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Barkley Takes 2008 WRX Where No Subaru has Gone Before for SEMA 2012
Barkley Takes 2008 WRX Where No Subaru has Gone Before for SEMA 2012
Feb 5, 2013
2012 SEMA Show feature car
Sports car or show car? This question plagues the minds of many car builders and customizers in their quest to create something unique, something that sets them apart from the rest. The Impreza WRX is a great platform for creating a great handling, all-wheel drive sports car and the perfect canvas to create a visual masterpiece. Amidst the sea of impressive show quality vehicles and extreme sports cars at SEMA 2012 sat a little Subaru that made a big impression.
Rob Barkley's 2008 Subaru WRX
Owned by Rob Barkley, his 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX was surely a sight to behold. From its custom Extreme Dimensions C-Speed front bumper to its impressive sound system, this Subie had all of the right trimmings. To give it the best of both worlds, performance and style, Rob rebuilt the motor using JE forged pistons and borrowed parts from the WRX’s big brother, the STI, including rods, cams and the engine block. Everything from the engine to the exhaust has been modified to make it a street worthy adversary and as Rob put it, “It's a blast to just cruise and it's fine to down shift and show those V8's what this 4 cylinder is made of.”
This WRX has a great combination of styling and performance
Beginning his quest of customizing cars when he was only 15 years old, Rob’s passion for automobiles has carried over from focusing primarily on audio systems to customizing every part of the vehicle. When asked what modifications Rob gets the most amount of attention for, he replied “The turbo Kit built by Vivid Racing in Gilbert Arizona. GT3071 Turbo with Agency-Power Front mount intercooler, Agency-Power Fuel Rails, injectors, custom down-pipe with a TIAL 41mm Wastegate and dump pipe.” With a laundry list of modifications done to his Subaru, this restaurant manager’s attention to detail has made this WRX one to remember. His future in the automotive industry is bright, and with a daughter on the way, we here at K&N wish Rob nothing but the best for him and his family.
With a 1964 Lincoln Continental and a Nissan GT-R (R35) on his mind, we can only sit and wait to see what awesome creations he has in store for the automotive world.
“Thank you K&N for taking the time to learn about me and my SEMA Subaru. Also thank you for the great product you continue to improve year after year,” said Rob in his closing statements. If his cars are any indication of his restaurant, than we will be stopping by soon for lunch.
2012 SEMA holds many vehicles like this 2008 Subaru WRX
