subaru IMPREZA WRC S12 REIMAGINED
project
philosophy
The S12 project was created to reinterpret one of Subaru's most advanced and recognizable World Rally Championship platforms. Inspired by the final evolution of the iconic GD-era rally cars.
The objective was to combine modern craftsmanship, engineering standards, and meticulous attention to detail while preserving the character that made the original platform legendary.
Rather than pursuing a direct replica, the focus was to capture the performance, presence, and spirit of the S12 generation through contemporary materials, fabrication techniques, and performance-focused solutions. Every component was developed ensuring consistency throughout every stage of the build.
The result is a modern interpretation that celebrates the legacy of Subaru's most evolved World Rally Championship era while remaining true to its motorsport roots.
TECHNICAL OVERVIEW
performance
Output: 380+ BHP
Torque: 530+ Nm
Powertrain
- Subaru EJ20 2.0L Turbocharged Boxer Engine
- Forged Internal Components
- IHI VF53 Roller-Bearing Twin-Scroll Turbocharger
- Equal-Length Exhaust Header
- Custom 2.5-Inch Straight-Through Exhaust System
·- Anti-Lag System
- Launch Control System
Transmission and Driveline
- 6-Speed Manual Transmission
- Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive System
- Performance Clutch Assembly
- CAE Ultrashort Shifter
- Driver Controlled Centre Differential (DCCD)
Electronics
- Link ECU Engine Management
- AiM Digital Display & Data Acquisition
- Custom Electrical Architecture
- Real-Time Vehicle Monitoring & Data Display
Suspension AND Braking
- Bilstein PSS9 Adjustable Suspension System
- Custom Spring Rate Configuration
- Brembo Braking System
- Upgraded Brake Discs & Performance Pads
- Hydraulic Handbrake Assembly
- Speedline Rally Wheels
- Pirelli Trofeo R Tires
Chassis AND Safety
- FIA / MSUK Certified T45 Roll Cage
- Approximate Roll Cage Weight: 46 kg
INTERIOR
- Motorsport-Inspired Interior
- Integrated Air Conditioning & Heating
- Sparco R323 Steering Wheel with Integrated Control Buttons
- Flocked Dashboard
- FIA Homologated Sparco Competition Circuit II Seats
- FIA Homologated Sabelt 6-Point Harnesses
- Terratrip 303 plus V4 Rally Computer
- Stilo WRC Headset and Intercom
EXTERIOR
- WRC S12 Carbon Kevlar Exterior Package
- Carbon Kevlar Front Fenders
- Carbon Kevlar Rear Quarter Panels
- Carbon Kevlar Bumpers
THE BUILD JOURNEY
DONOR VEHICLE ACQUISITION
01
Every project begins with selecting the right platform. The donor vehicle was carefully sourced before undergoing a complete teardown process, allowing every component and structural element to be inspected, assessed, and prepared for redevelopment.
TWO DOOR CONVERSION and
CHASSIS PREPARATION
02
Following complete vehicle disassembly, the chassis was stripped back to its bare shell, allowing every structural and body component to be inspected and prepared for the next stages of development.
As part of the transformation, the vehicle was converted from a four-door configuration to a two-door specification through the installation of two-door doors and rear quarter panels. This stage provided the foundation required for the exterior conversion while maintaining factory fitment and body alignment standards.
FIA / MSUK T45 ROLL CAGE INTEGRATION
03
With the chassis prepared and converted to two-door specification, development shifted toward the structural core of the project.
An FIA and MSUK-compliant roll cage manufactured from high-strength T45 carbon steel tubing was carefully fitted and welded into the vehicle structure. Weighing approximately 33 kg, the structure offers an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio while meeting the stringent requirements of competitive motorsport applications.
Following installation, the roll cage was inspected and issued with its corresponding FIA certification documentation, validating compliance with the applicable motorsport standards.
Beyond its role in occupant safety, the roll cage significantly increases chassis rigidity, improving the overall integrity, durability, and responsiveness of the platform.
Body Restoration and Carbon Composite Conversion
04
Following completion of the structural phase, attention shifted toward restoring and transforming the exterior of the vehicle. The chassis underwent extensive body restoration before receiving the complete P2000 carbon composite exterior package.
Each component was carefully fitted and aligned to ensure consistent panel gaps, accurate fitment, and visual harmony throughout the vehicle. This phase played a key role in recreating the distinctive appearance and character associated with Subaru's iconic World Rally Championship platform.
SURFACE PREPARATION
AND painting
05
With the structural and bodywork phases complete, the vehicle entered an extensive surface preparation, painting, and refinishing stage. Interior surfaces, exterior panels, engine bay areas, and underbody sections were meticulously prepared, protected, painted, and refinished using premium PPG paint to ensure a uniform standard of quality throughout the vehicle. This phase established both the visual and protective foundation of the build before the assembly and integration of the vehicle's major systems could begin.
