Subaru Impreza RB5
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The RB5 was a special edition Subaru Impreza released to commemorate Richard Burns returning to his Subaru roots. He became the British Rally Champion in 1993 driving a Subaru and returned to Subaru in 1999 to drive in the World Rally Championship. The RB stands for Richard's initials and the number 5 was the number of his car in the World Rally Championship that year.
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[edit] Press Release
[edit] Subaru UK Press Release - Wednesday 24th March 1999
PRODRIVE POWER MAGIC FOR SPECIAL EDITION IMPREZA TURBO
Subaru’s latest special edition Impreza Turbo - the ‘RB5' - is to benefit from the magic of Prodrive power in the form of an optional 237 bhp Performance Package.
It means ‘RB5' owners have the choice of two models - one based on the 214 bhp Impreza Turbo AWD saloon and the other fitted with Prodrive’s newly developed performance enhancements, specifically engineered for the latest Turbo which itself gained a power boost for ‘99. Named After WRC Ace Richard Burns
Only 444 Prodrive prepared Impreza Turbo ‘RB5 models will be produced, named after Subaru’s new World Rally Championship driver, Richard Burns, who competes under the Number Five.
The ‘RB5' is the fourth special edition Turbo, following on from the ‘Terzo’ of ‘98, ‘Catalunya’ from ‘97 and ‘Series McRae’ launched in ‘95. All have been eagerly bought by enthusiasts and are now considered collectors’ items, usually changing hands at a premium.
As is tradition, the ‘RB5' features a special paint scheme - Blue Steel metallic - which also graces the side skirts, mirrors and door handles. Other visual highlights are rally-derived, high-intensity PIAA driving lamps with body-coloured covers featuring the ‘RB5' logo. These replace the Turbo’s ‘dinner plate’ fog lamps. Bigger Pewter-Effect Prodrive Speedline Wheels With Pirelli P-Zero Tyres
Also immediately obvious are the new 17 ins diameter Prodrive Speedline six spoke alloy wheels featuring a special pewter-coloured finish and fitted with 205/45 ZR17 Pirelli P-Zero low profile tyres. At time of production, the standard UK Turbos normally had 16 ins wheels with 205/50 tyres.
Inside, owners will benefit from a shorter-throw Prodrive ‘quick-shift’ gearchange, standard air-conditioning and seats and doors covered in blue Alcantara suede-effect trim. Other distinguishing features include a special graphite finish for the centre console, a numbered ‘RB5' plaque and bespoke floor mats.
Specifically developed for the ‘99 model year Impreza Turbo, which now produces 214bhp at 5,600 rpm in standard form, Prodrive’s engine enhancements boost peak power to 237bhp at 6,000 rpm. Even more impressive, however, is the 258 lb ft of torque available at just 3,500 rpm, a 20% improvement over the already-prodigious 214 lb ft at 4,000 rpm. Over 221 lb ft of torque is available from 3,000 rpm to 5,500 rpm, providing startling performance in the all important mid-range for overtaking and real world driving.
The changes are effected through a carefully considered combination of induction, exhaust and engine management modifications. Customers choosing the Prodrive option will also benefit from a more dramatic rear bootlid spoiler with integral high level brake light and special badging.
The Subaru Impreza ‘RB5' saloon went on sale in April 1999 priced at £24,995 on-the-road, with the Prodrive version costing £27,545 on-the-road. The standard Impreza Turbo was available in both saloon and five door forms at £20,950 and £21,450 on-the-road respectively.
[edit] Specification
- Blue steel metallic body colour (colour code 86F which is "cool" grey on the STi imports)
- Fully colour-coded exterior (i.e. door mirrors, door handles, side skirts, front & rear under-spoilers, driving lamp covers)
- Blue 'Alcantara' and suede-effect interior trim, with black 'jersey' surround on seats
- Special graphite trim for the centre console
- Air con
- Special 'Speedline' 17in, 6 spoke, alloy wheels in 'pewter' colour with Pirelli 'P Zero' 205/45 ZR17 tyres
- PIAA front driving light conversion for the fog lights
- Prodrive quick shift
- Roof-mounted map reading lamps
- Special, RB5 side and rear decals (and also on driving light covers)
- Special, RB5 embossed carpet mats
- Special, RB5 interior-mounted, numbered plaque "Limited Edition" only 444 available!
[edit] WR Sport Performance Package
- Manufacturer's Warranty unaffected + Certificate of Fitment
- Prodrive high rear wing
- Up-Rated Engine Management.
- Up-Rated Intercooler Piping.
The enhancement was offered only as a complete package, the parts were not available separately, as they would only show their full benefits when used together.
Specially developed for the '99-'00 model year Impreza Turbo, this combination of enhancements boost peak power to 240PS @ 6,000rpm. Even more impressive, however is the 350Nm of torque available from just 3,500rpm a 20% improvement over the already prodigious 290Nm @ 4000rpm of the standard car.
Such is the impact of the changes that an engine fitted with the Performance Pack will exceed the standard car's peak torque from 2,900rpm right through to 5,500rpm providing startling performance in the all important mid-range for overtaking and responsive driving. Stainless Steel rear box and performance centre pipe.
[edit] The RB5 Owners Club
The RB5 Owners Club was formed in April 2003 by a group of like minded owners. With the RB5 being a Special Edition it was decided that it was about time it had its very own owners club, similar to that of the 22B and P1 owners clubs.
Now the club is run by four RB5 owners and with dedication and commitment has enabled the club to gain recognition in the Subaru community and offer an exclusive forum for RB5 owners past, present and future to chat and share information.
[edit] External links
[edit] Other Subaru Impreza UK Limited Editions
- Series McRae (1995)
- Catalunya (March 1997)
- Terzo (1998)
- 22B (1998)
- RB5 (1999)
- P1 (1999)
- UK300 (2001)
- WR1 (2004)
- WRX300 (2005)
- RB320 (2007)
