First look: Prodrive P2 appears in the metal

BRITISH-BASED global race and development house Prodrive has used last week's Detroit motor show to unveil its two-seater sportscar, known as the P2, which has gone from concept to reality in just nine months.

Based on a Subaru R1 mini-car platform with a modified turbocharged 2.0-litre Impreza STi engine and all-wheel drive, the P2 is a fully working car featuring Prodrive’s latest technology.

The car was built to showcase Prodrive’s design, engineering and production expertise.

Although the P2 is a fully driveable car, Prodrive has no plans to put it into low-volume production. However, if production did go ahead the car would sell for about $100,000.

Prodrive designed the P2 as a practical performance car.

Weighing just 1100kg, the P2 can reach 100km/h in under four seconds and has a top speed of 280km/h.

The 2.0-litre boxer engine is fitted with Prodrive’s ALS system, derived from the Prodrive-designed Subaru World Rally Car but modified for road use.

ALS can keep the turbo on boost at low engine speeds given the car immediate throttle response and improved performance by using more of the engine’s 260kW and 575Nm of torque throughout the rev range.

Despite the focus on light weight, P2 has a six-speaker stereo system, power steering and electric windows and uses much of the Impreza’s switchgear and dashboard.

The swoopy carbon-fibre sportscar’s exterior and interior styling were created by stylist Peter Stevens.