The Infamous Subaru WRX: The Ultimate Getaway Car
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Over a two-year period, one police agency was involved in over 100 high-speed pursuits with a particular type of vehicle—and not a single one was caught. That vehicle? The Subaru WRX, an unassuming yet razor-sharp performance machine that became the getaway car of choice for criminals across the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. Originally designed for world rally racing, this turbocharged, all-wheel-drive sedan would soon gain infamy far beyond the motorsport world.
A Rally-Bred Machine Turned Criminal Tool
The Subaru WRX, short for World Rally Experimental, forged its reputation in the brutal world of rally racing. Its turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine, paired with lightweight construction and a rally-tuned all-wheel-drive system, allowed it to dominate the tight, twisting roads of rally courses worldwide. However, the same qualities that made it a championship-winning car on the dirt would also make it an ideal vehicle for high-speed chases through urban streets.
During the 1990s and early 2000s, criminals capitalized on the WRX’s performance capabilities, using it as the vehicle of choice for high-profile jewelry heists, ram raids, and other illicit activities. Its agility in narrow streets, rapid acceleration, and superior grip in wet conditions meant that police forces were often left struggling to keep up.
An Easy Target for Thieves
One of the biggest factors contributing to the WRX’s rise in criminal activity was its lack of robust security measures. Unlike European vehicles that often featured advanced anti-theft systems, early Japanese WRXs were relatively easy to steal. Standard locks and keyed ignition cylinders were common, but immobilizers, which could prevent the car from being started without the proper key, were largely absent.
This made the WRX an easy target for skilled car thieves, who would hotwire them or use stolen keys to make off with the vehicles in mere minutes. Once in the hands of criminals, these cars were either used for immediate heists or chopped up and sold for parts.
The Rise of Ram Raids
Australia, in particular, saw a massive spike in criminal activity involving the Subaru WRX during the 1990s. In Sydney’s Central Business District alone, there were over 200 ram raids between 1994 and 1997. These heists often involved stolen vehicles being driven through storefronts at high speed, allowing thieves to grab as much merchandise as possible before making their escape. While high-powered V8s like the Holden Special Vehicles ClubSport were also used, the WRX proved to be far superior for quick getaways, especially in wet conditions.
Insurance companies took drastic measures in response to the rise in WRX-related crimes. Some insurers, such as GIO, QBE, and CGU, outright refused to insure WRXs, while others, like RACV and AAMI, imposed astronomical premiums, making it increasingly difficult for law-abiding enthusiasts to afford coverage.
Police Forces Fight Back
Law enforcement agencies were not oblivious to the WRX’s criminal notoriety. In an effort to level the playing field, the New South Wales Police Department acquired a fleet of WRXs to use as highway patrol interceptors. These vehicles were deployed to chase down criminals before they could disappear into the urban sprawl. The UK police faced a similar battle, with the WRX Turbo 2000 and the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution becoming the two most problematic cars for law enforcement.
One of the most famous WRX-related police chases occurred on March 25, 2000, in Basingstoke, England. A gang of six criminals used a stolen Subaru WRX and a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 6 to carry out a cash-and-carry heist, making off with stolen goods before engaging in a two-hour, 240-kilometer chase that involved four police forces and three helicopters. The WRX ultimately managed to escape and was used in another armed robbery the very next day.
Subaru’s Attempt to Save Face
As the WRX became increasingly associated with crime, Subaru faced immense pressure to enhance its security measures. The company partnered with NRMA to introduce additional anti-theft features, including keypad immobilizers that required a code to start the car. By 2003, Subaru also began embedding vehicles with data dots—microscopic identifiers that contained the car’s VIN—making it easier for law enforcement to track stolen vehicles.
Despite these efforts, the Subaru WRX reputation as the ultimate getaway car persisted. Subsequent generations, including the Bug Eye, Blob Eye, and Hawkeye models, only became more powerful and remained a favorite among criminals looking for a high-speed escape vehicle.
A Legacy of Speed and Infamy
Before its Hollywood debut in Baby Driver, where it was immortalized in one of the most thrilling car chases in film history, the Subaru WRX had already built a reputation as a street racing icon and criminal tool. While law-abiding enthusiasts admired it for its rally heritage, criminals exploited its capabilities for less noble pursuits.
Would the world have been different if Subaru had designed the WRX as just another economy car? Perhaps. But one thing is certain—the Subaru WRX was too good for its own good, forever earning its place as the most infamous getaway car of its time.
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Zachary Skinner is the editor of TechDrivePlay.com, where tech, cars and adventure share the fast lane.
A former snowboarding pro and programmer, he brings both creative flair and technical know-how to his reviews. From high-performance cars to clever gadgets, he explores how innovation shapes the way we move, connect and live.
