Earlier this month we brought you news that Subaru was hoping to break the Isle of Man TT record again this year by putting record holder, Mark Higgins, behind the wheel once again. He last broke the record in 2014 using a U.S.-spec 2015 Subaru WRX STI, which shaved 41 seconds off his 19 minute and 56-second run in 2010. For the attempt this year, Subaru->ke86 is doing something different in hopes that it will give Higgins the ability to tackle the motorcycle track in less than 19 seconds.
The collaboration between Prodrive and Subaru ended back in 2008, but for this record attempt, Subaru has looked to Prodrive once again. This time, the two worked together to build a car specifically for conquering the Isle of Man TT track. When we first dropped this news, the special-made WRX STI->ke4657 had yet to receive its livery on the outside, so it was finished in a boring shade of white. Now, a little over a month before the Isle of Man TT kicks off; we’re finally getting to take a peek at the car with its full livery package.
We’re still betting Higgins will run the course in 18 minutes and 57 seconds, but we’ve still got a little while before we get to see how things really go down. Until then, let’s take a look at the car Subaru->ke86 hopes to set a new record with and its new livery.
Continue reading to learn more about the Subaru WRX STI Time Attack.
2016 Subaru WRX STI Time Attack
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- Model: 2016 Subaru WRX STI Time Attack
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What makes the Subaru WRX STI Time Attack special
Obviously, this purpose-built WRX has an extreme aerodynamic kit, that large rear spoiler, and is equipped with a roll cage and racing seats, but look at that livery. The basic white finish peers through the livery wrap at the edges of the hood, along the waistline, and along the edges of the room. The center of the hood and roof are painted in a dark baby blue that is outlined navy blue. A light tan finish surrounds the front grille, air dam, and the top of the headlights. The area below the headlights is outlined in a bright yellow.
Naturally, there is a yellow “Dunlop” decal below each corner vent. On the sides, the primary color is dark baby blue, while navy blue accents the area above the wheel wells, along the side skirts, and a portion of the front door. The word “Attack” is written on the sides of the vehicle in yellow, with “TT” painted in a dimmer shade of blue. There is the silhouette of what looks like a headless running man on the rear door in the same color as the “TT” in the “Attack” decal. Around back the spoiler is painted black, features several decals, and has yellow side fins.
As you can see the corner vents in the front fascia are quite tall and should allow generous amounts of air to flow through and cool the front brakes, and the front spoiler with a yellow center support should provide adequate downforce on the front end. On the inside, It’s safe to assume that the interior is mainly stock, aside from the racing seats, five-point harnesses, and the roll cage.
Neither Subaru nor Prodrive have divulged any details as to whether or not the drivetrain has been modified, so it’s quite possible that most of the drivetrain is stock. That may not be a bad thing, though. The stock WRX STI pushes 305 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of torque, and with a course like the Isle of Man, you may not want much more than that – after all, it is a motorcycle track.
Subaru WRX STI
Subaru unveiled the newest generation WRX STI at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show but, to the surprise of many, it didn’t make any major strides regarding design or performance. It did come with a redesigned and stiffer chassis, as well as a new Active Torque Vectoring System. The car is powered by a 2.5-liter, Boxer, four-cylinder that delivers 300 ponies and 290 pound-feet of twist. It also comes standard with Subaru’s famed Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a driver-controlled center differential. At the time of this writing, you can get into a base WRX for as low as $26,595, but going for the WRX STI will set you back $34,695. Moving even farther up to the range-topping WRX STI Limited will set you back $39,995.
Read our full review on the Subaru WRX STI here.