About 18 months ago, Subaru Motorsports took the very first current-generation WRX to roll off the line to a workshop and started working on turning it into a rally car. Now, it is ready to reveal what it has come up with.
Built to compete in the American Rally Association (ARA) Championship, the car will make its competition debut at the Ojibwe Forests Rally in Minnesota on August 24-25. There, it will be driven by Brandon Semenuk and co-driver Keaton Williams. For the 2024 season, they will be joined by Travis Pastrana in a second factory car.
“So excited about the 2024 ARA rally championship,” said Pastrana. “The new Subaru platform is amazing and the chance to battle again with two-time and defending champion Brandon Semenuk is going to be so much fun.”
Prepared for competition by Subaru Motorsports’ technical partner, Vermont SportsCar, the WRX has been thoroughly reengineered inside and out. Power comes from a custom-built 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged boxer engine that features a 33 mm restrictor and 22psi of boost, as mandated under ARA rules. Despite the restrictions, the engine makes 320 hp (239 kW/324 PS) and 380 lb-ft (515 Nm) of torque.
Read: Watch A Ferrari V8-Powered Subaru WRX STI As It Conquers A Rally Stage
Power goes to all four wheels through a six-speed close-ratio transmission. A specially designed suspension features springs and dampers from R53 Suspension, in addition to VSC-designed crossmembers, links, and hubs to help manage wheel movement on any surface.
In addition, the body shell features full seam welding, and an FIA/USAC-spec roll cage made out of T45 steel. A 21.6-gallon (82-liter) Kevlar gas tank will help get the car across the finish line safely, and Sparco ADV Prime competition seats with built-in HANS devices will help keep drivers in one piece. A self-extinguishing fabric liner with FIA-approved energy absorbing padding round out the safety system.
External modifications include a carbon fiber widebody kit that was designed from a blank sheet of paper with aerodynamics in mind and work in conjunction with a massive wing at the back.
“This platform has been completely reengineered and the car looks and feels more dynamic, which will translate to an even better show for the fans”, said Semenuk. “The release of the new car will bring an exciting future along with it.”
Subaru Motorsports plans to tell the story of how it created its latest rally car with a six-part behind-the-scenes documentary that it will publish on YouTube, starting on August 9. You can watch the trailer for the series below.