Subaru Motorsports revives iconic blue and gold livery

One of the most iconic motorsport liveries is making a return thanks to Subaru of America’s motor sport arm, Subaru Motorsports.

Presented on a rally-prepared Subaru WRX, the blue, yellow and gold livery is a revival of that used by the Subaru World Rally team during the 1990s and early 2000s, on cars driven by stars such as Colin McRae, Richard Burns and Petter Solberg.

In common with that used on the cars of the WRC era, the livery uses a WR Blue Pearl base coat (earlier cars were painted a darker hue), while the wheels are painted gold.

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The vibrant yellow graphics depict the Subaru pleiades logo - a design that originally stemmed from Subaru’s 555 sponsorship in countries where tobacco advertising was still legal - derived from the brand’s “comet” design adopted in 1999. It contrasts, as ever, with magenta Subaru Tecnica International logos dotted around the car’s body.

The decision to bring back the livery was an easy one for Subaru Motorsports, which itself is new this year bringing the brand’s rallying, racing, rallycross and other motorsports activity under one banner.

‘For a generation of rally fans, Subaru is synonymous with blue cars, gold wheels and the iconic star cluster,’ explained Alan Bethke, Vice President of Marketing for Subaru of America. ‘This new design pays tribute to that heritage, while looking ahead to future success under the Subaru Motorsports name… these colors are part of our brand’s history, and beloved by our enthusiasts.’

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While Subaru’s rallying activities on an international level ended more than a decade ago, at the finish of the 2008 WRC season, its success has continued on a national level in the United States, taking thirteen rally championship titles since its formation in 2001. The brand as a whole has had further success in rallycross, off-road racing and time attack.

The reimagined livery will make its competition debut in March, in the Missouri Rally.