2007 Subaru Impreza WRC -1/18 Scale Model by Sunstar

 The 2007 Subaru Impreza WRC was a part of Subaru’s ongoing evolution in the WRC. The car was a development of the standard WRX STI model but highly modified for rallying. The car featured significant changes to the suspension, engine, and aerodynamics compared to its production counterpart.
 The car featured the flat-four turbocharged engine that was distinctive to Subaru, paired with a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system and a lightweight but strong chassis that helped it tackle the challenging Welsh rally stages. The Wales Rally GB was often described as one of the toughest rallies due to its unpredictable weather, which could vary from rain to snow. 
Subaru World Rally Team entered the 2007 Wales Rally GB with Petter Solberg and Chris Atkinson as their primary drivers. Petter Solberg was a fan favorite, having won the 2003 World Rally Championship (WRC) and was a consistent contender, while Chris Atkinson was also an emerging talent.
Petter Solberg had a strong performance throughout the event, consistently battling for the top positions, although he did not win the rally. He was competitive, especially on the wet and muddy stages, which were a good match for the Impreza’s handling. Chris Atkinson had a more challenging rally but showed moments of speed on the demanding Welsh stages. By the end of the rally, Solberg finished 3rd, securing a podium position, and Atkinson ended the rally in 5th place.
   This rally was significant for Subaru as it marked the final appearance of the team in the WRC before their withdrawal from the sport in 2008 due to financial difficulties. It was part of the team’s swan song before they left the WRC, and it was the last car to carry the iconic blue and yellow Subaru colors before the team’s exit.The blue and yellow Subaru livery is one of the most recognizable in motorsport history, and the 2007 model captures that iconic design.
The 2007 Subaru Impreza WRC in Sunstar’s 1/18 scale is designed to be a faithful reproduction of the real car used in the rally. The paintwork is meticulously applied to match the iconic blue and yellow Subaru livery that made the car instantly recognizable.
Sponsor logos and rally-specific decals are placed accurately, adding to the realism. Every detail, from the grill mesh to the hood vents, is replicated with care.
One of the highlights of 2007 Subaru Impreza WRC Sunstar’s 1/18 models is that they feature opening parts. This includes the doors, hood, and trunk, allowing for a closer inspection of the detailed interior and engine bay.
The engine compartment is also finely detailed, showing off the flat-four turbocharged engine that was unique to Subaru’s rally cars.
The interior is carefully recreated, with features like a roll cage, seat belts, and the driver’s dashboard. The steering wheel is fully functional and an exact replica of the one used by the rally drivers.
The seats, roll cage, and other elements of the cockpit are painted and molded to match the real-world WRC specifications.
Besides the working steering wheel, the suspension and wheels of the car are designed to be as close to the real thing as possible, with rubber tires that provide a realistic look.
The exhaust system, suspension details, and even the brake rotors are all intricately recreated.
The model is made from high-quality die-cast metal, giving it a solid feel, and it weighs around 6.24 kg, which is relatively heavy for a model car. This is a testament to its durability and well-crafted build.
Unlike some newer composite and resin models, Sunstar’s die-cast models have a different tactile feel, which many collectors prefer for their robustness and authenticity.
As a limited-edition model, it is highly sought after by collectors and fans of the Subaru brand, rallying, and motorsport history. The Wales Rally GB connection makes it even more special, as the car participated in some of the most challenging rally stages.This model is a perfect tribute to the legacy of Subaru’s success in rallying.