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The U Drive Cars Fleet U Drive Cars is run by Motorsport experts; the cars are fully prepared and maintained for hard use, most are fitted with full roll cages, fire extinguishers and safety harnesses.
First generation - "GC"/"GF"/"GM" Introduced in November 1992, the Impreza was offered in either front wheel drive (FWD) or all wheel drive (AWD) versions and as a four-door sedan/saloon or five-door station wagon/estate. In late 1995, a two-door coupe was introduced. The Impreza, like many Subaru-built cars, was equipped with a flat engine, a distinguishing Subaru characteristic. Initial engine choices included 1.6L and 1.8L naturally-aspirated engines as well as the turbocharged and intercooled 2.0L engine. The basic turbocharged motor, the EJ20, produced from 240 to 280PS in Japanese market WRX trim depending on model and year. Outside Japan, the turbocharged model was initially rated at 211PS (208 hp) and known variously as the Turbo 2000, GT, GT Turbo, or WRX. In 1994, Subaru introduced Subaru Tecnica International (STi) versions of the Impreza in the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) and European Domestic Market (EDM). These models were upgraded from the WRX in many categories, including blueprinted performance-tuned engines, transmissions, and suspensions. The STi versions of the Impreza were immensely successful in rallies and popular among street racers. The first STi models featured higher power ratings than the WRX, while later versions of both WRX and STi were rated at 280PS due to the Japanese manufacturers' informal agreements around power ratings. Its top speed was electronically limited at 250 km/h (155 mph) and it had a 0–100 km/h time of 4.7 seconds. RA (race altered) versions of the WRX and STi were also available in the Japanese market. Targeted for race and rally, the RA versions were generally lighter in weight; featuring reduced soundproofing, manual windows, no air conditioning, and added desirable features such as more robust engines, driver controlled center differentials, and shorter gearing. Special editions of the Impreza were very common in Japan and Europe, many coinciding with a significant World Rally Championship victory. These editions included the Series McRae, 555, Catalunya, Terzo, RB5, P1, and 22B, the latter still considered by many to be the ultimate Impreza of all time with its wide arched rally style body. In the same time Subaru made a limited edition of Impreza Wagon called CasaBlanca. The Impreza received an external facelift for the 1997 model year, followed by an interior redesign in 1998. The story of the North American Impreza is much different than the rest of the world. North American markets never received a turbocharged version of the first generation Impreza (it was heavily rumored in 1998 and 1999). Subaru had never had much of a performance image in North America. As such, Subaru initially offered the Impreza with the 1.8L engine, with 2.2L engine and AWD as options. In 1995, Subaru's North American divisions decided to move to the niche market of only AWD cars, subsequently all Subarus (including the Impreza) came equipped with AWD standard. However, there was a minority that knew of the Impreza's accomplishments overseas and was very interested in having a high performance Impreza. To cater to these enthusiasts' demands and to test the waters for a full-fledged turbo model, the 2.5RS performance model was introduced in 1998. A naturally-aspirated 165 hp 2.5L DOHC engine and larger brakes, borrowed from the Legacy, were fitted into the coupe body with large 16" gold five-spoke wheels. The 2.5RS also featured several external cues from its overseas bretheren such as hood vents, a hood scoop, and a rally inspired rear spoiler. The 1999 model featured several changes: The newly designed "Phase II" SOHC version of the same 2.5L engine featured a slightly higher peak torque (166 ft·lbf vs. 162 ft·lbf), retained the same wheel design but colored silver, an updated interior, and US versions became visually similar to its Japanese contemporaries with an updated front bumper. 2000 and 2001 (North America didn't see the GD model until model year 2002) 2.5RS models became available in sedan form with more features and options each succeeding year, most notable is the addition of a rear limited slip differential as standard. The highest production numbers for the 2.5RS was in 2000. The Outback Sport model was introduced in 1995 as an updated L Sport Wagon. Subaru found success with this model and that of the larger Legacy-based Outback. It offered similar ride height changes, body colors and trim levels to the larger model. Second generation - "GD" Subaru introduced the so-called "New Age" Impreza to the world market in 2001. The second generation Impreza was intended to be larger, safer, stiffer, more refined, and more responsive. For many enthusiasts, the changes in the new car made it less desirable because it was heavier and slower with less of a raw edge to it. The WRX Sedan had a 20 mm wider track than its predecessor to aid handling, while the wagon remained the same. The coupe model was no longer available. The ovoid headlamp "bug-eyed" styling of the New Age Impreza was polarizing, but the improvements to the car brought greater mainstream acceptance. In the United States, release of the basic 227 hp 2.0 L turbocharged Impreza, the WRX, did not occur until the 2002 model year, and the Impreza WRX STi was delayed until the 2004 model year. The US version of the STi includes various departures from the Japanese and European counterparts, such as a turbocharged 2.5 L EJ25 