Subaru Impreza 22B STI: The Rarest WRX Ever Made

The Subaru Impreza 22B STI is the most legendary Subaru ever built. Released in March 1998 to celebrate Subaru's third consecutive World Rally Championship Manufacturers' title, only 400 units were produced for the Japanese domestic market, plus 24 additional units for export. The 22B combined a widened WRC-inspired body, a stroked 2.2-liter turbocharged boxer engine, and rally-bred suspension into a road car that instantly became one of the most collectible JDM machines of all time.

The Story Behind the 22B: Born from Rally Dominance

Subaru's dominance in the World Rally Championship during the mid-1990s is the foundation of the 22B's existence. With Colin McRae, Richard Burns, and Carlos Sainz behind the wheel, the Impreza WRC car became one of the most successful rally machines in history. The 555 livery, the boxer rumble, and the dramatic gold wheels on sonic blue paint became icons of motorsport.

In 1997, Subaru secured its third consecutive WRC Manufacturers' Championship. To commemorate this achievement and mark the 40th anniversary of Subaru, Subaru Tecnica International (STI) created the Impreza 22B STI Version. The name "22B" references the 2.2-liter (22) boxer (B) engine at its heart.

When sales opened on March 24, 1998, all 400 JDM units sold out within 30 minutes. The original price was ¥5,000,000 ($38,000 USD at the time), a significant premium over the standard STI Version IV at ¥3,200,000. Buyers knew they were getting something special, but few could have predicted just how valuable the 22B would become.

Subaru Impreza 22B STI: Complete Specifications

Engine: EJ22 Stroked Boxer

The 22B's heart is a specially built EJ22 turbocharged flat-four engine. Unlike the standard STI's 2.0L EJ20, the 22B used a stroked crankshaft to increase displacement to 2,212cc. This wasn't simply a bored-out EJ20; STI used closed-deck EJ22 blocks with forged internals throughout.

• Displacement: 2,212cc (2.2L flat-four boxer)
• Bore x Stroke: 96.9mm x 75.0mm
• Compression ratio: 8.0:1
• Turbocharger: IHI VF22 twin-scroll
• Power: 280 PS (276 hp) at 6,000 rpm (gentleman's agreement; actual output estimated at 300+ hp)
• Torque: 363 Nm (267 lb-ft) at 3,200 rpm
• Redline: 7,500 rpm
• Block: Closed-deck EJ22 with semi-closed modification
• Internals: Forged pistons, forged connecting rods, nitride-treated crankshaft

The increased displacement gave the 22B noticeably better mid-range torque compared to the EJ20-powered STI, with peak torque arriving 800 rpm lower. Combined with the aggressive IHI VF22 turbo, the 22B pulls hard from 3,000 rpm all the way to the redline.

Drivetrain

• Transmission: 5-speed manual (strengthened close-ratio gearbox)
• Clutch: STI heavy-duty twin-plate clutch
• AWD system: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) allowing manual front/rear torque split adjustment
• Front differential: Helical LSD
• Rear differential: Mechanical LSD

Chassis & Suspension

• Front: MacPherson strut with inverted Bilstein dampers, aluminum lower arms
• Rear: Multi-link with Bilstein dampers, pillow ball bushings
• Steering: Power-assisted rack and pinion with quickened ratio
• Brakes: 4-pot front, 2-pot rear calipers with ventilated rotors (294mm front, 290mm rear)
• Wheels: BBS forged aluminum, 17x8.5J (+44) all around, finished in gold
• Tires: 235/40R17 Bridgestone Potenza RE010

Body & Exterior

The 22B's visual drama comes from its widened body, inspired directly by the Impreza WRC car. The fenders were flared by 80mm (40mm per side), giving the 22B an aggressive, planted stance that's unmistakable from any angle.

• Body: 2-door coupe (GC8 chassis), widened fenders (+80mm total)
• Color: Sonic Blue Mica (code 02C) only, no other color was offered
• Hood: Aluminum with functional hood scoop (top-mount intercooler)
• Spoiler: Large adjustable rear wing (WRC-style)
• Weight: 1,270 kg (2,800 lbs) dry
• Wheelbase: 2,520mm
• Width: 1,770mm (80mm wider than standard GC8)

Impreza 22B STI Prices in 2026

The Subaru Impreza 22B STI has experienced extraordinary price appreciation, particularly since 2020. As one of only 424 units worldwide (400 JDM + 16 UK + 5 Australia + 3 prototype), demand consistently outstrips supply.

