Subaru WRX STI sets new record

A Subaru WRX STI Type RA NBR Special clocked the fastest Nurburgring lap ever for a four-door sedan on July 21, 2017. See video here. The 6-minute, 57.5-second time was officially verified by track officials using their own timing equipment at the 12.8-mile (20.6-kilometer) Nurburgring Nordschleife course. It was 34.5 seconds faster than the previous record held by an Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio. The WRX STI Type RA NBR Special was built by award-winning Prodrive from a 2017 WRX STI with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, a 2.0-liter Boxer engine producing over 600 hp at 8,500 rpm, and a turbocharger that generates 25 psi of boost. Other features include a sequential manual transmission that shifts in 20 to 25 milliseconds, a Formula One style rear wing with driver-operated angle adjustment, a welded roll cage for extra rigidity and 9-inch-wide slick Dunlop tires. Subaru set the record to call attention to its launch of the limited edition WRX STI Type RA, a lightweight, high-performance model with 2.5-liter turbocharged 310 hp Boxer engine. The “RA” (Record Attempt) designation has emblazoned several high-performance Subaru models since an RA Legacy broke the FIA World Speed Endurance Record in 1989. All Subaru WRX STI models are serious performance machines. “WRX” (World Rally Cross) tells you they are rally inspired with high-performance turbocharged engines, stiff suspensions and AWD. “STI” (Subaru Tecnica International) assures you they were only released in Japan and feature an engine, transmission and suspension specially tuned by Subaru’s in-house tuner. Secondhand Subaru WRX STIs are popular among enthusiasts and private rally teams around the world. Of course, importing them from Japan can mean big savings over local dealers and the range of choices in Japan’s used auto auctions and dealerships is simply staggering. The following Impreza are a few of the models that have been exported by Japan Car Direct to lucky owners abroad: 1997 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Type R This rare, high-performance model is a 2-door version of the 4-door RA that was only produced by request in the Japanese market. 1999 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Sports Wagon It may be a wagon, but this model is still lightweight, fast and powerful with all wheel drive that contributes to top-class handling. 2000 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Type R This limited edition Impreza WRX Type R delivers power approaching 300 hp, yet weighs little more than 1,300 kg. 2002 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C Type RA Hardcore taken to extremes! Not only is this model an RA, but “Spec C” conveys an extra level of performance refinement. 2003 Subaru Impreza WRX STI SPEC C LTD A rare homologation special noted for its speed, power, handling, braking, excellent build quality and long service life.