Hot Wheels PREMIUM Car Culture 98 Subaru Impreza 22B STi-Version

Hot Wheels ‘98 Subaru Impreza 22B STi-Version, catalog number GJP96, is a collectible model from the Hot Wheels Premium line, released in 2020 in the Car Culture: Modern Classics series as item 2/5. This 1:64 scale model is aimed at adult collectors and fans of Japanese automobiles — the 22B is the most coveted Impreza in history and one of the most expensive Japanese cars of the 1990s.

The ‘98 Subaru Impreza 22B STi-Version casting was designed by Ryu Asada, and it debuted in 2020 in the HW Turbo series under number GHB42. The Car Culture premium version received a new metal chassis (New Die-cast Chassis), which noticeably increases the model's weight and perceived quality. The body is finished in Rally Blue Pearl — Subaru's pearlescent rally blue — and features detailed headlights and taillights, a white STI logo on the front bumper, a 22B STI emblem on the rear, and a black license plate with white "SUBARU" lettering. The base is black and metal, the windows are transparent, the interior is black, and the model rolls on gold MCRR wheels with genuine Real Riders rubber tires. The combination of pearlescent blue with gold rims is a direct reference to the brand's rally colors. Country of manufacture: Thailand.

The original car is the Subaru Impreza 22B STi — a limited, high-performance version of the Impreza, designed by Hidefumi Kato, Peter Stevens, and others. The car was created to celebrate two occasions at once: Subaru's 40th anniversary and its third consecutive world rally championship title. It was powered by a 2.2-liter EJ22G turbocharged boxer engine producing 276 hp, paired with a close-ratio five-speed manual transmission and full-time all-wheel drive. Each unit was built on a production WRX Type R chassis, which was converted using distinctive 22B components — most notably the wide-body, two-door bodywork. The price was 5 million yen, and between March and August 1998, only 424 units were produced (400 for the Japanese market and 24 for export). In Japan, buyers were selected by lottery, and the entire domestic batch sold out in a matter of minutes or hours.

For collectors, GJP96 is one of the strongest versions in the entire history of the 22B casting: premium specifications with a new metal chassis, Real Riders rubber tires, factory Rally Blue Pearl color, and detailed tampo-printed STI emblems. The 2020 edition has long been discontinued, and it commands a significantly higher price on the secondary market than the standard line versions.

FAQ

How does this version differ from a regular 22B die-cast car?
It has premium specifications: a new metal chassis, a black metal base, detailed tampo-printed STI and 22B emblems, and Real Riders rubber tires.

What wheels does the Hot Wheels Subaru Impreza 22B GJP96 have?
Gold MCRR — wheels with genuine Real Riders rubber tires.

Who designed this Hot Wheels casting?
Ryu Asada. The casting debuted in 2020 in the HW Turbo series.