Subaru Returns to WRC With Announcement of WRX STI Spec C Homolgation
With AutoGuide from its launch, Colum previously acted as Editor-in-Chief of Modified Luxury & Exotics magazine where he became a certifiable car snob driving supercars like the Koenigsegg CCX and racing down the autobahn in anything over 500 hp.
Read full bio >Several months ago Subaru announced a more hard-core WRX STI Spec C model exclusively for Japan and now the reason for that car has become clear. With just 900 units being offered, that is just enough to qualify for Group N (production car) homologation set by the FIA for such series as the World Rally Challenge.
Subaru dropped out of WRC back in 2008 but now it has announced its return with Toshihiro Arai taking the wheel of the STI Spec C model for the Rallye Deutschland of Production World Rally Championship, taking place this August in Germany.
Some mild changes are sure to be made to the car for racing, not to mention the usual safety equipment additions. In stock form, engine output is 304-hp and 311 ft-lbs of torque, up from the standard 295-hp and 299 ft-lbs. Weight has also been cut through the use of an aluminum hood and a smaller battery. A plexiglass windshield and side windows also drop several pounds, as do new lightweight 18-inch wheels. For improved handling the Spec C gets stiffer springs, a larger rear stabilizer bar, stiffer sub-frame bushings and new shocks. A new mechanical limited slip differential (SD) out back also improves the car’s ability to get all that turbocharged power to the ground. Reinforcements to the front cross member, new Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tires and increased power steering pressure result in better handling and driving feel.
GALLERY: Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C
Official release after the jump:
PRESS RELEASE
The Subaru Impreza WRX STI spec C Gains 2010 FIA Group N Homologation
Tokyo, April 12, 2010 – Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd(FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, today announced that the Subaru Impreza WRX STI spec C* (Japanese specifications model) successfully completed the vehicle homologation process and received the official Group N Homologation certificate from FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) as of April 1, 2010.
To enter FIA-approved racing and rallying championships that take place around the world, cars must be homologated according to the FIA regulations. Group N (production cars) is one of the rally and off-road vehicle groups set forth by the FIA. Group N Homologation imposes strict limits on modifications to production models and is known as the category that best reflects the performance inherent to the basic production model.
Based on the Impreza WRX STI, the WRX STI spec C (launched in Japan in July last year) features enhanced engine and chassis performance as well as a lighter body on the premise of driving in motor sports.
The WRX STI spec C will be driven on the Rallye Deutschland of Production World Rally Championship by Toshihiro Arai** from August 22nd, 2010.
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