The 22B Legacy: Why Subaru Fans Still Chase the Dream

TL;DR – Key Takeaways

1. The Subaru 22B STI is the most iconic and collectible WRX ever built, blending rally pedigree with limited-production mystique.
   

2. With only 400 units made for Japan, its rarity, performance, and WRC roots made it the holy grail of STI models.
   

3. Even today, the 22B influences STI builds, fan passion, and the vision of what a true driver’s car should be.
   
   

When Subaru Built a Legend, Not Just a Car

In 1998, Subaru wasn't chasing headlines—it was celebrating victories.

After dominating the World Rally Championship for three consecutive years (1995–1997), Subaru decided to honour its success with something special. Not a sticker pack. Not a trim level. But a full-blown, hand-assembled homologation special built to echo the thunder of Group A rallying.

That car was the Subaru Impreza 22B STI.

And in the 25 years since its debut, it hasn’t faded from memory—it’s only grown more mythical.

What Made the 22B So Special?

Let’s start with the basics. On paper, the 22B was a two-door GC8 chassis stuffed with the soul of a rally monster.

• 2.2L EJ22G engine (hence “22B”)

• Turbocharged, delivering a factory-claimed 276 hp (rumoured to be higher)

• Close-ratio 5-speed manual gearbox

• Symmetrical AWD with aggressive centre diff settings

• Wider track, BBS 17” wheels, bespoke Bilstein suspension

• Lightweight aluminium hood and fenders

• Iconic WRC-style widebody and flared arches

Every detail screamed intent. The 22B wasn’t softened for comfort. It wasn’t built for mass appeal. It was built for Subaru’s most loyal drivers—the ones who knew every Colin McRae split time by heart and lived for the sound of gravel crunching under all-wheel drive.

The Numbers Behind the Myth

Only 400 units were built for Japan, and they sold out in less than 48 hours. Another handful were made for the UK and Australia (reportedly 16 and 5 cars, respectively). And that was it.

No second run. No base model. No mass production.

That limited availability created instant lore. You couldn’t just want a 22B. You had to chase one, hunt one, and then prove yourself worthy to own it. Today, 22Bs command auction prices north of £300,000—and rising. But ask any true Subaru fan, and they’ll tell you: it’s not about the price. It’s about what the car represents.

You’ll find this emotional connection echoed throughout the Modified Car Magazine: Subaru Edition—our first-ever, print-dedicated tribute to Subaru culture. The 22B is its beating heart, and for good reason.

Driving the 22B: Not Just Fast—Alive

The 22B wasn’t the fastest car of its era. It didn’t have the highest top speed or the slickest cabin.

But it had feel.

You sat low in heavily bolstered seats. You gripped a chunky Momo wheel. You rowed a short-throw shifter through mechanical gates. And when you planted your foot, the EJ22G snarled, boost surged, and the car squatted hard, biting into tarmac like a WRC special stage.

It wasn't just about numbers—it was about balance. The 22B had no electronic driver aids, no traction control, and no filters between you and the machine. It demanded attention and rewarded confidence.

And in that sense, it defined what an STI should be.

Why the 22B Still Inspires Subaru Builds Today

To this day, the 22B is the holy grail of WRX STI culture. It’s the blueprint.

You’ll see its influence in builds like Andrew’s 2003 Blobeye STI, where widebody fenders and aggressive stance pay tribute to the original. Or in tribute builds using GRB and GVB platforms retrofitted with wide arches and period-correct rally style.

Tuning companies still sell 22B-style body kits, wing replicas, and even EJ22 engine recreations. It’s not about cloning the 22B—it’s about capturing that feeling of pure, analog, turbocharged power.

In The 90’s JDM Classics – June 2025, we feature multiple Subaru builds that directly channel this spirit—reminding us that even modern cars can carry old souls.

How the 22B Elevated the STI Badge Forever

Before the 22B, the STI badge meant performance. After the 22B, it meant excellence.

The car proved that Subaru could build a limited-run halo vehicle that enthusiasts would treasure for decades. It cemented the idea that “STI” wasn’t just a trim level—it was a mindset. A promise of engineering purity, unfiltered feedback, and unapologetic speed.

Every STI that followed—from the S204 to the Type RA-R—stood in its shadow.

Even the bold, futuristic STI E-RA Concept owes a debt to the 22B. Because without the 22B, there would be no legacy to electrify.

Will We Ever See Another 22B?

Some believe the 22B is irreplaceable—and they’re right. There will never be another car with that same blend of WRC triumph, analog mechanics, and limited-run mystique.

But what Subaru can do is channel its essence into the next generation.

A future WRX STI—hybrid, electric, or otherwise—can still honor the 22B’s values:

• Build it for drivers

• Make it raw, fast, and engaging

• Keep it exclusive

• Let fans shape the narrative

If Subaru does that, the 22B won’t be a relic. It’ll be a foundation.

Conclusion: Why We Still Chase the Dream

The Subaru 22B isn’t just a car—it’s a reminder.

A reminder that sometimes, a manufacturer takes a risk and builds something for the fans. No compromises. No boardroom filters. Just a vision made real.

That’s why, 25 years on, we still talk about the 22B in hushed tones. It’s why people pay six figures to own one. And it’s why, every time Subaru teases a new STI, the first question we ask is:

“Will it be another 22B?”

We already know the answer: probably not. But even the chase—the hope—is part of the legacy.

You can celebrate this legend, and everything it inspired, in Modified Car Magazine: Subaru Edition—the first printed magazine of its kind, built entirely around the machines and memories Subaru gave us.

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3. The 22B Legacy: Why Subaru Fans Still Chase the Dream

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5. What If Subaru Built a Hybrid STI? A Tuner's Blueprint

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Author Bio:
Paul Doherty is the founder and editor of Stance Auto Magazine, passionate about connecting drivers with their perfect cars. From car reviews to deep dives into automotive news, Paul leads a team dedicated to bringing the culture of stance and community builds to a global audience.