car just over a year ago and it was incredible. I didn't buy one as I had an R32 on order at the time. Now, the R32 is about to be sold and I'm in the marketplace. I haven't tried the Type 25, which is a bit more than I want to pay. Indeed your comments regarding Subaru warranty hit the nail on the head. I also love the ice blue colour. So I'm currently in contact with several dealers regarding the WR1. I have one question for anyone to answer please. The Subaru website quotes 0-60 at 4.25 secs. Evo magazine quote 5.3. Anyone know the reason for the difference. And which one is correct. Will keep you posted on developments.
Cheers.
Chris
No problem Chris 
I think you should take all 0-60 type times with a very large pinch of salt. I'm sure you could replicate the time that Subaru got if you had no consideration for your clutch!
To be honest, ether time is pretty damn impressive for what is essentially a heavy 4 door saloon. Of more importance, are the in gear acceleration times. The extra power and torque in the WR1 would be very welcome.
Incidently, if you could stretch the budget, the T25 is generally acknowledged to be just about the best Impreza you can currently buy. I think Litchfield even offer a 3 year warranty (not that I'm trying to tempt you
)
Have a read on Scoobynet, there are obviously quite a few WR1 owners on there.
Cheers
Chris
>> Edited by scoobybloke on Monday 11th October 19:48
I think you should take all 0-60 type times with a very large pinch of salt. I'm sure you could replicate the time that Subaru got if you had no consideration for your clutch!
To be honest, ether time is pretty damn impressive for what is essentially a heavy 4 door saloon. Of more importance, are the in gear acceleration times. The extra power and torque in the WR1 would be very welcome.
Incidently, if you could stretch the budget, the T25 is generally acknowledged to be just about the best Impreza you can currently buy. I think Litchfield even offer a 3 year warranty (not that I'm trying to tempt you
) Have a read on Scoobynet, there are obviously quite a few WR1 owners on there.
Cheers
Chris
>> Edited by scoobybloke on Monday 11th October 19:48
I thought someone on PH had put an order in for one.
see here. Ultimapaul replies. Dont know if he go tit mind.
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?f=71&t=76356
see here. Ultimapaul replies. Dont know if he go tit mind.
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?f=71&t=76356
tuttle said:
Im sure there was someone on here who put an order in for one. Did they pull out or dont they come on here anymore?
Hardly anyone comes on here anymore, hell if it wasn't for Dan and Piers self abusement over Rex's this place would be fields...
yeah yeah.... you're all just jealous because you wish you'd thought of them first!!
better than a LotsOfTroubleUsuallySerious esprit any day... right Gazboy
Went to Spa earlier this year with a bloke who had just bought one.
not standard but it was pretty good. was keeping up with the porsche boys (well not the GT3 or RS ones but 996 Turbos were ok for a laugh)
and that one for £40,000 (well £39,995) is up for sale at the place where I get my scooby looked after its their demo car, but its not standard has a bodykit a bit like the one in the pic but with different front/bonnet (looks more like the rallycar) and has big AP Racing brakes on it and other stuff done) If I had the money I would have it, guess I will just have to stick with my good old WRX STI Version 2 (I love her really)
not standard but it was pretty good. was keeping up with the porsche boys (well not the GT3 or RS ones but 996 Turbos were ok for a laugh)
and that one for £40,000 (well £39,995) is up for sale at the place where I get my scooby looked after its their demo car, but its not standard has a bodykit a bit like the one in the pic but with different front/bonnet (looks more like the rallycar) and has big AP Racing brakes on it and other stuff done) If I had the money I would have it, guess I will just have to stick with my good old WRX STI Version 2 (I love her really)
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