Prodrive to develop WRX STi-based supercar?

With all wheel drive, a quick-spooling lag-free turbo and a curb weight of 1000 kg (2200 lbs), the performance potential of

Other Subaru-sourced parts include the majority of the symmetrical all wheel drive system (differentials, torque splitters, etc.) as well as the suspension, steering components and brakes. (Photo: Subaru Canada)

the P2 is fearful. The dash to 100 km/h should be nudging the four second barrier, making it as quick as Ferrari's new F430, Lamborghini's Gallardo and the upcoming Porsche 911 Turbo. At the same time, the short-ratio gearbox should mean that the pull will be as strong as speed picks up; it won't fizzle or fade out like the equivalently sized, but much less powerful Lotus Exige S2. The projected top speed is 260 km/h (approx. 160 mph). The P2 will also be a much more nimble and tossable machine than any of the aforementioned supercars (Exige aside); its compact dimension as well as its near perfect weight distribution (note the side-mounted radiators) and will feature Prodrive's new stability control system.

As exciting as the notion of such a vehicle is, the yet-to-be named Project P2 is a more of a demonstration vehicle. It shows Prodrive's capacity to engineer and design its own vehicles and technologies, as well as their flexibility as a developer. The project in its current state is just three months underway, but the firm is pushing hard for a completion date by year's end. As it stands right now, there are no plans for production, but with enough positive public response, Prodrive should consider. It's a brilliant idea, and without a doubt would redefine the supercar industry proving that with a little ingenuity and a little sideways thinking that the extraordinary can be achieved.