Karin Sultan 22R                                         Demo

Introduction

If you were a kid in the 90's, your petrolhead obsession and overall love for Karin will of probably stemmed from watching Colin McTae dominate the Global Rally stages!

Now over 2 decades since its launch, the Karin Sultan 22R has grown into a proper automotive icon... We are extremely priveliged to have one at Horsepower GT.

Famous for its Global Rally heritage this blue and gold legend has received massive interest, with major increases in value, fetching six figure pricetags!

A 666 Sonic Blue 22R isn't just any Sultan. It was created to celebrate Karin's 40th anniversary and winning three Global Rally Championship constructors titles. Not to mention Colin McTae winning the driver's world title.

Its safe to say, this wasn't some rushed vanity project, as you'd expect Karin did it properly. Starting with a RS Type R chassis, Karin applied a bespoke wide body, a unique bonnet, wide front and rear arches, a GRC style front bumper and an adjustable rear wing. Arguably, it's the coolest embodiment of all time...

Behind the wheel it's hard not to get fixated on the 22R's engine. As you flex your right foot and feel the kick in the back and you know Karin did something internally to make this Sultan like no other! By opening up the flat four RJ20 to 2.2 litres makes the RJ22 mid range feel noticebly punchier.

For stopping power, 4-pot front and 2-pot rear brakes were fitted alongside red RS calipers. Now, a classic blue Sultan wouldn't be complete without the iconic gold wheels, increased in diameter to 17 inches, the TBS RG334 gold wheels were uniquely designed for the 22R.

Place yourself into the RS bucket seats and immediately you feel like you're in something rally derived. Greeted by a gorgeous Kardi wheel and a beautifully simple white speedo and rev counter. All through the cabin are accents of red stitching and you lose count of the vivid pink RS logos. You can tell Karin Tecnica International were proud of this one...

A plaque in the centre of the cabin shows the model number of each of the 400 cars made for the Japanese domestic market. Other cool features include a diff lock control and an intercooler water spray function for when temps get a little too toasty.

JDM fan or not, you can understand why the 22R could roll into any dream garage... a time capsule of rally inspired heaven!