- "Essentially a road-going version of Subaru's WRC car, this car's production was limited to only 400 units (and sold out immediately)."
- ―In-game catch text for the car, from GT7's car collection
The Subaru Impreza 22B-STi Version '98 is a road car produced by Subaru. It first appeared in Gran Turismo 2 and has been featured in all subsequent mainline games.
Colors[]
Only one color is available for this car:
- Sonic Blue Mica[1]
In-game description[]
- "Any fan of WRC racing in the 1990s has the Impreza 22B on their list of must-buy cars. This replica model is based on the Impreza that enjoyed such great success during the golden age of rally. Its price upon release was roughly twice that of the Impreza WRX... But the 400 units produced still sold out in an instant! This variant sports more than just updated looks—the engine is a custom 2.2L. Capable of generating more torque than the 2L turbo, it promises solid acceleration and satisfying speed."
- ―In-game description of the car, from GT7's Used Car Dealership
Car Index[]
In March 1998, Subaru introduced the Version 22B-STi, based on the WRX coupe STi Version IV. The "22" in its name signified engine size, a 2.2-liter flat-4. With a larger turbo, this boxer pumped out 276 HP and 267.6 ft-lb of torque, making it as fast as many European sports cars costing twice as much. But the car's biggest draw was its styling that featured wide-body fenders, making it look very similar to the WRC race car. The 22B's production was limited to 400 units, but all of them were snatched up in a matter of months, despite a price tag of 5 million yen or about $50,000.
Not long after the 22B, Subaru took the covers off the STi Version V in September 1998. In addition to new aerodynamic parts on the exterior, the new STi received a new sport ABS to help stopping power.
In September 1999, the STi Version VI appeared featuring only modest changes that included a new front under spoiler, a reshaped rear spoiler and redesigned 16-in. alloy wheels. The competition model, the RA, came complete with mirror shells on the doors and sheeted rear quarter panels, designed to save weight. The STi Version VI marked the end of the GC-platform. What made this car especially noteworthy was that in its eight-year span, the WRX's body style stayed generally constant, staying true to the original.
Acquisition[]
| Game | Purchase location | Credits | Other methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gran Turismo 2 | Subaru Used Car Dealership | Approx. 55,000 | --- |
| Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec | Subaru Dealership | 50,000 | --- |
| Gran Turismo 4 | Late 90's Used Car Dealership | Approx. 25,000 | --- |
| Gran Turismo PSP | Subaru Dealership | 50,000 | --- |
| Gran Turismo 5 | Used Car Dealership (Lv. 6+) | 39,278 | --- |
| Gran Turismo 6 | Subaru Dealership | 50,000 | --- |
| Gran Turismo Sport (  v1.29+) |
Subaru Brand Central | 50,000 | --- |
| Gran Turismo 7 | Used Car Dealership | 170,400[2] | --- |
Customization[]
Engine Swaps (GT7)[]
| Engine | Price | Version | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| EJ20-Impreza-Rally | 425,000[3] | v1.56 | Racing engine swap; increases fuel economy. |
Trivia[]
- This car also appears in Gran Turismo Concept, albeit unplayable through normal means; it can only be seen as a CPU car in the races.
- Despite appearing in nearly all Gran Turismo games to date, it didn't receive an updated model and interior view until Gran Turismo Sport. Other vehicles that share this trait are the Toyota Supra RZ '97 and the Honda NSX Type R '92.
- In GT Sport, this car and the Subaru Impreza Coupe WRX Type R STi Version VI '99 used completely different 3D models. However in GT7, this car uses some parts, which are common to both cars, taken from the WRX-R STi Ver. VI, including some body panels, lights, exhaust and most of the interior.
- In GT6, the Sonic Blue Mica paint chip received from the car was initially bugged, where if it was applied, the car would turn entirely black. This was later fixed in update 1.02, the reissued version of the game's day one update.
- In GT Sport and GT7, it is possible to adjust the 4WD torque distribution settings in both the settings menu and during races, although the available values are reduced compared to Gr.B rally cars due to it being a road car.
- The Subaru Impreza Coupe WRX Type R STi Version VI '99 also has the same functionality.
Pictures[]
