Subaru’s FA24DIT is already a race-proven engine by finishing the grueling Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance race this year. However, that isn’t enough to convince its US-based rally team which is sticking to a custom-built 2.0-liter flat-4 for 2023.
Unveiled in the US, Subaru Motorsports USA is bringing the all-new WRX to competition at the American Rally Association (ARA) Championship. Competing in the Open 4WD class, it will be driven by Brandon Semenuk and co-driver Keaton Williams. Travis Pastrana will join in a second car in the 2024 ARA season.
Developed and tested for over 18 months by Vermont SportsCar (VSC), the 2.0-liter turbocharged and intercooled boxer engine produces 320 horsepower and 515 Nm of torque. Those numbers are based to spec by the ARA and as such, mandated a 33 mm restrictor and 22 PSI boost limit. Mated to the engine is a SADEV six-speed close-ratio transmission sending the power to all four wheels. Springs and dampers are from R53 Suspension, working with VSC-designed crossmembers, links, and hubs to manage wheel movement on any surface. At every corner are Yokohama 15-inch ADVAN A053 gravel rally tires.
As for the body itself, the ARA-spec WRX gets a blank sheet carbon fiber wide body design. A giant carbon fiber rear wheel provides the finishing touch. The shell itself is fully seam-welded and has an FIA/USAC-spec roll cage. The stock gas tank is replaced by an 82-liter Kevlar fuel cell. Sparco ADV Prime competition seats feature HANS (Head and Neck Restraint System) devices, a self-extinguishing fabric liner and FIA approved energy absorbing padding are fitted inside.
As for the color, Subaru opted for an eye-catching WR Blue Pearl that’s reminiscent of its classic rally cars.
The Subaru Motorsports WRX Rally Car will make its debut at the Ojibwe Forests Rally on August 24.
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