Subaru’s explosive comeback: The S7 and S9 roar back to the WRC – the truth that silences you and breaks all limits

The World Rally Championship (WRC) has always been a battleground where legends are forged, and few names echo as loudly as Subaru. Synonymous with raw power, iconic blue-and-yellow livery, and a cult following that spans continents, Subaru’s legacy in rally racing is unmatched. From the 1990s to the early 2000s, the Impreza S7 and S9 models dominated stages, with drivers like Colin McRae, Richard Burns, and Petter Solberg etching their names into history. But in 2008, the global financial crisis silenced the Subaru World Rally Team, leaving fans yearning for the roar of the Impreza. Now, whispers of an explosive comeback are shaking the rally world. Is Subaru truly returning to the WRC with the S7 and S9, or is this a tantalizing mirage? Buckle up as we uncover the truth, peel back the mystery, and explore what a Subaru revival could mean for the future of rally racing.

The Legend of the S7 and S9: A Legacy That Refuses to Fade

The Subaru Impreza S7 and S9, developed by Prodrive, were more than just rally cars—they were cultural icons. The S7 (WRC2001) debuted with a redesigned chassis and advanced aerodynamics, boasting a turbocharged 2.0-liter BOXER engine that delivered 300 hp and 470 N⋅m of torque. Its active differentials and semi-automatic transmission allowed drivers like Petter Solberg to conquer treacherous stages with precision. The S9 (WRC2003), an evolution of the S7, refined this formula, introducing computer-controlled differentials and a stiffer body for unmatched agility. These machines powered Subaru to three consecutive manufacturers’ titles (1995–1997) and drivers’ championships in 1995 (McRae), 2001 (Burns), and 2003 (Solberg), with the Impreza claiming a record 46 rally wins.

The S7 shone in moments like Solberg’s 2002 Rally GB victory, where he clinched his first of four consecutive Wales wins, finishing second in the championship. The S9 cemented its legend in 2003, with Solberg’s Cyprus win by over four minutes and his iconic Rally GB title-sealing triumph. These cars weren’t just fast—they were fearless, embodying Subaru’s “go anywhere” ethos. Fans still reminisce about the Impreza’s distinctive turbo flutter and the blue-and-yellow blur tearing through gravel and snow. But when Subaru withdrew from the WRC in 2008, citing economic woes, the rally world felt a void. The S7 and S9 faded into history, or so it seemed. Recent rumors, however, suggest these legends—or their modern reincarnations—are poised for a comeback that could redefine the WRC.

Why now? The WRC is at a crossroads, with only Toyota and Hyundai as fully backed manufacturers and Ford’s M-Sport in a semi-works role. The FIA aims to attract four manufacturers by 2027, and Subaru’s name keeps surfacing. In 2023, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem revealed talks with Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda, who owns a stake in Subaru, about a potential return. Subaru’s STI boss, Hiromi Tamou, fueled the fire in 2024, calling a WRC comeback a “great possibility” and emphasizing rallying’s importance to the brand. Could the S7 and S9, or their spiritual successors, be the key to this revival? The mystery deepens as we explore the truth behind these whispers.

The Truth Behind the Comeback: Fact, Fiction, or Something More?

The idea of Subaru reviving the S7 and S9 for the WRC is intoxicating, but is it grounded in reality? Let’s dissect the evidence. First, Subaru’s rally pedigree remains strong outside the WRC. In the American Rally Association (ARA), Subaru Motorsports USA has dominated, winning nine straight championships from 2011 to 2019 with drivers like Brandon Semenuk and Travis Pastrana. Their latest WRX rally car, the ARA24, debuted with a victory at the 2023 Ojibwe Forests Rally, showcasing Subaru’s engineering prowess. This success proves Subaru hasn’t lost its rally DNA, but the WRC is a different beast, requiring significant investment and regulatory compliance.

