Subaru WRX STI Type RA NBR Special: on the hunt for a new record at the Nürburgring

Subaru has refreshed its sports cars this month with new versions, and we have no complaints about that. Alongside the Subaru BRZ STI, the Japanese brand has officially unveiled the Subaru WRX STi Type RA NBR Special, an even more radical version of its sports saloon with which it intends to set a new record on the Nürburgring circuit. The new WRX version offers more power, better tuning than the standard model, and its production will be limited to 500 units.

The 2.5-litre flat-four engine of the Subaru WRX STi has been slightly improved for this special version. Specifically, the Type RA NBR delivers 314 CV of power (14 CV more than the standard model), an increase achieved thanks to adjustments such as changes to the intake system, ECU reprogramming and a new exhaust system.

The Japanese firm claims this WRX STi weighs less than 1,500 kg (the weight of the model it is based on). What is certain is that it features a carbon-fibre roof and new lightweight 19-inch alloy wheels; the latter have been made by the prestigious brand BBS and are fitted with Yokohama Advan Sport tyres. It also gets a small splitter on the front bumper and a red stripe on the grille itself.

As for the chassis, the radical version of this Japanese saloon incorporates new suspension developed by Bilstein, Brembo brakes and a revised aerodynamics package.

It seems quite unlikely that this version of the WRX STI will reach the European continent. What does seem more probable is that the four-door saloon will achieve a new record on the “Green Hell” among cars in its category.

It should be remembered that Volvo recently announced the record set by the S60 Polestar (7 minutes 51.11 seconds) in that category, although the WRX STI will have to give a lot more to take a new mark, since the current record is held by the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio with a time of 7 minutes 39 seconds.