The Infamous Subaru WRX: A Criminal's Favorite Getaway Car

Jul 9, 2024

The Infamous Subaru WRX: A Criminal's Favorite Getaway Car

Overview

  • Over a 2-year period, one police agency experienced 100 pursuits with no cars caught, all involving Subaru WRX.
  • Subaru WRX, known as the World Rally Experimental, became infamous as a getaway car for criminals.
  • Popular for jewelry heists and ram raids in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.
  • Proposals to limit, detune, or ban these cars in city centers.

Origin of the WRX

  • Introduced in 1992 as a compact sedan for daily commuting.
  • Enthusiast trim (WRX) featured a competition-ready engine (EJ series) and all-wheel drive.
  • Turbocharged and lightweight, the car was powerful and agile.
  • Popularized by its success in World Rally Championship (WRC):
    • Subaru partnered with Prodrive and Subaru Technica International to meet FIA Group A regulations.
    • Won multiple manufacturers' titles and drivers' titles.
    • Iconic blue and yellow livery sponsoring state Express 555.

The Ease of Theft

  • Early models lacked advanced anti-theft systems.
  • Easy to steal due to simple door locks and ignition system.
  • Became the tool of choice for ram raiders, particularly in Australia.

Ram Raids and Police Response

  • In Australia, WRX cars were used to ram through storefronts and escape with valuables.
  • Insurance companies refused to cover WRX models or charged high premiums.
  • New South Wales Police purchased WRXs for highway patrol to combat ram raiders.
  • Similar issues arose in the UK with high-speed chases involving stolen WRXs and Mitsubishi Lancers.

Infamous Pursuits

  • March 25, 2000: High-speed pursuit involving WRX and Lancer Evo.
    • Six criminals raided a warehouse and escaped, leading to a chase involving four police forces and helicopters.
    • The Lancer Evo was eventually captured, but the WRX escaped.

Subaru’s Countermeasures

  • Subaru added keypad immobilizers and data dots to newer models to improve security.
  • Despite these measures, WRX continued to be used in crimes due to its capabilities.

Conclusion

  • The WRX, designed as a rally car, found a darker role in the underground crime world.
  • Its combination of power, agility, and ease of theft made it the ideal getaway car for criminals.
  • Cultural impact includes references in movies like Baby Driver.
  • The WRX remains a symbol of both high performance and its infamous reputation in crime history.