This 1,000-HP Subaru WRX STI Hides a Toyota V12 Secret Laced with BMW

This isn't your run-of-the-mill modified car. What appears to be a 2009 Subaru WRX STI hides a massive surprise under the hood: a Toyota V12 engine.

John Proulx (@1lowrx on Instagram) is the owner of this unique hot hatch, which features a 1GZ-FE V12 engine, originally found in a second-generation Toyota Century. While the V12 swap is impressive enough, Proulx didn't stop there. He added a pair of G30-770 turbos, boosting the engine's output to a claimed 1,000 horsepower.

That's approximately 700 hp more than the stock Toyota Century, a vehicle engineered for quiet luxury rather than high-performance thrills. To handle the substantial power increase, the V12 received upgraded internal components, including forged rods, pistons, and valve springs.

The modifications extend beyond just the engine, which replaced the Subaru's original EJ flat-four. The twin-turbo V12 is now mated to a BMW dual-clutch transmission (DCT) taken from a 2009 335i. A custom adapter plate was fabricated to connect the engine and transmission. The build also includes a custom intercooler, oil cooler, intake manifold, and exhaust system, all essential for supporting the enhanced performance.

Furthermore, the car's original all-wheel-drive system has been replaced with a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) conversion. This conversion utilizes a custom driveshaft and a Ford 8.8-inch rear end, the same type of differential used in Ford Mustangs and F-150 trucks. The power is delivered to Weld Racing S71 wheels wrapped in Mickey Thompson drag radials.