HEADLINER: HENDRA’S WIDEBODY BUG-EYE WRX

– Words: Jason Hanif & Ryan Lewis. Photos: MJ Digital.

With its imposing custom wide-body kit, this WRX demands attention everywhere it goes, but the aesthetics aren’t the only thing it has going for it. With a list of desirable aftermarket parts as long as an Arctic winter, this Subaru could easily be the best ‘bug-eye’ we’ve ever seen. You may love driving your subtly modified street car, but when ideas start flowing, you too could be at the wheel of a track prepped, wide-body, barely legal monster before you know it. For the re-incarnation of his WRX, Hendra decided to dive in head first, and go straight for everything he had ever dreamed of.

We first spotted Hendra’s car on local Sydney streets around November of last year. Even back then his car appealed to us, sporting aggressively fit SSR wheels on a then stock body. When we saw him again we had to ask at what point it was that he took a good look at the car and decided to opt for a full wide-body kit. He responded, “I guess at that point I just wanted to do something different, a wide-body WRX is definitely something that you wouldn’t expect to see in your rear-view mirror during your daily commute. The intrigued looks it used to get with the SSRs was one thing, but I wanted to push that to a new level.”

The front and rear of Hendra’s car have been enhanced with a number of noteworthy modifications. Up front the carbon Seibon bonnet, Pro Drive front lip and custom front bar give the car an aggressive look whilst also blending into the wide-body fenders seamlessly. The rear has been further improved with a wingless carbon boot and Voltex rear diffuser. A notable difference to the rear of this bug-eye model is the addition of face-lifted taillights which finish off the custom approach Hendra has taken with the vehicle.

When it came to a decision on wheels, Autotechnik Tuning was the only workshop to approach. Getting fitment spot on for a wide-body car isn’t easy, but the duo managed to achieve the look they both desired. “I wanted the wheels to complement the wide-body kit on the car, so I approached Budi from Autotechnik. After a few discussions we chose the AME Tracer TM-02s. The inspiration came from the Cyber Evo, which is a big ambassador for the AME brand. It was definitely a car that influenced me before deciding to order the wheels,” Hendra tells us. BC Racing coilovers ensure improved handling, backed up by Cusco front and rear sway bars. Suspension enhancements have been supported by 355mm Project Mu brakes, bringing the car to a quick standstill.

Believe it or not, Hendra’s knowledge of parts was limited before he took to modifying his WRX. After months of browsing the internet and researching different options, he decided to begin the modifications by first compiling a list of ‘to-dos’. Having a list to refer back to has kept the build in check, and no corners have been cut, right down to the finer details. The Ganador side mirrors are one of the many finishing touches.

It’s amazing to see how the purpose of a car can change over time and how quickly these modifications can come about. The main onslaught of modifications began in December last year as Hendra made the decision to go custom with the kit. J Racing in Canberra took care of all body assembly.

The quality of workmanship on the kit is clear in the seamless fitment. All new components of the car’s exterior demonstrate how an otherwise ageing car can get a new lease on life. Even during our photoshoot a number of bystanders stopped by to take a peek.

Under the bonnet, Hendra has built on the WRX’s performance whilst still retaining street use of the car. Upgrades include a VF34 turbo, ARC pod filter, HKS BOV, 550cc STI injectors, Walbro fuel pump, GReddy titanium exhaust and an ARC front mount intercooler.

Hendra has also mildly modified the interior of his car with Defi gauges, a Nardi steering wheel and Bride Euro II seats. There’s only room for two though, as the rear seats (and boot trim) have been stripped.

Hendra informed us that a change of colour could be on the cards in future. We will definitely bring you any news of that if it goes ahead.

Lastly, Hendra would like to thank Autotechnik Tuning and Mu Secret for their assistance in the build of his car. Results this good don’t happen without the right people.

Specifications:

Engine & Drivetrain

– ARC front mount intercooler
– ARC pod filter
– HKS BOV
– VF34 turbocharger
– 550cc STI injectors
– MRT billet fuel rails
– Walbro 500cc fuel pump
– Hyperflow front oil cooler
– ARC thermostat
– GReddy titanium exhaust
– MRT brass button clutch

Suspension

– BC Racing coilovers
– Hypertec front strut brace
– Cusco front & rear sway bars
– Whiteline sway bar links
– Whiteline anti lift kit
– Whiteline bushes
– Camber bolts

Wheels & Brakes

– AME Tracer TM02 18×10.5in +22 wheels
– 355mm Project Mu front brake kit
– Toyo Proxes R888 265/35 tyres

Interior

– Bride Euro II seats
– Nardi steering wheel
– Works Bell quick release hub
– Defi gauges

Exterior

– J Racing custom wide-body kit
– Prodrive front lip
– VOLTEX rear diffuser
– Ganador mirrors
– Seibon carbon bonnet & boot
– Benen tow hook
– Face-lifted rear tail-lights