• Excellent condition (under 30,000 km): ¥25,000,000-¥40,000,000 ($165,000-$265,000 USD)
• Good condition (30,000-60,000 km): ¥18,000,000-¥28,000,000 ($119,000-$185,000 USD)
• Driver-quality (60,000-100,000 km, minor issues): ¥12,000,000-¥20,000,000 ($80,000-$132,000 USD)
• Project/needs work: ¥8,000,000-¥15,000,000 ($53,000-$99,000 USD)
• Export models (UK/Australia spec): Typically 10-20% premium over JDM equivalents due to left-hand drive scarcity and provenance

For context, a standard GC8 STI Version IV (the car the 22B was based on) costs ¥1,500,000-¥4,000,000 ($10,000-$26,500 USD). The 22B commands 5-10x the price of its base model, a testament to its collectibility. For general WRX STI pricing, see our WRX STI Guide.

Importing a 22B STI: Eligibility & Considerations

All Impreza 22B STI models were manufactured in 1998, making them fully 25-year-rule eligible for US import as of 2023. For UK, Australian, and Canadian buyers, the 22B has been importable for years through standard compliance channels.

Key considerations when importing a 22B:

• Authentication is critical: Given the values involved, verify the chassis number (GC8-072xxx range for 22B), check for the unique 22B build plate in the engine bay, and confirm the EJ22 engine number matches Subaru records
• Originality matters enormously: Unmodified 22Bs command the highest prices. Even tasteful modifications can reduce value by 20-30%. The factory BBS wheels, original Bilstein dampers, and unmolested engine bay add significant premium
• Pre-purchase inspection: At these prices, a professional pre-purchase inspection by a Subaru specialist is essential. Check for rust in the rear quarter panels (common on GC8s), turbo condition, and evidence of accident repair
• Insurance: Agreed-value insurance is recommended. Standard policies may not cover the 22B's collector value. Specialist classic/exotic car insurance companies are better equipped to handle high-value JDM imports
• Shipping: Container shipping is strongly recommended over RoRo for a car of this value. Budget $3,000-$5,000 for enclosed container shipping to the US or UK. For detailed import procedures, see our JDM import guide

22B vs Other Rare Subarus

The 22B isn't the only collectible Subaru, though it's certainly the most valuable. Here's how it compares to other rare STI models:

• STI S201 (2000, 300 units): 2.0L EJ20 with STI-tuned suspension. ¥5,000,000-¥10,000,000 at auction
• STI S202 (2002, 400 units): GDB-based, 320 PS limited edition. ¥4,000,000-¥8,000,000
• STI S203 (2005, 555 units): Tuned by Prodrive. ¥3,000,000-¥6,000,000
• STI S204 (2006, 600 units): Final hawkeye STI special. ¥3,000,000-¥5,000,000
• STI RA-R (2006, 300 units): Lightweight track-focused GDB. ¥4,000,000-¥8,000,000
• 22B STI: ¥12,000,000-¥40,000,000+, in a league of its own

The 22B occupies a unique space as both a performance icon and a blue-chip collector car. While the S-numbered STIs offer excellent performance and relative affordability, none capture the imagination or the market premiums of the 22B. Check our rare JDM cars guide for more hidden gems.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Subaru 22B STI were made?

Subaru produced 424 units of the Impreza 22B STI in total: 400 for the Japanese domestic market, 16 for the United Kingdom, 5 for Australia, and 3 prototypes. All JDM units were finished in Sonic Blue Mica with gold BBS wheels. UK and Australian units received minor specification changes for local compliance but were otherwise identical.

How much is a Subaru Impreza 22B STI worth in 2026?

In 2026, Subaru Impreza 22B STI values range from approximately $80,000 USD for higher-mileage driver-quality examples to over $265,000 USD for low-mileage, fully original cars. Exceptional examples with under 10,000 km have sold privately for even higher figures. UK-spec left-hand-drive examples tend to command a 10-20% premium over JDM equivalents.

What engine is in the 22B STI?

The 22B STI uses the EJ22 2,212cc turbocharged flat-four boxer engine, a stroked version of the standard STI's EJ20. It features a closed-deck block, forged internals, IHI VF22 twin-scroll turbocharger, and produces 280 PS (officially) with estimated actual output exceeding 300 hp. The "22B" name directly references the 2.2-liter (22) boxer (B) engine configuration.

Can I import a 22B STI to the United States?

Yes. All Subaru Impreza 22B STI units were manufactured in 1998, making them fully eligible for US import under the 25-year rule since 2023. The import process is the same as any other 25-year-exempt vehicle. Given the car's value ($80,000-$265,000+), container shipping and agreed-value marine insurance are strongly recommended. Work with an established Japanese exporter experienced in handling high-value vehicles.

Is the 22B STI a good investment?

The 22B STI has been one of the best-performing JDM investments over the past decade. Values have increased approximately 300-500% since 2015, outperforming many traditional collector cars. With only 424 units worldwide, fixed supply, growing international demand (especially from US buyers now able to import), and iconic status in car culture, the 22B is widely considered a blue-chip JDM collectible. However, as with any collectible vehicle, originality and condition are paramount to maintaining and growing value.