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, meticulous attention to detail, and long-term reliability 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 selected and developed with the goal of creating a vehicle that delivers an authentic rally-inspired driving experience without the frequent maintenance demands, rebuild requirements, and reliability concerns often associated with highly modified performance cars.
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, while offering the dependability and usability expected from a vehicle built to be driven and enjoyed.
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
- Driver Selectable ABS Control
- 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
- Carbon Door Cards
- Carbon Floor Mats
- 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
- Carbon Kevlar Doors
- Carbon Rear Wing
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.
DISASSEMBLY and
CHASSIS PREPARATION
02
Following donor vehicle acquisition, the vehicle underwent complete disassembly, reducing it to a bare chassis shell. Every mechanical, electrical, interior, and exterior component was carefully removed to provide unrestricted access to the vehicle's structure and establish a clean foundation for the work ahead.
With the shell fully exposed, the chassis was thoroughly inspected and prepared for the fabrication, refinishing, and assembly phases that would follow. Extensive body preparation was carried out across the shell, with imperfections and surface irregularities carefully corrected before the entire chassis was primed, creating a consistent and stable foundation for the restoration and paint processes that followed.
Retaining the original configuration of the Subaru WRC S12 platform, this stage established the foundation for the vehicle's transformation.
FIA / MSUK T45 GDB STEP 3 ROLL CAGE INTEGRATION
03
With the chassis preparation phase complete, attention turned toward the integration of one of the most critical components of the build: the motorsport-grade safety structure.
An FIA-compliant T45 carbon steel roll cage was carefully installed and TIG welded into the vehicle structure. Weighing approximately 46 kg, the cage offers an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio while meeting the demanding requirements of competitive motorsport applications.
Following installation, the structure underwent inspection and was issued with its corresponding FIA certification documentation.
Beyond its role in occupant protection, the roll cage significantly increases chassis rigidity, enhancing the overall strength, durability, and responsiveness of the platform while providing a solid foundation for the stages of development that followed.
CARBON-KEVLAR BODY CONVERSION
04
Following completion of the roll cage phase, attention shifted toward the exterior transformation of the vehicle through the installation of a carbon-kevlar body package inspired by the Subaru WRC S12 platform.
The conversion included carbon-kevlar front fenders, rear quarter panels, front and rear bumpers, rear doors, and a carbon rear wing. Each component was carefully fitted and aligned to achieve consistent panel gaps, accurate fitment, and a cohesive appearance throughout the vehicle.
Beyond recreating the distinctive visual identity of the WRC S12, the use of lightweight composite materials contributed to overall weight reduction while preserving the aggressive proportions and character of Subaru's iconic World Rally Championship contender.
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
Suspension development focused on achieving the geometry, adjustability, and responsiveness expected of a motorsport-inspired platform. Bilstein PSS9 adjustable dampers were combined with custom spring rates, Group N front and rear top mounts, adjustable front control arms, Whiteline roll center correction components, Whiteline camber adjustment bolts, and adjustable rear trailing arms. The adjustable front control arms also allowed the front wheels to be positioned further forward within the wheel arches, replicating a key characteristic of the WRC S12 platform.
Braking performance is provided by Brembo calipers, upgraded brake discs, performance brake pads, and braided brake lines, while a hydraulic handbrake system further reinforces the rally-inspired character of the build.
With the major structural and bodywork phases complete, the project entered the assembly stage. The engine, six-speed transmission, driveline, suspension, braking system, and supporting mechanical components were carefully integrated into the chassis as the vehicle progressed toward its final form.
The drivetrain retained Subaru's renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and was complemented by a performance clutch assembly, Group N transmission mount, and a CAE Ultra Shifter to deliver a more precise and direct driving experience.
ELECTRONICS ARCHITECTURE
08
To further reinforce the character of the WRC-inspired cockpit, the vehicle's starting procedure was redesigned. While retaining the original ignition key as a safety immobiliser, the system was reconfigured to incorporate a dedicated ignition switch and engine start button, replicating the operation and feel of a contemporary rally car.
A dedicated motorsport-style switch panel was also integrated into the interior, providing convenient access to selected vehicle functions through a clean, purpose-built, and driver-focused interface.
Combined with advanced features such as launch control, anti-lag, configurable boost control strategies, real-time diagnostics, comprehensive data logging, and extensive vehicle monitoring capabilities, the electronics package forms a central part of the vehicle's development, blending modern motorsport technology with a highly functional and driver-focused environment.
To support the performance and functionality requirements of the build, the vehicle received a comprehensive motorsport-oriented electrical system centered around a Link ECU engine management platform and an AiM digital dashboard. Together, these systems provide complete integration between the engine, vehicle electronics, driver controls, and data monitoring functions.
A network of sensors was incorporated throughout the vehicle, allowing continuous monitoring of critical operating parameters including oil pressure, fuel pressure, air-fuel ratio, boost pressure, temperatures, battery voltage, fuel level, gear position, and numerous additional engine and vehicle functions. Real-time diagnostics, ECU fault monitoring, and configurable warning strategies ensure essential information is immediately available to the driver.
Calibration AND Tuning
09
With all mechanical, electrical, and control systems fully integrated, the vehicle entered the final calibration and validation phase. The Link ECU was configured to optimize fuel delivery, ignition timing, boost control, anti-lag functionality, and launch control operation, ensuring all systems worked together as intended.
Development focused on achieving a balance between performance, drivability, and reliability. Particular attention was given to throttle response, turbocharger behavior, and overall vehicle refinement to create a driving experience inspired by the Subaru WRC S12 while remaining dependable and enjoyable to operate.
Producing 380 BHP and 530 Nm of torque, the completed package was calibrated with an emphasis on consistent performance and long-term reliability rather than maximum output. Extensive testing was carried out to validate the operation of the engine management system, dashboard functions, sensor network, and supporting vehicle systems prior to final completion.
FINAL ASSEMBLY
AND PRESENTATION
10
The final phase focused on the completion and integration of the vehicle's interior, mechanical, electrical, and finishing elements. Every component was carefully assembled, adjusted, and validated to ensure the vehicle operated as a cohesive package.
Particular attention was given to the driver and co-driver environment, featuring FIA-homologated competition seats and harnesses, a professionally flocked dashboard, an integrated intercom communication system with driver and co-driver headsets, and a Terratrip rally tripmeter. Additional rally-inspired details included dedicated co-driver controls for the horn and windscreen wipers, as well as an adjustable map light .
Following final inspections and system validation, the completed vehicle emerged as a modern interpretation of the Subaru WRC S12 platform, combining authentic rally-inspired features, motorsport safety systems, and modern electronics. While inspired by a World Rally Championship car, the project was developed with a strong emphasis on reliability and drivability, ensuring it can be enjoyed with confidence both on the road and beyond.
THE COMPLETED VISION
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Beirut, Lebanon
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