Bragging rights are a funny thing when it comes to setting records in the auto industry. Everyone shoots for it and once they achieve it, they try to break their own records in an attempt to become better than...themselves. So excuse Subaru->ke86 for trying to show that it's better than what it was in 2011 when it set the four-wheeled lap record on the world-famous Isle of Man TT course. That's because the Japanese->ke138 automaker is shooting to break the 19 minutes and 56.7 second lap time it set three years ago with British rally->ke191 champion Mark Higgins.
Later this month, Subaru will once again go to the Isle of Man, only this time it's bringing the 2015 WRX STI performance saloon to the record attempt. Common sense suggests that since the old record was set by the WRX STI's predecessor, the 2015 model should have little problem blowing that lap time record away, right?
Well, it's still easier said than done, especially when you take into consideration how tricky it is to run through a lap without damaging the car. On that end, Subaru did its part by giving the WRX STI some sturdier safety equipment, including adjusting the springs and dampers, as well as fitting the car with a roll-cage, race harness and fire suppression system.
Preparation's the easy part, but actually achieving what you set out for is the tough part. Hopefully, Higgins and Subaru get to toast to another year of having the fastest time around the Isle of Man TT course.
Pictured Above is Subaru's 2011 record-setting run at the Isle of Man.
Click past the jump to read more about the Subaru WRX STi.
Why It Matters
Records are always meant to be broken but if you have a record of your own, wouldn't you want to be the one that breaks it? That's what Subaru plans to do with this new attempt at the Isle of Man TT course. It only further establishes Subi's dominance in the industry and continues to garner the positive press the company enjoys with its respectable rally racing efforts.
Here's to the company's successful attempt. Hope you break it, Subaru!
Revealed at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show->ke222 back in January 2014, the 2015 Subaru WRX STI gained a new exterior but retained its already-familiar, turbocharged, 2.5-liter, boxer engine under the hood. The unit delivers 305 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of torque through a six-speed manual transmission.
Despite being launched with no powertrain upgrades, the 2015 WRX STI did get a host of performance improvements, including a stiffer chassis, an updated all-wheel-drive system and improved handling.
Subaru announced prices for the new WRX STI back in February. The car, which is set to go on sale soon, comes with a starting price of $34,495.