Subaru has officially announced that the Subaru WRX STI Type RA NBR Special has achieved a new benchmark for four-door sedans at the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife. The time of 6:57.5 sets a staggering new lap record on the demanding 12.8-mile circuit. A video showcasing this incredible feat will be released soon, allowing enthusiasts worldwide to witness the record-breaking run. Track officials and Nürburgring timing equipment have rigorously verified the time, confirming its legitimacy.
Alt text: Subaru WRX STI Type RA NBR Special speeding on Nürburgring Nordschleife during record lap, showcasing STI RA performance.
The WRX STI Type RA NBR Special was specifically engineered to demonstrate the exceptional capabilities of the Subaru sedan platform and its renowned symmetrical all-wheel drive system. This purpose-built time attack machine has already established lap records at prestigious events such as the Isle of Man TT and the Goodwood Festival of Speed hill climb, where it also secured an impressive 3rd fastest overall time. Now, it has conquered the ultimate challenge, completing a lap of the Nürburgring Nordschleife in under seven minutes. This remarkable achievement, clocking in at six minutes and 57.5 seconds, was accomplished with a Prodrive-engineered time attack car featuring a rally-spec 2.0-liter Boxer engine and Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.
Dominick Infante, Subaru Product Communications manager, stated, “We brought the WRX STI Type RA NBR Special to the Nürburgring with the explicit goal of setting a new record and to draw attention to the upcoming WRX STI Type RA launch later this year. The WRX STI Type RA promises significant enhancements in performance and styling, offering even sharper handling dynamics than the current models.” This statement underscores the connection between the record-breaking NBR Special and the highly anticipated production model, the WRX STI Type RA.
Alt text: Detailed view of Subaru Boxer engine in WRX STI RA NBR Special, highlighting performance engineering and STI RA technology.
The WRX STI Type RA NBR Special is a bespoke race car meticulously crafted by Prodrive. It starts with a stock 2017 WRX STI chassis, which is then reinforced with a full roll cage welded into the standard unibody, significantly enhancing structural integrity and stiffness. Power comes from a heavily modified 2.0-liter Subaru WRC-spec boxer engine. Key modifications include a 75-mm intake and a turbocharger running at a substantial 25 psi of boost. These upgrades result in an output exceeding 600 horsepower at a thrilling 8,500 rpm. Prodrive’s calculations indicated a potential top speed of 179 mph at the Nürburgring, achieved at 8,500 rpm in top gear. The car is equipped with wide 9-inch slick tires for maximum grip. It utilizes a WRC gearbox with an automatic clutch, modified with hydraulics for rapid paddle-shift operation, achieving incredibly fast shift times of just 20 to 25 milliseconds.
A completely redesigned aerodynamic package, distinct from the previous TT car setup, is crucial for the NBR Special’s enhanced handling and top speed at the Nürburgring. At maximum velocity, the aero package generates approximately 650 pounds of downforce. A key element is the Drag Reduction System (DRS) rear wing, a technology inspired by Formula 1. This system, with its combined electric and hydraulic operation, allows the wing to deploy for maximum downforce and drag during braking or in fast corners, and then open to reduce downforce and drag on long straights. The driver maintains complete control over the DRS through a steering wheel-mounted control, enabling position changes in under 20 milliseconds. This advanced aerodynamic system is vital for achieving optimal balance and speed on the challenging Nürburgring circuit, directly contributing to the record-breaking lap time of the Sti Ra NBR Special.
Alt text: Subaru WRX STI Type RA showcasing Cherry Blossom Red accents, lightweight BBS wheels, and distinctive STI RA styling.
WRX STI Type RA: Embracing the “Record Attempt” Legacy
The “RA” designation, standing for “Record Attempt,” has a rich history within Subaru performance models. Its origins trace back to 1989 when a competition-prepared Subaru Legacy shattered the FIA World Speed Endurance Record. That Legacy covered over 62,000 miles in just 18 days and reached a top speed record of 138 mph, setting a precedent for Subaru’s commitment to performance and record-breaking achievements.
Continuing this legacy, the 2018 WRX STI Type RA production model delivers enhanced performance through a combination of weight reduction, refined suspension, and engine upgrades. This new, numbered limited edition model is equipped with premium features as standard, including a lightweight carbon fiber roof panel, the removal of the spare tire to further reduce weight, a carbon fiber pedestal wing for improved aerodynamics, and lightweight 19-inch forged alloy wheels from BBS® wrapped in high-performance 245/35R19 Yokohama Advan Sports tires.
Powering the limited edition WRX STI Type RA is an upgraded 2.5-liter turbocharged BOXER engine, now producing an estimated 310 horsepower. This power increase is achieved through STI-specified enhancements such as a new cold air intake and a high-flow performance exhaust. A recalibrated ECU and stronger pistons further contribute to the engine’s improved performance and durability. The six-speed transmission features a revised 3rd gear ratio, paired with a short throw shifter for more engaging and precise gear changes. These enhancements in weight reduction, increased horsepower, and optimized gearing collectively result in significantly faster acceleration for the WRX STI Type RA.
Handling prowess is further elevated in the STI Type RA with inverted front struts and rear double wishbone suspension, all featuring high-performance Bilstein® dampers. A modified multi-mode VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) system provides enhanced stability control, ensuring the car stays precisely on its intended trajectory. The Brembo® brake system, featuring monoblock 6-piston front calipers and dual-piston rear calipers, boasts an exclusive silver finish and is paired with cross-drilled rotors for superior heat dissipation and braking performance.
Visually, the WRX STI Type RA is instantly recognizable by its exclusive Cherry Blossom Red accents adorning the front mesh grille and the new rear bumper cover. An STI front underspoiler further enhances high-speed stability. The exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals, a roof-mounted shark fin antenna, and STI fender badges are finished in a sleek black. The rear deck lid proudly displays the distinctive WRX STI Type RA badge.
Inside the WRX STI Type RA cabin, Recaro® performance design front seats with red bolsters and stitching, along with an embossed STI logo on the head restraints, create a sporty and premium atmosphere. Signature red stitching and accent trim are present throughout the cabin. The steering wheel is wrapped in Ultrasuede® for enhanced grip and features a black gloss-finish center spoke insert with the STI logo. Push-button start with Keyless Access is also standard. Each of the 500 WRX STI Type RA models produced for retail sale is individually numbered with a plaque mounted on the center console, further emphasizing its exclusivity and collectibility.
About Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., operating from a zero-landfill office, SOA is responsible for the marketing and distribution of Subaru vehicles, parts, and accessories through a network of over 620 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill production plants, and Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. is the only U.S. automobile production plant recognized as a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SOA is guided by the Subaru Love Promise, reflecting the company’s commitment to showing love and respect to everyone and supporting communities and customers nationwide. Over the past two decades, SOA has contributed more than $120 million to causes important to the Subaru family, and its employees have volunteered over 40,000 hours. Subaru believes in making a positive impact on the world because it is the right thing to do.
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