Subaru is a brand that has rocked the world of rallying since the Subaru World Rally Team entered the World Rally Championship (WRC) back in 1980. The brand’s successful stint in the rallying world meant some of the rally DNA has bled into its production cars. That’s why cars like the Impreza WRX STI and the WRX are desirable to this day. Although Subaru has withdrawn from the WRC, the brand remains actively engaged in regional competitions such as the American Rally Association Championship (ARA).
Factory Subaru partner, Vermont SportsCar, constructed the rally-spec WRX at the behest of Subaru for participation in the American Rally Association Championship's Open 4WD class. The vehicle is equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine featuring a 33 mm restrictor plate and a 22 psi boost limit. This powerplant generates an impressive output of 320 hp and 515 Nm of torque. To efficiently distribute this power, a SADEV six-speed sequential transmission is paired with the engine, effectively transmitting power to the all-wheel-drive system. The springs and dampers are sourced from R53 Suspension, while Vermont SportsCar has custom-designed the remaining components of the suspension.
Subaru says that a significant portion of the development effort for this new WRX has been dedicated to enhancing safety features. The rally-spec WRX is equipped with a robust steel FIA-compliant roll cage integrated into the body structure, an 82-liter Kevlar fuel cell, and Sparco ADV Prime seats featuring a self-extinguishing fabric liner.
The debut of the new WRX rally car is scheduled for the American Rally Association's Ojibwe Forests Rally, taking place from August 24 to 25, 2023. The event will feature the return of factory driver Brandon Semenuk and co-driver Keaton Williams. Additionally, Travis Pastrana will be joining the team for a second entry later in the 2024 season.
"So excited about the 2024 ARA rally championship. The new Subaru platform is amazing and the chance to battle again with two-time and defending champion Brandon Semenuk is going to be so much fun."
The road-legal WRX here in the Philippines uses a 2.4-liter Boxer engine that pumps out 271 hp and 351 Nm of torque. Transmission options include a six-speed manual and a Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Subaru EyeSight is standard on the CVT models which adds to the entire vehicle’s safety.
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