Prodrive to develop WRX STi-based supercar?

Redefining The Supercar Industry

Prodrive, a self-made automotive specialist firm from Banbury, England describes itself as "one of the world's leading

Prodrive isn't a household name, as they don't so much make the racing cars as they develop them with high-end manufacturers. (Photo: Prodrive)

motorsport and automotive groups." You probably haven't heard of them unless you have your nose buried deep into FIA-sanctioned motorsports, such as Formula One, World Rally Championships, FIA-GT and World Touring Car Championships. But even then, Prodrive isn't a household name as they don't so much make the racing cars, as they do develop them with high-end manufacturers. With global offices, hundreds of employees trained in automotive design, automotive engineering, testing and many other critical areas, they are essentially full-out car company that's yet to produce their own vehicle.

Perhaps you haven't heard of Prodrive, but most automotive enthusiasts will instantly recognize some of the products that they've worked on. The list is lengthy, but it includes the likes of the BAR-Honda F1 car, the Ferrari 550 Maranello GT, and the Aston Martin DB9 R-GT just to name a few. However, Prodrive's strongest link is to Subaru: they have helped the Japanese firm conquer the globe with the supercar-slaying WRX STi rally car. Prodrive also sells modification and upgrade components for the WRX STi, and even produced a limited run PPP (Prodrive Performance Pack) version of it, hailed

Most automotive enthusiasts will instantly recognize some of the products that Prodrive has worked on. (Photo: Aston Martin)

to be one of the best in-house tuned variants to date for its balance of performance, agility and handling.

With the know-how and the capabilities from helping other build their own cars, Prodrive has put into motion a project which will redefine the supercar. Code-named P2, it is a two-door, hardtop performance machine constructed from Impreza WRX STi hardware which puts driving finesse, performance and agility as its highest priorities. Inspiration for the car seemingly comes from World Rally's earlier days, where mid-engined, rally-bred supercars such as the '70s Lancia Stratos and the '80s "Killer B" Lancia 037 Stradale and Ford RS200 models that dominated the scene with their heroic power and brutally quick performance.