The arrival of the new generation WRX STI on UK shores this month with a price that’s about £4,000 cheaper than its predecessor at £28,995, has prompted Subaru to call in British Rally Champion Mark Higgins to repeat his previous feat of setting a record lap time at the famous Isle of Man TT.
Higgins raced a production-spec version of the previous-generation Subaru WRX STI in 2011, completing the course in 19 minutes and 56.7 seconds with an average speed of 115.36 mph (185.61 km/h) around the TT Mountain circuit.
Higgins commented: “Setting the record was totally exhilarating and one of the highlights of my career – Bray Hill certainly added to the thrill! As a Manxman, I love the TT Races and I have a huge amount of respect for the TT riders and what they do. It will be a real honour to attempt a new fastest car lap.”
Subaru of America will be the main sponsor of the run and, as with the previous record attempt, it will provide a U.S. specification WRX STI fitted with a stock 2.5-liter turbo’d boxer engine.
The Japanese carmaker said that the car will have unmodified brake callipers and road-legal tires, but “the springs and dampers have been adjusted slightly to minimise any potential damage when the car encounters the many bumps – and jumps – at high speed along the course”. For safety purposes, it will be equipped with a roll-cage, race harness and fire suppression system.
Below you can find a video from Higgins’ 2011 run at the Isle of Man.
By John Halas
VIDEO