One major hurdle is the engine. Subaru’s current BOXER engines don’t meet WRC’s Rally1 regulations, which mandate a 1.6-liter turbocharged hybrid powertrain. However, Ben Sulayem hinted that Toyota could supply a compliant engine, leveraging their partnership. Toyota’s GR Yaris Rally1 engine could be adapted for a Subaru chassis, potentially reviving the spirit of the S7 and S9 in a modern WRX-based Rally1 car. The S7 and S9 designations, used by Prodrive for the WRC2001 and WRC2003 models, might be nostalgic placeholders for new machines, possibly built on a scalable Rally1 spaceframe chassis. Vermont SportsCar, Subaru’s U.S. rally partner, has the expertise to develop such a car, potentially for a 2025 or 2027 debut, aligning with the 25th anniversary of Richard Burns’s WRC2000 win.

But there’s a twist. Subaru’s STI boss mentioned the possibility of an electric WRC entry by 2027, aligning with the FIA’s proposed electric category. Could the S7 and S9 inspire an electric WRX Rally1, blending heritage with cutting-edge tech? This idea sparks debate among fans. On Reddit, some enthusiasts cheer the return but worry about electric rally cars losing the Impreza’s iconic exhaust note. Others argue Subaru could use a spaceframe chassis with a “squished WRX facade” to meet regulations, preserving the brand’s aesthetic. The truth remains elusive—Subaru is clearly interested, but the form of their comeback (traditional, hybrid, or electric) is shrouded in secrecy.

Adding to the intrigue, Subaru’s potential driver lineup is a rally fan’s dream. Brandon Semenuk, a freeride mountain biking legend turned ARA champion, brings youthful flair. Travis Pastrana, an extreme sports icon, could draw massive attention, especially in the U.S. market. Imagine adding a Solberg (Petter or his son Oliver) or a McRae descendant to evoke the glory days. Such a roster could make Subaru’s return not just a comeback but a global phenomenon, breaking viewership records and reigniting rally fever.

Breaking All Limits: What a Subaru Return Means for the WRC

If Subaru returns to the WRC, the impact would be seismic. The brand’s cult following, especially in the U.S. and Pacific Northwest, remains unmatched. Subaru’s blue-and-yellow livery, tied to the State Express 555 sponsorship, is a rallying symbol, and its return could boost WRC viewership, which has waned with only three manufacturers competing. A Subaru comeback would also challenge Toyota and Hyundai, forcing innovation in a sport craving fresh blood. The S7 and S9, whether as nostalgic inspiration or modern reinterpretations, could redefine rally car design, blending Subaru’s all-wheel-drive expertise with hybrid or electric tech.

For fans, the return would be emotional. Subaru’s dominance in the 1990s and 2000s, driven by McRae’s aggression, Burns’s precision, and Solberg’s flamboyance, created a generation of rally enthusiasts. A modern Impreza or WRX tearing through Rally Sweden’s snow or Rally Finland’s jumps would rekindle that passion. The WRC could also tap into Subaru’s U.S. fanbase, where Subaru Motorsports USA’s ARA success has kept the brand relevant. A stateside rally event, backed by Pastrana’s star power, could elevate the WRC’s global reach.

However, challenges loom. Subaru’s board must approve the investment, a hurdle given the 2008 withdrawal’s financial roots. Regulatory changes, like the 2027 Rally1 rules, will dictate the car’s design, and Subaru must balance heritage with innovation. An electric WRC entry risks alienating purists who cherish the Impreza’s turbo growl, but it could attract younger, eco-conscious fans. The truth is, Subaru’s comeback hinges on strategic partnerships (like Toyota’s engine support) and a bold vision to break all limits.

The Road Ahead: Will Subaru Silence Doubters?

The whispers of Subaru’s WRC return are no longer just rumors—they’re a call to arms for rally fans. The S7 and S9, whether as nostalgic touchstones or blueprints for a new era, symbolize Subaru’s unbreakable spirit. The truth behind the comeback is still unfolding, but the pieces are aligning: Toyota’s support, STI’s ambition, and a fanbase ready to rally. Whether it’s a hybrid WRX Rally1 or an electric beast, Subaru’s return could silence doubters and redefine the WRC.

So, what’s next? Keep your eyes on Subaru’s moves in 2025, especially at events like Rally Sweden, where the brand’s snow-running prowess could shine. Follow Subaru Motorsports USA on social media for hints of WRC plans, and watch for FIA announcements on 2027 regulations. The Subaru comeback isn’t just a possibility—it’s a promise to break all limits. Are you ready for the roar?