THE latest recruits in Humberside Police Force's battle to beat crime are two 150mph observe and pursuit Subaru Impreza Turbos. The cars, which replace a Volvo T5 and a Ford Escort Cosworth, have been specially modified by Banbury-based Prodrive, the company behind Colin McRae's 1998 FIA World Rally Championship Impreza.

The Subarus are to go into active service with Humberside Police Vehicle Crime Unit. Both vehicles feature a power boost from 211 to 244PS, torque boost from 214 to 240lb-ft and a performance increase from 143.5 to 150mph. The 0-62mph time reduces from 6.4 to 5 seconds.

Key changes include items from Prodrive's WRSport accessory range such as a new engine management system, big-bore exhaust, uprated brakes, headlamps and driving lamps, Recaro front seats and Pirelli P-Zero tyres. A sump guard has also been installed on the all-wheel-drive cars to give additional protection when chasing across fields and wasteland.