This Ultra-Rare 2023 Impreza 22B STI Restomod Immortalizes

In a world where automakers are often criticized for their bland and uninspiring designs, one car enthusiast has taken it upon himself to revive the iconic 1998 Subaru Impreza 22B STI. Rostislav Prokop, an in-house render guru, has created a HotCars exclusive Restomod of the beloved Subie, packing it with the most powerful road-going Subaru boxer engine ever made and taking it on a weight reduction class.

The original 22B STI was a commemorative car created to celebrate Subaru’s three FIA World Rally Championships and its 40th anniversary. But today, Subaru’s cars are often deemed boring, lacking the excitement and thrill of their rallying past. The discontinuation of the coveted WRX STI only adds to the disappointment for car enthusiasts worldwide.

Prokop’s Restomod is the perfect chin-up job to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the best-ever rally co-makers. It retains the essence of the original while adding a modern twist to it. The widebody treatment and unique blue color have been preserved, making the Restomod stand out just as the original 22B STI did.

The modifications don’t stop at the exterior. The Restomod takes the 22B STI out of its comfort zone, making it the most desirable Subaru racecar made for the tarmac. The engine from the most powerful Subaru STI ever made from the factory, the limited edition STI S209, replaces the humble 2.2-Liter turbocharged boxer four engine of the original 22B STI. The 2.5-Liter turbocharged unit now pumps out 341 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque, providing a boost in power.

But the modifications don’t end there. The Restomod has been fitted with an ECU remap, bigger turbos, and a beefier intake system, resulting in an impressive 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. The power-to-weight ratio has been cleverly balanced to create a nimble track car capable of holding speed even in corners.

The decision to replace the original Saffron Yellow WRX wheels with a set of black custom ones may not please everyone, but the reasoning behind the decision is solid. The 1998 Impreza 22B STI was at home on gravel and dirt, making it the closest anyone could get to a hardcore rally car for the roads. However, the Restomod takes the complete opposite route, making it a sports car designed for the tarmac.

The HotCars exclusive Restomod Subaru Impreza 22B STI is a reminder of Subaru’s glory days and a celebration of the 70th anniversary of rally racing greats. Prokop’s impressive work has retained the essence of the original while adding a modern twist, resulting in a supercar-rivaling prowess that shreds some slicks.