engine (not to be confused with the naturally-aspirated engine used in the 2.5RS which is also called EJ25), rather than the twin-scroll turbo 2.0 L engine sold elsewhere. All 2006 American Imprezas use some form of the 2.5 L EJ25 engine since naturally aspirated and turbo charged are available. Some customers' and the press' negative reaction to the New Age Impreza's styling forced Subaru to facelift the car by 2003, with more conventional, squarer headlamps. All 2006 Imprezas, including the performance models, have been redesigned again with the controversial "jet intake and wings" grille first debuted on the Subaru B9 Tribeca SUV, along with new headlights, taillights, and bumpers. Opinion on this style is split, but is generally regarded as better applied on the Impreza than the Tribeca. For MY07, it has been announced that Subaru will be dropping the grille from the upcoming Impreza redesign, despite increased sales following the facelift (which has been attributed to market factors rather than the styling change). The most basic Impreza in Japan is 1.5 i and sportier 1.5 R with 1.5 liter EJ15 SOHC engine, and front wheel drive. For export market, the all-wheel drive 1.6 TS is offered in Singapore and other Asian countries. The 1.5 sedan is normal body similar to the Sports Wagon. The TS shares wide body with WRX and WRX STI. Models offered in Australia in 2005 included the GX (2.0 L engine, this model has become the baseline Impreza in Australia), RV (2.0 L engine, styled for active lifestyles), RS (2.5 L engine, sport model) along with the WRX and STi version thereof. The RX model has been abandoned in Australia, and its position in the Impreza line-up has been subsumed by the GX (which had formerly been a sparsely outfitted budget model). In late 2005 a new range was released; including the entry-level 2.0i (formerly GX), RV, 2.0R (formerly RS), WRX and WRX STi models. The 2.0R changed from a 2.5 L engine to a slightly more powerful 2.0 L engine; while the turbocharged WRX changed from a 2.0 L engine to a 2.5 L engine. The automatic transmission was dropped from the WRX despite the popularity of the sports shift automatic in other Subarus such as the Outback. In 2006 the automatic transmission was added to the Limited package which includes heated leather seats, heated mirrors, heated wiper blades, and a moonroof. Side airbags were added as standard across the range. Motorsports Stephane Sarrazin driving a Subaru Impreza WRC on the Monte Carlo Rally Two Subaru Impreza WRC 06 cars are been transfered to ceremonial start of Rally of Turkey 2006The Impreza chassis rose to prominence in rally racing more effectively than Subaru's previous contenders. Prior to the introduction of the Impreza into WRC in 1993, Subaru had fielded its larger mid-size Legacy for rally purposes. However, as rally competition shifted toward smaller and lighter chassis, Subaru needed a smaller and faster car—a role in which the Impreza was immediately successful and in which the Impreza continues to compete effectively, albeit in more powerful versions than were initially introduced. To jumpstart its rally efforts, Subaru had initially teamed with Prodrive in 1989, a very successful partnership that has lasted to this day. Prodrive also provided input during the Impreza's development to help it become a better rally car. After winning its first World Rally Championship event in the Legacy at Rally New Zealand, Ari Vatanen finished second in the debut rally of the new WRC Impreza. Carlos Sainz brought the Impreza its inaugural victory in the 1994 Acropolis Rally. The Impreza brought Subaru three consecutive WRC titles (1995–7) and a driver's championship for Colin McRae in 1995, the late Richard Burns in 2001, and Petter Solberg in 2003. While its rivals have come and gone, Subaru and the Impreza have remained one of the only consistent contenders in WRC during the last 13 years. The latest evolution of the rallying imprezas is Subaru Impreza WRC 06 S12 made its debut in 2006 Rallye Monte Carlo Safety In Australia, the 1992-2004 Subaru Impreza was assessed in the Used Car Safety Ratings 2006 as providing "average" protection for its occupants in the event of a crash.[1] Awards and Acknowledgments The Impreza was Wheels magazine's Car of the Year for 2000. Car and Driver Magazine named the North American market WRX to its prestigious 10-best list in 2002, with a follow-up performance in 2003. Derivations Subaru used the Impreza chassis for the mechanical underpinnings of the Forester, a small SUV designed to compete in the segment comprising the Honda CR-V and Ford Escape; also, as a result of GM's investment in Fuji Heavy Industries and ownership of Saab, the hatchback—or Impreza Wagon—formed the basis of the Saab 9-2X released in 2004 (given the tongue-in-cheek moniker "Saabaru"). Collectibles Maisto makes a die cast Impreza Takara makes a Choro-Q of the 2.5RS coupe and 2006 WRX with new grille There are various scales of die cast and plastic models Most of these are not available for retail in the US, but can be had online. Cultural References The movie Hoodwinked has a blue sedan with a huge spoiler and hood scoop characteristic of a WRX. The Subaru World Rally Team A History The major successes achieved by Subaru in the World Rally Championship have come from the Impreza model range, run by Banbury-based Prodrive. The Impreza has become so synonymous with Subaru’s success story that it is easy to forget that the Impreza was far from the car that first brought the Subaru World Rally Team to global attention. Early days Established in 1958, Subaru has been part of the world rally scene for just over two decades