Now introduce the high-performance all-wheel-drive Subaru WRX, simply one of the best dollar-for-dollar performance cars that, with a few thousand dollars invested, offers up something more on par with a world-class sports car. Gearheads worldwide favor the 2.0L turbocharged boxer platform, which offers a solid low-compression setup that's nothing short of responsive when it comes to modifications. This Charge Speed-inspired right-hand-drive world market WRX from Singapore belts out an impressive 463 horses with a little help from more than a few bolt-ons, as you'll soon find out. Based on the EJ205 derivative of the EJ20, all WRXs bound for export come standard with 227 hp as opposed to the Japanese model, which is factory tuned at a healthier 250 hp. The lower power output is attributable to a different ECU, cams and pistons that allow lower octane fuel operation when mixed with the sillwater that's U.S. gasoline. This may seem like bad news, but simply readdressing the aforementioned factory modifications yields power improvements that one could hardly scoff at.
The detuned setup impacted the midrange torque of our Singaporean model; most noticeable was the lack of power below 3,000 rpm. Advanced camshaft timing courtesy of Tomei solved this problem. The famed Japanese engine builder also provided the forged full counter crankshaft as well as the forged pistons and H-beam connecting rods. Designed to take full advantage of Subaru's Active Valve Control System, the Tomei Poncam Type A camshafts improve torque from low-engine speeds all the way to the top end. The installation of a Prodrive recalibrated ECU allows this WRX tuner to remap fuel curves, discarding Subaru's more conservative settings. Motec, manufacturer of versatile non-vehicle specific engine management, ignition, and on-board data acquisition systems, handles the capacitor discharge ignition system necessary to produce the extra power this EJ turbo engine's needs. Through the HKS GT2540R turbocharger upgrade and downpipe that eliminates the catalytic converter and thereby the bottleneck, the engine is finally able to breathe. While an APS turbo inlet pipe delivers the air to the compressor, ARC is aptly chosen to assume responsibility for the air-to-air cooling needs of the compressed air making its way through the intake system with their front-mount intercooler system. The suspension department is overseen by Tanabe's Sustec Pro coilover technology. Their most prominent street-friendly suspension system is designed to give the driver control, but with minimal sacrifice in comfort. Superior Cusco driveline technology delivers twin-plate carbon clutches for added heat resistance, increased durability and smoother engagement for high-powered cars like the WRX. The type RS limited-slip differential, also from Cusco, reduces slipping and improves throttle response by using a low-pressure oil system and proprietary RS springs. It would appear this particular WRX has got all bases covered.
When it comes down to owning and modifying fast turbocharged cars like this right-hand-drive Subaru WRX, Singaporeans are not much different from their American counterparts and are equally driven and proud of their accomplishments-even if they do have a tougher time getting things done.