In 1998, Subaru of Japan produced a widebody, 2-door, Impreza called the "22B STi". The 22B was used to commemorate both Subaru's 40th anniversary as well as the 3rd consecutive manufacturer's title for Subaru in the FIA World Rally Championship. On the release of the sales, all 399 sold out from 30 minutes to 48 hours, depending on the report.[3] The cars had the starting VIN code of GC8E2SD. Another 25 were produced for export markets - see the 22B Type UK below.
The 22B had the EJ22 engine as opposed to the regular EJ20 engine. This means the displacement was increased from 1994 cc to 2212 cc. The block is a closed-deck design. The heads (valves, valvetrain and such) were lifted from the STi Version 4 engine. It produce 280 PS (276 hp = 206 kW) at 6000 rpm and 363 N·m (268 lb-ft = 37.0 kgf·m) of torque at a lower engine speed of 3200 rpm. The redline was lowered from 8000 rpm to 7000 rpm. The compression is a 8.0:1. The turbocharger is an IHI RHF 5HB (the internal company usage code is VF22).
This car was given a unique color of blue and had fender flared widebody taken from the Peter Stevens designed WRC car, thus widening the width by 80 mm (3.15 inches) for a total of 1,770 mm (69.7). During assembly, a WRX Type R chassis was taken off the line. The fenders were replaced with the 22B STi fenders. The car's curb weight is 1,270 kg (2,800 lb). The suspension is provided by Bilstein. The brakes were standard 4-piston/2-piston brakes. However, the color is red and the Subaru name casted on the brake calipers are painted white. The wheels were increased in size from the standard WRX Type R STi from 16" x 7" to 17" x 8.5" BBS wheels. The car is shod with 235/40 ZR17 Pirelli P Zeros. The clutch was upgraded to a sintered twin clutch with a ceramic disk. The transmission ratios are the same as the standard WRX Type R, but the gears were shot-peened for added reliability. The car has a unique hood, a WRC-inspired front bumper and a unique adjustable rear wing.
The origin of the name 22B has often been debated. Many assume 22 referred to the 2.2 liter displacement and the B was for the Bilstein suspension. This would correlate with the idea that Subaru sells a Legacy Spec B, where the B represents the Bilstein suspension. Others believe that 22B was meant to represent the much recognized 555 decal (555 is a tobacco company that was a major sponsor for Subaru in the WRC) on the WRC car as 22B is a hexadecimal representation of the decimal number, 555.
It must be noted that the 22B STi that is supposed to be #13 was never given the plaque. Subaru of America imported #13 to be used as a press car. Three 22B STis were given the #000 plaque, 2 went to the World Rally car drivers for Subaru at the time Colin McRae and Nicky Grist, with the third going to David Lapworth of Prodrive.[4]