Powertrain Development
06
With the chassis and exterior conversion nearing completion, focus shifted toward the development of the powertrain. Built around a fully rebuilt 2.0-litre Subaru boxer engine, the package was developed to complement the character of the S12 platform while delivering a balanced combination of responsiveness, drivability, and performance.
Fuel delivery was upgraded through Injector Dynamics ID1050X injectors, a DeatschWerks DW200 fuel pump, and an adjustable fuel pressure regulator to support the performance objectives of the project while maintaining consistent operation under demanding conditions.
Forced induction is provided by an IHI VF53 roller-bearing twin-scroll turbocharger paired with an equal-length exhaust header and a custom 2.5-inch straight-through exhaust system. Together, these components create responsive power delivery, improved engine breathing, and the distinctive character expected from a performance-focused Subaru boxer engine.
The result is a powertrain package developed to support the vehicle's overall objectives while remaining true to the spirit of Subaru's most evolved World Rally Championship generation.
Drivetrain, Suspension
AND Braking Assembly
07
With the major systems prepared, the project entered the assembly phase. The rebuilt engine, six-speed transmission, driveline, suspension, braking system, and supporting mechanical components were carefully installed and integrated into the chassis.
The vehicle retained Subaru's renowned symmetrical all-wheel-drive system while receiving a performance clutch assembly and short-throw shifter to enhance driver engagement. Suspension duties are handled by Bilstein PSS9 adjustable dampers configured with custom spring rates developed specifically for the project.
Braking performance is provided by Brembo calipers, upgraded brake discs, upgraded brake lines, and performance pads, while a hydraulic handbrake system was incorporated to further reinforce the rally-inspired character of the build.
ELECTRONICS ARCHITECTURE
08
A comprehensive custom electrical system was developed to support the vehicle's performance, monitoring, and control requirements. At the heart of the system is a Link ECU engine management platform working in conjunction with an AiM digital dashboard and data acquisition system, providing complete integration between the vehicle's critical systems.
An extensive sensor network was incorporated throughout the vehicle, allowing continuous monitoring of key operating parameters including oil pressure, fuel pressure, air-fuel ratio (AFR), boost pressure, temperatures, battery voltage, gear position, fuel level, and numerous additional engine and vehicle functions. Integrated warning strategies and ECU fault monitoring provide immediate notification of critical events, ensuring important information is always available to the driver.
To complement the vehicle's rally-inspired character, a dedicated motorsport-style switch panel was integrated into the cockpit. The system provides direct control of multiple vehicle functions including engine map selection, anti-lag activation, ABS control, cooling fan operation, window controls, vacuum pump operation, and additional auxiliary systems.
Combined with advanced features such as launch control, anti-lag, boost control strategies, real-time diagnostics, and comprehensive data logging capabilities, the electronics package forms a central part of the vehicle's development, blending modern motorsport technology with a highly functional and driver-focused interface.
Calibration AND Tuning
09
With all mechanical and electronic systems operational, the vehicle entered the final development stage. The Link ECU was calibrated to optimize fuel delivery, ignition timing, boost control, anti-lag functionality, and launch control strategies, ensuring all systems operated together as intended.
Particular attention was given to drivability, turbocharger response, and overall vehicle behavior to create a balanced driving experience both on the road and under demanding driving conditions. Following calibration and validation, the completed package produced in excess of 380 BHP and 530 Nm of torque while maintaining reliability and consistent performance characteristics.
Extensive testing was carried out to verify the operation of the engine management system, dashboard functions, sensor network, warning strategies, and supporting vehicle systems prior to final completion.
FINAL ASSEMBLY
AND PRESENTATION
10
The final phase focused on bringing together every element of the project. Exterior graphics, P2000 WRC livery elements, interior finishing, detailing, and final assembly operations were completed before the vehicle underwent a comprehensive quality-control process.
Particular attention was given to the driver environment, including the installation of the motorsport-inspired interior, FIA-homologated seating and harnesses, and a professionally flocked dashboard designed to reduce windshield reflections while reinforcing the vehicle's rally-inspired character.
Following final inspections and system validation, the completed vehicle emerged as a fully integrated interpretation of Subaru's iconic P2000 World Rally Championship platform. Combining rally-inspired design, modern engineering, motorsport safety systems, and extensive in-house craftsmanship, the project represents the culmination of hundreds of hours of development, fabrication, assembly, and refinement.
THE COMPLETED VISION
CONTACT US TO
START YOUR PROJECT
Whether you are planning a heritage recreation or a one-of-a-kind performance build, Loop Projects Division is available to discuss your project and bring your vision to life.
Let's build something exceptional.
Contact Us
Email: sales@loopautosolutions.com
Mobile: +961 .3. 853 555
Beirut, Lebanon
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