Subaru manages to move quickly from the position of a rather mediocre car brand to a worldwide famous manufacturer. This is due to its cleverly engineered cars with barking flat-4 engines and exceptionally effective AWD technology.
Subaru forms a partnership with Prodrive to enter World Rally Championship. This happens in 1989 when the Japanese create their Subaru World Rally Team. Their first attempt is with the Legacy RS but the car that brings them success is the smaller Impreza.
In 1995, Subaru World Rally Team signs a sponsorship deal with State Express 555 cigarettes brand. This gives them the distinctive blue and yellow racing livery, a trademark for Subaru WRC cars.