Subaru says that its WRX STI Type RA NBR Special has set a new lap record for four-door sedans at the Nürburgring Nordschleife race track, achieving a time of 6:57,5.
Let’s make clear from the get-go, however, that the Subaru WRX STI Type RA NBR Special is not a production car (although you’ll no doubt have figured that out just by looking at it). No, the Japanese automaker says it was “designed to show the capabilities of the Subaru sedan and all-wheel drive”, and features a rally-spec 2,0-litre Boxer engine.
“We brought the WRX STI Type RA NBR Special here to set a record and call attention to the WRX STI Type RA that we will launch later this year. The WRX STI Type RA promises a great deal, with improved performance and styling and even better handling dynamics than the current car,” said Subaru product communications manager, Dominick Infante.
The WRX STI Type RA NBR Special is a custom-built race car courtesy of the folks over at Prodrive. A 2017 WRX STI was used as a base, with a full roll-cage welded into the standard unibody.
The modified, WRC-spec engine features a 75mm intake, while the turbo runs at 25 psi of boost, with the result being about 475 kW at 8 500 r/min. The car runs on slicks and uses a WRC gearbox with an automatic clutch, modified with hydraulics for paddle-shift operation.
There’s also a redesigned aero-package (different from last year’s TT car set-up) that Subaru says delivers improved handling and top speed.
