Charles Davis' WRX NB-R
I guess you could call the WRX NB-R a 'Wolf in Sheep's Clothing', that is, if any WRX can be described as a Sheep?
So why NB-R? Nurburgring of course!
From time to time you come across very rare and special limited edition cars that have gone unnoticed in the automotive sector and the SUBARU IMPREZA WRX NB-R is certainly that!
I was lucky enough to recently acquire this 'BugEye' in pristine 'original' condition, having only been driven 22000 miles and being specially imported from Japan by its one and only original owner into the UK in June 2006 as nearly new with a few miles on the the clock.
Manufacturer in Japan in June 2003 as one of the last WRX NB-R's with an EJ205 engine and AVCS (Active Valve Control System) coupled with an MHI TD04L turbocharger. The engine produces a whopping standard 250BHP (184 kW) at 6000 rpm, considerably more than the UK WRX at that time, that was developing 215 - 221BHP depending upon the Model. Where the UK WRX STI was developing 261BHP.
WRX NB-R Special Equipment
So how do you spot one? Well here are a few of the characteristics together with some original images produced by Subaru for the JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) at the time to help you identify the elusive 250BHP WRX NB-R.
How to Identify a Subaru Impreza WRX NBR?
WRX NB-R Spec http://specs.cars-directory.net/subaru/impreza_wrx/2.0_WRX_NB-R_19890.html
WRX NBR Spec from Gooney Exchange http://www.goo-net-exchange.com/catalog/SUBARU__IMPREZA_WRX/4502548/
2nd Generation Subaru Impreza (Including the NBR Spec) on WIKIPEDIA https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subaru_Impreza_(second_generation)
(The below information was sourced from http://cars-directory.net/history/subaru/impreza_wrx/ )
Rev. A (2000)
August 2000 brings the 2001MY WRX NB sedan. It has an EJ205 with AVCS (Active Valve Control System) coupled with an MHI TD04L turbocharger. The engine produces 250 PS (184 kW) at 6000 rpm with 34 kg/m (333 N/m) at 3600 rpm. The wheels are 16 inch in diameter. The car uses 2 pot/1 pot front and rear brakes. The front brake rotors are ventilated while the rear are solid disks. It has a Torsen rear Limited Slip Differential and a 4.44 final drive ratio. The transmission has close-ratio gears unique to Subaru of Japan at that point in time. The car has a curb weight of 1340 kg (2954 lb).
Rev. B (2001)
The 2002MY WRX NB sedan debuts on September 2001. The mechanical specifications are similar to the previous year's model but the curb weight has been increased to 1350kg (2976 lb).
Rev. C (2002)
The WRX NB-R sedan is released on November 2002. The power and torque ratings are the same as the previous year. The wheel diameters are increased to 17" in size. The rear brake rotor is changed to a ventilated disk, leaving the car to use only ventilated disks for braking. The car has 4 pot/2 pot front and rear brakes. The rear wing is on wing risers. The car now weighs 1361 kg (3000 lb).
Rev. D (2003)
The WRX line receives a body exterior update and an improved transmission.
(Original Images sourced from http://www.subaru-impreza.de/Sonderserien/NB-R.htm
Original JDM WRX NB-R Brochure with Title
Original JDM WRX NB-R Brochure Spec 1
Original JDM WRX NB-R Brochure 2
WRX NB-R Engine Bay (Stock shot from Japan)
Well certainly 'Very Rare & Limited Special Edition' and certainly a "Collectors Car' for sure as I can't imagine too many ever reached Britain.
If you have a WRX NB-R in amazing condition or you're just interested in my WRX NB-R, then get in touch as I'd love to hear more about this very special version of the Subaru Impreza WRX!
Below are some more current images of my WRX NB-R
Driver's Side View of Charles Davis' WRX NB-R
Raised Rear Wing of Charles Davis' WRX NB-R
The characteristic WRX Front Scoop of Charles Davis' WRX NB-R
Engine Bay of Charles Davis' WRX NB-R
Charles Davis' WRX NB-R (Rear View)