Back in July of this year Subaru announced the WRX STI NR4 racing car. As promised this vehicle is now available in Australia and eight cars have already been sold. These cars are imported from Japan as base models and they are then submitted to the tender ministrations of Subaru’s racing partner Possum Bourne Motorsport (PBMS). Here the base model is transformed into the NR4, which is a purely competition race car. So how does this car match up to the standard WRX STI and how envious are we of the drivers that will get the chance to drive it?
What’s in a Name?
The NR4 is named after the new FIA regulations on racing cars in Australia. The NR4 classification has replaced the outgoing N4 and R4 classes that petrol-heads may know well. The Subaru WRX STI NR4 racing cars are FIA homologated, which means that they can race in WRC2, ERC2 regional and also progressive national championship races.
Racing Specifications
The NR4 is an absolute beast of a racing car that has a closer heritage to the Japanese street model. Power is provided by the Subaru 2.0 litre four cylinder turbocharged Boxer powerplant. This engine produces 227kW of power and 422Nm of torque. As a comparison, the Australian production car has a slightly more modest 221kW of power and 407Nm of torque. Although the Australian production model has a 2.5-litre engine, the NR4 has the 2.0 litre unit that has been chosen for the lighter weight and then raced tuned by the boffins at PBMS. This engine has three race only tiers and six option packs. The option packs cover the engine, braking, driveline, suspension and competition options for gravel or tarmac. This attention to detail is simply amazing, allowing a huge variety of options for setting the car up and getting it ready to race. All credit must go to PBMS as they have really done an excellent job at race tuning this car.
Other Useful Equipment
The NR4 is available in both white and WR Blue, but the colour isn’t the only thing that is going to turn heads. These cars are aimed squarely at buyers that are amateurs through to professional racing teams. Subaru has a Tier 1 example that is being used for promotional purposes to demonstrate how the car would look and act as a club level racer. This model has the following equipment fitted: an FIA approved roll cage, OMP winged seats, OMP 6 point harnesses, OMP steering wheel, gunmetal grey interior paint, PBMS fibreglass console, PBMS seat runners, PBMS fibreglass door panels, PBMS fibreglass rear parcel tray, PBMS fibreglass radio panel, a PBMS fibreglass driver’s foot tray, airbag removal, window switch relocation and a removal of the interior sound deadening.
If they are interested in knowing more about the Subaru WRX STI, any other models or genuine Subaru parts, Perth drivers should contact us. We have a wide range of Subaru vehicles for sale and we also offer comprehensive and competitive servicing. We can arrange a test drive for you at your earliest convenience. If you need any further information, we will be happy to answer any questions or queries that you may have.
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