To post or not to post, that is the question. I’ve been wrestling with this issue ever since returning home from SubiNats, hosted at Australia’s beautiful Phillip Island. The question is simply to share this teaser or to hold off until we shoot a more robust set? Clearly, If you’re reading this, I’ve caved. I couldn’t wait. More to the point, I decided that you guys shouldn’t have to wait. So here it is. Well, here’s the short version. With a little luck, we’ll get a more substantial look later in the year.
Let me introduce you to Willall Racing‘s 25BB, otherwise known as a modern tribute to Subaru’s near mythical performance coupe, the 22B.
Don’t be fooled by the lack of garish bolt-ons or hyper-color paint work that we’ve become all too accustomed to online. Look harder. Yes, you’re right, that does look somewhat wider than a regular 2016 Subaru WRX STI. In fact, it’s much wider.
The subtlety is a result of the team’s efforts to match the existing body lines with a metal-worked finish. That’s right, it’s all metal, and all four doors even open and close just as they did from the factory. I’m well accustomed to seeing this level of bespoke metalwork on one-off builds, historic racers and hot rods, but this type of finish on a modern Subaru street car is something I can’t remember encountering before.
The extra girth allows for rubber up to 305mm wide on each corner. The STI was running a set of 275s on its RAYS Volk Racing TE37SLs while testing at SubiNats; that’s around 40mm wider than standard already, and they still looked quite malnourished under the pumped guards.
Why the hell would you go that level of effort to add so much more rubber to an STI though? Sorry, my mistake, I must have forgotten to mention the confirmed 800kW (1,000hp) at the wheels. That power is generated by Willall Racing’s 2.5-liter EJ replacement engine complete with a billet block capable of withstanding a whopping 50psi (3.4bar) of boost pressure.
Have I got your attention yet? Yes? I thought I would.
While we all wait for the car to arrive in Sydney where it’ll be Speedhunted properly, let’s fire up the comments section with a list of other iconic cars we’d like to see revisited and brought back to life through a modern tribute.
Matthew Everingham
Instagram: matthew_everingham
matt@mattheweveringham.com
OFFICIAL SPEEDHUNTERS SUPPLIERS
Yes!! That effort...
Mmmmm, engine porn
Absolutely love this! To me this is modified perfection: extensive re-engineering, with OEM+ styling.
Wow! Those billet blocks are completely mental, the IAG guys have done a good job of debuting and marketing them here in the States. Love that Process West plenum too! The metal work is top-notch. Only thing I might change are swapping 22B-style gold BBS wheels for the TEs to complete the look a little more.
You're right, that'd be the icing on an already delicious cake.
+1 for gold mesh wheels, just isn't a 22b tribute with TEs
What a corker! I bet the sound is something else! Agreed about the wheels/tyres though, they do look a little lost.
It does sound pretty tough.
The bodywork, amazing. The engine, that's porn. The brake rotors, those are mental, I've never seen slots like that, I must know more about those!
They're Endless E-Slit rotors
So, is it like the Hellcat of Subarus? Becausr that's what it looks like. Ludicrous WHP, 305 potential on all four corners, and metal widebody. But this looks to be much more than a street-legal quarter mile king. This looks like a proper road car gone bananas.
Similar, except Willall Racing have no affiliation with Subaru.
I hear Willall plan on building these as a complete car for customers. The price tag is rumored to be similar to an Australian R35 GT-R.
Two things I would love to see is one a video of this car at idle and in motion AND I would love to know the 1/4 mile time
YUSS!! so glad you got a feature on this car.
I absolutely love it's OEM+ look.
Top work by all involved.
Really nice photos too mate
Man, 18's look tiny on that thing. And that's coming from a 17" wheel junkie.
Love the teaser. Look forward to a full blown feature.
I appreciate the fact that Wilhal Racing teases the onlooker with a widened girth and 305's on all corners. Almost as if they invite you to take a closer look...
Beautiful body and engine, but am I the only one that thinks 1,000hp is overkill for a "22B tribute"?
That car is bonkers! I wish more widebody kits were simply an extension of stock lines, rather than dramatic aero pieces. The thing is beautiful!
Here is a original 22b underneath todays one. 22B crossover Old vs New
Didnt see the 800kw coming. Love the OEM style widebody.
Love the understated look!
I gasped as I read that power figure. With that much boost, how long do these engines last?
thanks to billet blocks, probably longer than a week now
Pssst, STI. This is what an Impreza STI has to look like!!
Right? This is just incredible work.
what kind of box are they using with that kind of power output.
this needs answered
How much is that kind of wide body conversion? I know a few people(and FnF 8) have been doing the Prodrive Vermont Sports Car spec widebody, but it's nowhere to be found.
If you have to ask....
I'd say south of 20k, maybe 10k.
Bravo, that is top stuff.
SUUUUUUUUUBAAAAAROOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!
no booty like subie booty
The badge should have been pink in my opinion
this is the shit
No quality accreditation, no graduate engineer on staff, use pirated software.
Dunorlan Ave Edwardstown, where the Axiom sign is.
No quality accreditation, no graduate engineer on staff, use pirated software.
Dunorlan Ave Edwardstown, where the Axiom sign is.