Subaru had such a strong impact in the world of rally racing that it’s symbiosis with the discipline remains deeply rooted in its character even today. So, you can imagine that the newly-unveiled WRX STi NR4 will startle hardcore Subie fans.
Modified by Subaru Australia’s long-term motorsport partner – Possum Bourne Motorsport (PBMS) – the pictured NR4 is just one of three different tires variants that can be specified by buyers. As a matter of fact, the NR4 denomination isn’t for show, as there are six option packs to transform the WRX in a FIA-homologated NR4 rally beast that can participate in FIA WRC2 and ERC2 championships.
The optional PBMS bundles suit everyone (from amateurs to professionals) and a wide array of specialized gravel and tarmac packs are available. Unfortunately, the WRX STi NR4s cannot be registered as legal road cars, as they’re only available for motor sport use. A shame, really, as the cars are available exclusively with the JDM-spec, 4-pot, 304 hp, 2.0-litre turbocharged EJ207 powerplants, instead of the regular 2.5-litre EJ257.
The WRX STi NR4 pictured is a tier 1 car aimed at club-level racers (amateurs) and features an OMP interior (which includes winged seats, six-point harnesses and steering wheel) and PBMS’s own personal touch, such as seat runners, interior paint (gunmetal grey), fiberglass center console, door panel set, radio panel, rear parcel tray, foot tray, and interior sound deadening removal.
Nick Senior, Managing Director, Subaru Australia, said: “The attention to detail on this car is just amazing and it’s a compliment to PBMS that they have only honed their skills further since they partnered us in producing 10 consecutive years of Australia Rally Championships.”
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