Subaru WRX STI Type RA NBR Special sets new record

The Subaru WRX STI Type RA NBR Special has a set a new lap record for a four-door saloon at the Nürburgring race track, achieving a time of 6:57.5.

The Prodrive-built time attack car is equipped with a rally spec 2.0-litre Boxer engine and Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The custom-built race car uses a standard 2017 WRX STI with a full roll cage welded into the standard WRX STI body for added strength and stiffness.

It has a modified 2.0-litre Subaru WRC-spec boxer engine with a 75-mm intake, and the turbo runs at 250 psi of boost. This produces more than 600 horsepower at 8,500 rpm. Prodrive calculated the top speed at the ’Ring would be 179 mph at 8,500 rpm in top gear.

The car has 9-inch-wide slick tires all around. It uses a WRC gearbox with an automatic clutch, modified with hydraulics for paddle-shift operation. Shift times are some of the fastest at 20 to 25 milliseconds.

A redesigned aero-package, different than last year’s TT car set up, delivers improved handling and top speed on the NBR Special. At top speed, the whole package produces about 295 kilograms of downforce. The design includes a Drag Reduction System rear wing similar to the technology found in Formula 1 cars. With its combined electric and hydraulic operation, the wing can deploy for full downforce/drag under braking or in fast turns and then open for less downforce/drag on long straights. The driver has full control of the DRS via a steering wheel mounted control taking less than 20 milliseconds to change position fully.

This time attack car has also set lap records at the Isle of Man TT, the Goodwood Festival of Speed hill climb.