but has already become one of the legends of the sport. Early entries were made from Japan after Subaru first became involved in rallying in 1980. Class wins came on a number of international rallies, including the Kenyan Safari, in a variety of models such as Leones, Swingbacks and Touring Wagons. During the 1980s, multiple Subaru Champion Possum Bourne made his WRC debut driving an RX Coupe to 14th place on the New Zealand Rally of 1983. Four years later Swedish veteran Per Eklund took an RX Turbo to 13th and fifth places on the 1987 Monte Carlo and Safari rallies respectively. Establishing a legend While Subaru was getting onto the results sheets it was clear, however, that its motorsport base needed to be closer to Europe where the rest of the competition was based and where the process of development through innovation, design, testing and competition could take place much more speedily. The breakthrough came in 1989 when Subaru launched a new car, the Legacy, and teamed up with Prodrive to establish the Subaru World Rally Team. Victories soon followed and thanks to constant development and a willingness to experiment with new technology, the car earned Subaru an impressive reputation for strength and performance. Back to back, dominant, British Championships fell to Colin McRae in 1991 and 1992 while Richard Burns won the 1992 National Championship before adding a third consecutive British title the following season. By now the Subaru Legacy was fast becoming one of the world’s most desirable, and affordable, road cars and very much the car to have in rallying. New Zealand 1993 – the big moment The most significant moment in the Subaru story came at the New Zealand Rally of 1993. After a fierce four-day battle, Colin McRae beat the best in the world to record his and Subaru’s first WRC victory. The McRae/Subaru combination was now a serious contender for bigger things. Impressive Impreza By the end of 1993 the Legacy had been superceded by the Impreza; smaller, lighter, stronger and purpose built for rallying with input from Prodrive throughout the design stage. It was launched onto the WRC at the 1993 Rally of Finland and within three stages had set its first fastest time en route to an eventual second overall with Ari Vatanen at the wheel. Three wins came the following season but it was 1995 that proved the crowning glory for the 555 Subaru World Rally Team. Titles, titles, titles The 555 Subaru World Rally Team was now sufficiently established to be able to tempt the best in the world to drive its cars. Double World Champion Carlos Sainz had now joined Colin McRae in what would become one of the sports most fiery but potent combinations. Sainz won in Monte Carlo and Portugal before McRae hit back with a third successive New Zealand win and the pair went to the final round of the championship, the Rally GB, tied at the head of the points table. McRae led, lost the lead to Sainz and then went past to take the flag. McRae was Drivers' Champion, Subaru claimed its first Manufacturers’ title and the party was completed by Richard Burns taking third to complete the podium. It was no fluke either, for the 555 Subaru World Rally Team went on to take the Manufacturers' titles for the next two seasons, in 2001 Burns clinched his first Drivers' crown on the final event of the season, Tommi Mäkinen made history with his fourth successive Monte Carlo Rally win in 2002 and Petter Solberg rounded off the 2003 season as the WRC Drivers' Champion. His crucial last round win was the 39th for Subaru in the World Rally Championship and meant that an Impreza had won seven of the last nine WRC Rally GB's. This stunning record of success was further continued with wins throughout 2004 and 2005 including victories in both WRC Rally GB events, bringing the ratio to 9 out of 11 ! Petter Solberg finished 2005 a very creditable second in the Drivers' championship Technology and innovation Subaru has gained an enviable a reputation for cutting-edge, innovative design and is the only manufacturer to have contested the World Championship solely with four-wheel-drive cars. It has never been afraid to experiment, from running Group A and Group N, estate cars and saloons, even a tiny 'city' car, on some of the toughest events. Subaru's trademarks are the horizontally opposed 'boxer' engine, and symmetrical drive-train layout that together give a low centre of gravity and a favourable weight distribution. The team’s continuous technical innovations, engineering excellence and polished presentational style quickly placed it at the forefront of the rallying world, earning it international respect and a massive following. The Subaru World Rally Team was the first to launch a World Rally Car and, at the 1997 Monte Carlo Rally, the first to win with the new concept that currently dominates the sport. Driving talent and beyond As well as developing some of the world’s most desirable road and rally cars, the Subaru World Rally Team has also launched the careers of a number of the sport’s top drivers, including Richard Burns and Colin McRae. Former World Champions Ari Vatanen, Juha Kankkunen, Carlos Sainz, Didier Auriol and Tommi Mäkinen have also driven for the team. In keeping with SWRT's philosophy of fostering young talent, Petter was joined in 2005 by not one but two pairings of new drivers, the Australians Chris Atkinson & Glenn MacNeall and the French partnership of Stéphane Sarrazin & Denis Giraudet. This winning team, together with nearly 200 dedicated and skilled individuals, wil be striving in 2006 towards just one goal - winning. Sitemap © U Drive Cars Ltd, 2006
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