This model car, based on the Subaru Impreza WRC, represents a legendary era in the World Rally Championship. The Subaru Impreza WRC was a vehicle specially tailored for rally racing, built on the second generation of the Subaru Impreza that ran from 1992 to 2000. This gen is known as GC8. It succeeded the Legacy RS, and Subaru developed the Impreza WRC to make the car more competitive and dynamic. The development and design team was led by David Lapworth, a key figure in Subaru’s motorsport history. The technical foundation featured a 2.0-liter (about 122 cubic inches) turbo flat-four engine with all-wheel drive, giving the car outstanding handling and traction, especially on rough terrain.
The Subaru Impreza WRC was packed with cool tech innovations, like the Active Differential Control and numerous modifications for different rally needs, whether on gravel or asphalt. Under the hood, you’d find a turbo flat-four engine cranking out about 300 horsepower, optimized specifically for rally racing. The car scored major wins, particularly in the late ’90s, snagging three manufacturers’ championships (1995, 1996, and 1997). Some of the most famous drivers of the time included Colin McRae, Richard Burns, and Piero Liatti, who drove the car in some of the most thrilling rally battles ever. The Impreza WRC became a symbol of innovation, stability, and speed in the WRC.
The Impreza WRC is well-known for its impressive showings at the Rally Monte Carlo, where it tackled challenging courses with unpredictable weather like a champ. Piero Liatti’s extraordinary win in 1997 at Monte Carlo stands out as a key moment in the Impreza’s rally history. Liatti capitalized on the car’s superior stability and performance to take home that prestigious title. Then there’s world champion Colin McRae, who was one of the most talented drivers of his time and had a string of victories with this model. The success of the Subaru World Rally Team turned this car into a motorsport icon.
This 1/18-sized model car was created by AUTOart with incredible attention to detail and is based on the rally vehicle from Monte Carlo. It’s made from diecast material, which gives it a solid yet precise finish. This model is part of the collection of the Modelly user "TopGun." One standout feature is the intricate blue paint job with those iconic yellow stripes that symbolize the Subaru World Rally Team. The gold rally wheels, along with the matching sponsor decals from brands like NGK, Pirelli, and Hella, really enhance the dynamic look of the model and capture the authenticity of the original superbly.
The front of the model impresses with super-detailed headlights and the air intake on the hood. The rally-specific decals, including the race number "4" and the Monte Carlo logo, have been meticulously reproduced. One cool detail is the two antennas, symbolizing the complex communication tech needed during a rally. The roof, side doors, and spoiler are spot-on replicas that do justice to the real Impreza WRC. This AUTOart 1/18 model is an awesome collectible for any model enthusiast and gives you a solid glimpse into the rally history of the Subaru Impreza WRC.