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Subaru Corporation dropped the next-generation WRX STI production sports car, but the Japanese automaker isn't done with the performance car. Subaru Corporation announced they would run the WRX STI-based car in the 50th Nurburgring 24-Hour race this month.
After a three-year hiatus, the WRX STI NBR Challenge performance car is back with improvements. Subaru says Subaru Tecnica International (STI) upgraded the previous WRX STI NBR with larger tires and wheels for added grip and stability when it runs what has been described as the most challenging circuit in the world.
Subaru and STI will go after the WRX STI's seventh class win this weekend and it won't be easy. The Nurburgring circuit is 15.5 miles long with nearly 1000 feet in elevation changes, and there's always a chance of severe weather. The 2022 Subaru WRX STI NBR will compete in the SP3T class as it has since 2008.
The last time Subaru ran the grueling Nurburgring 24-hour race, the WRX STI won its sixth class title in 2019 and its second consecutive win. Three years ago was Subaru's 12th Nurburgring 24-hour race challenge since 2008, their 6th class title and their fourth win in five years.
The performance car will still run a gas-powered 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. Subaru did not reveal the horsepower, but previous STI NBR cars produced 335 horsepower and 340 ft-lbs of torque. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is mated to a 6-speed sequential gearbox with a metal twin-plate clutch.
Other improvements include a larger fuel tank and optimization of fuel control for a longer running distance between fill-ups. Subaru says the WRX STI now has an increased weight, likely due to the new collision avoidance warning technology in the new car. The new WRX STI NBR also comes with an upgraded level of telemetry communication and improved electric power steering.
STI's Hideharu Tatsumi is the team's General Manager, and Takuya Sawada the Team Manager. Carlo van Dam (Netherlands), Tim Schrick (Germany), Marcel Lasee (Germany) return as drivers, and Kota Sasaki (Japan) joins the team.
Subaru isn't done with the WRX STI. Subaru and Subaru Tecnica International will go after the WRX STI's seventh class win this weekend. The grueling Nurburgring 24-hour race is held in the Eifel region of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, May 28-29, 2022. Stay tuned.
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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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Photo credit: Subaru
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