From Track Car to Show Car, This “bugeye” Subaru WRX Will Make Your Head Spin!

Mar 6, 2017

Eric's WRX made an appearance at SEMA 2016

What do you think of when someone tells you they own a Subaru? Do you see a rally car, or soccer-mom wagon? A daily commuter, or a heavily modified track car? In the case of Subarus, all answers are correct. There are so many “types” of Subaru owners out there and styles definitely vary, but they all have one thing in common; they are passionate about performance.

Subaru is a 63-year-old company founded near Tokyo, Japan, in the early 1950s. Subaru started off under their parent company Fuji Heavy, a major manufacturer of aircraft for Japan during World War II. During the late 1940s, a small part of the Fuji Heavy company was involved in scooter manufacturing. In fact, in 1946 the company created the “Fuji Rabbit” scooter with spare aircraft parts from the war! No, the scooter couldn’t fly, but it could top out at 60 mph, which was considered high speed during that time.

The WRX is equipped with a 2015 Subaru Engine with 2.35L displacement

After WWII, Kenji Kita, CEO of Fuji Heavy Industries, wanted to be involved in auto manufacturing and started working on building a car that would be known internally as the P-1. Kenji wanted to name the car and had his company give their suggestions, but none were to his liking. He eventually decided on a name himself; Subaru, which is the name of the Pleiades star cluster in Japanese. Now you know why Subaru has the stars in their logo!

Subaru has evolved considerably over the years and one of their most loved and popular vehicles is the Subaru Impreza. The Impreza has been around since 1992, but has grown to be one of the go-to vehicles to own for auto-enthusiasts all around the world.

Model Haleigh Ann Graham takes a moment to pose in Eric's WRX at SEMA 2016

Eric Guerette of Quebec, Canada, is one of those many enthusiasts that cherishes his Subaru like it was a member of the family. Eric has invested over $150,000 into his build and logged over 1,000 hours as well.

So what’s so special about Eric's 2002 WRX? We’ll tell you! Starting with the engine bay, the WRX is equipped with a 2015 Subaru Engine with a custom 2.35L displacement. The engine is armed with 2002 WRX custom machined heads, BC 272 lift cams, Manley pistons, and a GTX35 turbo, all tuned with a Wtech tuner. An AEM intake not only protects, but allows this precious motor to perform at its full potential.

Moving on to the drivetrain, Eric went with a 2006 JDM Subaru SPEC C transmission and driveshaft. Headers and exhaust are made by Perrin Performance and an Optima Battery keeps this Subaru starting every time. Two-piece Rotora brake rotors and dual-piston Rotora calipers also give this WRX the stopping power it needs.

Eric used AEM’s universal air filters search tool to find a cone filter to fit the intake

The body style is a replica of a Subaru Impreza WRX 2002 WRC and is made of aluminum and fiberglass. A JDM spec C grille leads the way with a custom aluminum hood atop. The classic “bugeye” headlights are JDM version 7 lights and OEM taillights in the rear. Front and rear bumpers are the OEM JDM lip style adding to the great stance of this WRX. Niche Wheels wrapped in Toyo tires put this mean WRX on the road.

Eric used to take this car to the track but now has retired it to shows only. He attends shows all year long and takes home first place trophies regularly. Just last year alone, he took home “Best Subaru” at Importfest, “Best Body” at SCP 2016, and 1st place for 1997-2007 Subarus at Importfest. A few upcoming shows he will be at are Salon de l’auto sport in Quebec as a featured car, Importfest, and the DMCC show series. Eric also has a scheduled shoot with Performance Auto & Sound Magazine (PASMAG).

So when you take a look at Eric’s outstanding Subaru WRX, don’t forget the humble beginnings of the Subaru company in the 1940s and 1950s. It’s amazing how Subaru has evolved from a scooter manufacturer into one of the leading automotive manufacturer’s in the world. Just goes to show, that the smallest inspirational idea can turn into a dream come true.