New Subaru WRX Rally Car Is The Modern WRX STI We Crave

斯巴鲁has introduced a new generation of rally racer to compete in the Open 4WD class of the American Rally Association (ARA) Championship. Called the WRX Rally Car, it represents the automaker's commitment to its storied rally racing heritage. It's also the closest thing we can get to an STI version of the current-generationWRX. But, unfortunately, we can only dream about having one in our garage as it won't be on sale.

Under the hood, the rally car features a custom-built turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine mated to SADEV six-speed close-ratio transmission, tailored specifically for racing purposes. It's restricted to 22 pounds of boost per class regulations, equipped with a 33-millimeter restrictor plate. The resulting output is 320 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque - significantly more than the regular WRX's 271 hp and 258 lb-ft pull.

The WRX Rally Car has undergone significant modifications by Subaru's technical partner, Vermont SportsCar - the same company that outfitted theformidable WRX STI rally carpredecessor. The body has been fully seam-welded to enhance structural integrity, while the R53 Suspension and other components have been fine-tuned to transform it into a rally monster. The stock gas tank has been replaced with an 82-liter Kevlar fuel cell, ready for some hardcore off-road action.

The custom carbon fiber widebody design adds to the car's aesthetics and functionality, and the massive carbon fiber rear wing generates the substantial downforce needed for intense rally stages.

Inside, the WRX Rally Car's stripped-out cabin boasts an FIA-spec roll cage constructed from T45 steel and top-tier safety features, including Sparco ADV Prime competition seats, ensuring the safety of the occupants during high-speed action.