Previously, all Subaru WRX STI models that raced at the Nürburgring 24 Hours used a modified version of the EJ20 that delivered around 340 horsepower and 461 Nm of torque. However, with Subaru discontinuing the EJ20, the team opted to move up to an engine based off the all-new WRX’s FA24.

By enlarging the turbocharger and installing a dedicated intercooler, the power has been uprated to 380 horsepower. Yet, the cylinder block and heads are stock because they were designed with high outputs and revs in mind. They, according to STI, didn’t need any special reinforcement. It even uses a direct injection fuel delivery system, but now managed by its own dedicated ECU.

During the race, the #114 Subaru WRX started 85th place overall in a field of 136 cars. By the second hour, they made progress climbing up to 46th overall. However, by the sixth hour, the WRX suffered an alternator problem and required a change dropping it down the order. Regardless, Subaru STI made steady recovery until the WRX hit a wall after the 14th hour mark. A gas leak from the exhaust system meant the car spent 4 and a half hours stuck in the pit lane while repairs were made.

Despite the setbacks, the Subaru WRX managed to climb back the order, eventually finishing second in the SP4T class (vehicles with turbocharged engines of 2.0-liter or more and less than 2.6-liter) sandwiching the Porsche 718 Caymans, three laps down the class winner (112 laps versus 115 laps). If there’s any consolation, they did managed to capture the fastest lap in the class, lapping the Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit in 8:55.0 (compared to the 718 Cayman’s 9:32.8 time).

Read our review of the Subaru WRX here.