A CRACK crime team has developed the all-wheel drive Subaru Impreza Turbo into possibly the ultimate high-speed police car.

Now Humberside's drug dealers, burglary gangs and habitual joy-riders will have to contend with two 150 mph observe and pursuit vehicles, specially modified by Banbury-based Prodrive, the same company behind Colin McRae's 1998 FIA World Rally Championship Impreza.

The Subarus are about to go into service with Humberside Police Vehicle Crime Unit, the UK's first team dedicated to targeting car thieves. They replace a Volvo T5 and Ford Escort Cosworth.

Both Impreza Turbos feature a power boost from 211 to 244PS, torque boost from 214 to 240lb ft and a performance increase from 143.5 to 150 mph. The 0-62 mph time comes down from an already outstanding 6.4 seconds to 5.0 seconds.

Key changes include items from Prodrive's WRSport accessory range such as a new engine management system, big-bore exhaust, uprated brakes and uprated headlamps and driving lamps. Also fitted are Recaro front seats and Pirelli P-Zero tyres in the standard 205/50x16 size.

One police Impreza Turbo appears visually standard and will be used for surveillance work but the other is striking, thanks to its white paintwork with red side flash, strobe roof bar light, high-level rear boot spoiler and gold alloy wheels.

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