BEDFORD, England – As I settle into the Prodrive P25, a blue car that appears unassuming at first glance, I realize that there is more to it than meets the eye. Despite its classy and understated appearance, the Prodrive P25 boasts a heavily modified 2.5-liter boxer-four engine that produces an impressive 450 horsepower. Paired with a six-speed sequential gearbox and an electronically-controlled center differential, this car is a force to be reckoned with.
The power of the engine becomes apparent as I rev it, hearing the intense sound that follows. The P25 accelerates to 60 mph in what feels like an instant, thanks to its exceptional launch control. Prodrive aimed for a time of 3.5 seconds or less, and on their first attempt, they achieved an impressive time of 2.8 seconds. It’s safe to say that this car is a performance beast.
The P25 is not just about raw power, though. It draws inspiration from the WRC97 rally car that Prodrive built for Subaru in the mid-late 90s. With carbon fiber body panels and a striking wing, it is a sight to behold. Getting behind the wheel takes some getting used to, but the sequential manual transmission makes it easier. There is a single paddle on the right side of the steering wheel for shifting gears, eliminating the need for a traditional H-pattern gearbox. The clutch pedal is electrically activated, adding to the modern feel of the car.
Speaking of modern features, the P25 is equipped with the necessary electronics for a thrilling driving experience. It includes an anti-lag system to keep the turbo spooling even when the throttle is off, as well as an active titanium exhaust system from Akrapovic. These features can be dialed back for a quieter drive when returning home from the track. The car also has a digital cluster and a modern diagnostic system, a stark contrast to the original 1998-spec key fob.
Drive modes are a welcome addition to the P25, offering different levels of power and performance. The three modes available are Road, Sport, and Sport Plus. Road mode reduces the power to a more manageable 350-ish horsepower, while Sport mode unleashes the remaining hundred. Sport Plus enables the anti-lag system and bypasses the exhaust silencer for maximum performance. It’s clear that the P25 is a car designed for pure exhilaration.
Taking the car out for a spin in Road mode proves to be a pleasant experience. The fully adjustable Bilstein suspension handles the bumpy surface of the test track with ease, leaving me eager for more power. Switching to Sport mode, the car bursts forward with incredible speed, making the front straight of the track disappear in an instant. The narrow and tight circuit demands precision, but the powerful brakes ensure that I have full control.
Despite the adrenaline rush of driving the P25, I am also aware of the responsibility that comes with it. With a price tag close to half a million dollars, it is a car that demands respect. The lightweight carbon fiber construction ensures agility, weighing in at under 2,500 pounds. The test model includes comfortable sport seats and standard three-point seatbelts, but carbon fiber seats and race harnesses can be added as an option. This car is a dream come true for those who appreciate performance and innovation.
If you think that the Prodrive P25 is reminiscent of a bygone era, you’re not wrong. It evokes nostalgia for the golden age of cars, appealing to enthusiasts who long for the raw power and style of the past. As a 30 something year old car enthusiast, I understand this sentiment. I have witnessed the obsession with vintage cars and the soaring prices that accompany it. The P25 is just the beginning of a wave of nostalgia-fueled vehicles that will captivate car lovers of all generations.