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0020: The Swiftune Subaru WRX STi Limited Edition can be driven comfortably around town, yet still churn out 12-second quarter-mile times.

0052: The car sports subtle but signature Subaru styling cues with custom bodywork and a Prodrive bodykit.

0071: The engine retains its 2-litre displacement, but the visible Garrett GT35r pumps 24psi for an output of 400hp. (PHOTOS: RORY DALEY)

IF you are a fan of drag racing and Subarus, then look no further than this 1997 Subaru Impreza WRX STi Limited Edition built by local tuning shop Swiftune’s owner Ian Galbraith.

Taking a cue from Japanese performance shops, Galbraith built this Impreza to showcase what his company can do.

“It’s a demo car. The owner wanted a car that would be very competitive and still be fully street legal in street trim,” Galbraith told Auto.

The requirements came partly because of the rarity of the STi being modified, but Swiftune pulled it all together to create a Dr Jeckyl and Mr Hyde sort of car.

On the exterior, there’s very little hint of what lies beneath as the Subaru uses a subtle Prodrive bodykit, custom-roof spoiler and bonnet. A look inside shows nothing out of the ordinary since the interior has the factory seats and the prerequisite gauges for any boosted vehicle.

The Mr Hyde stuff happens under the bonnet with an estimated 400 horsepower to the wheels via the stock drivetrain. All that power is kept under control by Bilstein coil-overs that lower ride height and Whiteline upgraded bushings.

“The engine is still two-litres. The heads are stock, but we have forged pistons and rods to handle the 24 pounds of boost from the GT35r turbocharger,” explained Galbraith.

The famous Subaru top-mounted intercooler has been swapped for a more efficient front-mounted unit, and a Haltec Platinum ECU allows customised engine parameters. The result has been a best-to-date 12.1-second pass down the quarter-mile at Vernamfield in Clarendon.

— Rory Daley