Subaru has just set a new record on the Nurburgring using a special version of the WRX STi. While the Japanese firm didn't break the all-time record, now held by the NextEV Nio EP9 electric supercar, it did set a new benchmark for four-door sedans. Specifically, the Prodrive-built WRX STi Type RA NBR Special completed the Nordschleife course in 6:57.5 minutes, smashing the previous record, set in 2017 by the Porsche Panamera Turbo, by almost 41 seconds. The beefed-up WRX STi was driven by Richie Stanaway, known for his 24 Hours of Le Mans stints with Aston Martin, and the benchmark was verified by Nurburgring officials.

While not a production model, the Type RA NBR Special is based on the stock sedan. The extra performance comes through weight reduction and suspension and engine upgrades, the latter in the form of a WRC-spec 2.0-liter boxer unit. The sedan also received a full roll cage for added strength and stiffness. Engine output is rated at "more than 600 horsepower," and Subaru claims that the car reached a top speed of 179 mph at the 'Ring. The company also offers a limited-edition WRX STi Type RA model, but the production car uses a stock engine, with upgrades including a carbon-fiber roof, spare tire delete, carbon-fiber wing, and lightweight, 19-inch BBS rims wrapped in Yokohama Advan Sports tires. So technically speaking, the Type RA NBR Special doesn't qualify as a production car record.

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Why it Matters?

While it may not qualify for a production car record, what Subaru did with the Type RA NBR Special is truly impressive. To be more than 40 seconds quicker than the Panamera Turbo is nothing to sneeze at and will prompt other automakers to bring even more extreme sedans to the 'Ring. What's more, this isn't the first time that the Type RA NBR Special set an impressive record. The same car, but with different aerodynamic packages, also set lap records at the Isle of Man TT and the Goodwood Festival of Speed hill climb. Definitely, a four-door to be reckoned with! Too bad it's not road legal, and you can't buy it in this specification.

References

Read our full review on the Subaru WRX.

Read our full review on the Subaru WRX STI.

Read our full review on the Subaru WRX STI Type RA.