Shift Works Magazine | Tanner's 2006 Subaru WRX — Shift Works Mag

TANNER’S

2006

SUBARU

WRX

Features | Photos by Nick Hawn

A black sports car with illuminated headlights driving on a road during dusk with houses and trees in the background.

A black sports car parked under a concrete overpass with a curved design. The sky is partly cloudy, and there are trees with autumn-colored leaves in the background.

A black Subaru car with white rims parked in a parking garage underneath an overpass with concrete pillars and red guardrails.

Raw Power, Unique Build

There’s something undeniably special about a well-loved, purpose-built daily and this 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX is exactly that. Sitting at 136,000 miles and owned since September 2023, this WRX isn’t just transportation, it’s a rolling passion project. Built to be driven, enjoyed, and eventually showcased, it represents the kind of connection enthusiasts chase but rarely achieve. It’s the kind of car that doesn’t just sit pretty, it earns its place every single day on the road.

Transitioning from a naturally aspirated V6 platform into a turbocharged flat-four was a defining moment for the owner, opening the door to a completely different driving experience. The signature boxer rumble, paired with the responsiveness of boost, delivers a character that’s hard to replicate and even harder to walk away from. It’s no surprise this WRX has quickly become more than just a car; it’s a platform for expression, growth, and a deeper dive into automotive culture.

A black Subaru WRX parked on a sloped section of an underground parking garage with concrete pillars and red railings, under an exposed concrete ceiling at sunset.

Black sports sedan driving on a road during dusk, with blurred background of houses and power lines.

Black sports car with custom modifications parked under a concrete overpass during sunset, with autumn trees in the background.

Black sports car with red headlights parked on a street.

A black modified sports car parked on a city street with a historic building in the background.

Visually and mechanically, the build strikes a balance between show ambition and street functionality. Sitting on ESR 18x8.5 +30 wheels wrapped in 215/35R18 tires and paired with a full air suspension setup, the car achieves a stance that’s both aggressive and adjustable. Exterior upgrades like the Voltex front bumper and side skirts sharpen the car’s presence, while custom headlights add a personal touch that sets it apart from the crowd. It’s a setup clearly aimed toward future show appearances; events like Slammedenuff Gatlinburg are already on the radar, but without sacrificing its role as a daily driver.

Under the hood and throughout the supporting mods, performance and sound take center stage. A COBB Accessport and intake lay the foundation for tuning and airflow, while a catless downpipe paired with a Tomei cat-back exhaust ensures the WRX delivers the kind of raw, unmistakable tone enthusiasts crave. Supporting components like the GFB blow-off valve and quick-release steering setup further reinforce that this build isn’t just about looks, it’s about the full driving experience.

Still evolving and not quite “show-ready” in the owner’s eyes, this WRX embodies the journey more than the destination. It’s a reminder that some of the best builds aren’t the finished one, they’re the ones still being shaped, refined, and driven every day. And when this car finally hits the show circuit, it won’t just be another build on display, it’ll be a story years in the making.

A black Subaru hatchback car parked in an outdoor parking lot under a concrete overpass at sunset.

Black sports car with glowing headlights driving on a road at dusk, with houses, trees, and power lines in background.

A black sports car parked under an overpass at sunset, with trees in the background and white paint on the parking lot ground.

A shiny black sports car with pink headlights parked in front of a historic stone building under a partly cloudy sky.

Black sports car with hood scoop, Indian-style headlight design, parked on a parking lot with wet pavement and some leaves.

A black sporty car with custom pink lighting in the headlights is parked on a street in front of a historic building with columns and decorative stonework.

Close-up of a black sports car's front left side with a white multi-spoke alloy wheel and a tire, reflecting the cloudy sky.

Close-up of a black car's rear with a large aerodynamic black rear wing spoiler, parked outdoors under a partly cloudy sky during sunset, reflecting the sky and the yellow barrier behind.

A black Subaru WRX car parked on a rooftop parking lot with a cityscape background showing buildings and a blue sky with clouds.

Black Subaru WRX sports car with a rear spoiler, parked outdoors on a parking lot during daytime with a cityscape and cloudy sky in the background.

A black Subaru WRX with a rear spoiler and aftermarket wheels is parked on a rooftop parking lot, with a city skyline featuring tall buildings and a partly cloudy sky in the background during the late afternoon or early evening.

A black Subaru WRX car parked in a multi-level parking lot with a city skyline in the background, including tall buildings and a dome-shaped structure, during sunset.

Close-up of a black sports car with a white multi-spoke wheel and red brake caliper, parked on textured pavement with a background of a building and blue sky.