Subaru Motorsports USA has proudly unveiled its latest rally car, the all-new WRX, ready to compete in the Open 4WD class of the American Rally Association (ARA) Championship.
Fans are in for a treat as the #180 team, led by talented driver Brandon Semenuk and co-driver Keaton Williams, will showcase the car’s capabilities in its racing debut at the Ojibwe Forests Rally on August 24-25.
It was also announced that the extreme sport legend Travis Pastrana will be joining in a second car for the 2024 ARA season, adding to the excitement.
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The creation of the new WRX rally car has been an 18-month process, and Subaru invited fans to get an inside look at the journey through the six-episode miniseries, “Next Stage,” available on the Subaru YouTube channel. Starting on August 9th, the series will offer a comprehensive behind-the-scenes glimpse of the designing, building, and testing phases.
Crafted for high-performance racing under ARA Open 4WD specifications and regulations, the new rally car boasts a custom-built turbocharged and intercooled 2.0-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine generating 320hp and 380 lb-ft of torque.
Paired with a SADEV six-speed close-ratio transmission, the power is efficiently delivered to all four wheels for optimal traction. R53 Suspension’s springs and dampers, along with VSC-designed crossmembers, links, and hubs, ensure precise control on any terrain, thanks to the Yokohama 15-inch ADVAN A053 gravel rally tires.
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Safety has been a top priority during development. The WRX rally car features a fully seam-welded body shell and an FIA/USAC-spec roll cage made of T45 steel. Additional safety measures include an 82-liter Kevlar fuel cell and Sparco ADV Prime competition seats equipped with HANS devices and FIA-approved energy-absorbing padding.
The striking carbon fiber widebody design adheres to the latest ARA aerodynamics ruleset, and a prominent carbon-fiber rear wing adds to the car’s captivating appearance, featuring a matte WR Blue Pearl livery reminiscent of classic Subaru rally cars.
With new ARA regulations attracting more competitors, rally racing in the United States is poised for growth, and the all-new WRX rally car from Subaru Motorsports USA and Vermont SportsCar is set to lead the charge into this exciting new era.
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