The popularity of the WRX has grown immensely since its introduction by Subaru. And why wouldn't it? A turbocharged, four-cylinder, all-wheel-drive sedan pushing out 227 hp? (Oh, that's right, we didn't get the turbo version here in the States until 2001.) Not to say the 2.5 RS wasn't a good car, but the release of the WRX in North America was a dream come true for rally lovers.
It was a perfect platform for what BC Auto & Design in Markham, Ontario, had planned. But these Canadians weren't ready to pay the inflated sticker price from the dealer. So the company approached Subaru of Canada and explained that it was going to use the WRX as a project car. Of course, BC Auto might have also mentioned that the car would be an exact copy of the one Cusco built in Japan, only this one would be left-hand drive. Since Cusco is world-renowned in the rally-racing scene, we don't think Subaru put up too much of a fight to sell the car at cost. There was one catch: Subaru would be able to use the car in its dealer display rooms and at the '02 Canada Auto Show. That's not such a bad trade-off, as long as BC Auto delivered what it proposed it would.
The first task was to coax more power out of the stock Subaru powerplant. Realistically, 227 hp isn't anything to sneeze at. But come on now, what have we taught you? No matter how good something is when it's stock, it can be better with the right upgrades. And boy, did these guys choose the right upgrades. An A'pex AVC-R boost controller allows the stock turbo to open up its lungs a bit more, and the fuel controller and ignition controller ensure that no detonation occurs with the newly raised boost levels. The unmistakable tone of a flat-four engine revving can be heard through the 5Zigen Fireball exhaust.
Well, you can take that 227 hp and throw it out the window-with the current upgrades, this WRX easily pushes 270 hp. BC Auto informs us that another 30-40 hp can be added with a few minor tweaks, a larger intercooler, and an oil cooler. With that much power, the company's main concern will be whether or not the tranny will hold up. As of now, the WRX is still using the stock transmission and clutch.
With the newly acquired power, stopping on regular asphalt was hard enough, and trying to brake on loose gravel proved to be extremely difficult. The BC Auto guys must have had this in mind when they had the mammoth four-piston Brembo calipers installed. By matching those calipers with some Project U 13-inch slotted rotors, Talon stainless steel lines, and high-temperature racing pads, stopping won't require as much effort or distance anymore; especially with the assistance of sticky Pirelli P7000 tires wrapped around 18-inch 5Zigen M05 rims. The P7000s also do a good job of kicking up dirt and debris on those crazy rally courses. All-wheel-drive or not, without the Cusco front and rear Type RS LSDs, this WRX would probably see most of its days spinning tires in some big patch of sand.
So, BC Auto has proven it can go straight and stop fast. That's great for drag racing, but that's not what the car is for. There are some pretty sick jumps and turns on rally courses. That's where the Cusco sway bars come into play, ensuring that the WRX can hug the corners on any course. A set of Cusco Comp-2 coilovers and strut bars don't hurt, either. Now this WRX is ready to go in all directions.
The cockpit reveals all the signs of a high-performance vehicle. A Corbeau racing seat and a five-point MOMO racing harness hug the driver. The boost gauge is mounted high to provide information but not distract the driver's eyes from the track. Everything else is tucked away on a custom rack inside the glovebox; nothing can fly around when the car is on the 2.7-kilometer Cayuka track in Toronto.
Cosmetics are a must. The factory white paint is engulfed in Cusco decals custom-made in Canada to match Cusco's car in Japan. BC Auto applied its own custom body kit consisting of a front lip, rear skirts, and a Cusco adjustable rear wing. White or not, you'll be able to see this sucker coming from miles away.
Since North America just began to see the turbocharged version of the Impreza in 2001, there is still much to be developed in terms of performance. In the past few years, however, Japan has been testing and designing parts for the WRX. So, BC Auto knows that when its resources run out in Canada, it can always look toward its predecessors in Japan for help. There is a lot of potential on the rally circuit for the WRX, and BC Auto is set to prove it. From the looks of it, BC Auto did a fine job of keeping up its end of the bargain.