Modified Subaru Impreza WRX STI – with 601bhp

In a Look at the Wheels on That special, Vijay Pattni rides shotgun with rally supremo Ken Block in his race-prepped Subaru Impreza WRX STI.

Let’s cut to the chase – this is a ridiculously quick car.

It’s powered by fire and brimstone, pops its exhaust more regularly than a Page 3 model drops her underwear, and has the kind of kick-in-the-kidneys torque most petrolheads can only dream about.

But the most astonishing thing about this car is not its power output. No – it’s the fact it can probably produce more power…

“It’s a cool car”, explains rally superstar Ken Block’s ‘right-hand-man’ and number one mechanic Greg Hamilton.

“But we reckon there’s a little bit more ‘left in the tank’. There’s definitely more to come out of this engine”.

Gallery: Ken Block's modified 601bhp Subaru Impreza

Greg is calm and considered. Quite reassuring when you consider he is the man responsible for building the machine which keeps Ken Block sideways – and not spontaneously combusting in a ditch.

Kenny from the Block

By now, you all should have heard about Ken Block. If you haven’t, he is the current American Subaru rally racing driver and star of three sensational internet videos dubbed ‘Gymkhana’.

A snowboarder and skateboarder at heart, Ken started out in life designing sports shoes under his own label, DC Shoes, in 1994.

But in 2005 he wanted to indulge in his other hobby – driving sideways – and entered rallying. Since, he has taken numerous wins and podium finishes and is today officially recognised by Auto Trader as ‘Coolest Racing Driver Alive’.

And his number one mechanic Greg is responsible for building and maintaining the fire-spitting beast which Ken drives – a new generation Subaru Impreza WRX STI modified to within an inch of its life…

“The only thing this car shares with a standard Subaru Impreza WRX STI is probably the badge”, explains Greg.

Stat-man

Greg adjusts some important-looking tubes in the engine bay and then begins to recite the spec of the modded Impreza as though reading from a sheet.

And here it is…

• 2.6-litre flat-six four-cylinder ‘boxer’ engine
• Cosworth block – bespoke for this car
• Rally dog-leg gearbox
• Uprated differentials
• Front-mounted intercooler
• Modified suspension pick-up points
• XDC dampers/shocks
• Carbon-fibre bonnet, rear wing and door panels
• Steel roof
• Motorsport roll cage
• 15-inch lightweight alloy wheels
• 15mm lowered suspension
• STI calipers/brakes
• Recaro sports seats
• Motorsport fuel tank

Greg says the Impreza is pushing out 601bhp, and although he’s never timed it, he confidently claims it will be “less than” three seconds to 62mph, with a top speed of around 130mph.

We’ve been in this rally beast hooning around a specially-constructed ‘Gymkhana’ style circuit at Silverstone and can testify to its pant-wetting power.

To Greg – we salute you.

We’ve gone Ken Block crazy this week after driving with the Californian at Silverstone for the launch of new rally game Colin McRae: Dirt 2 – come back tomorrow for more exclusive pics and video.

Video: Block's modded Impreza - cutaway