Subaru has a protracted historical past in rallying, for over 4 a long time now, and, on Wednesday, it unveiled its newest automotive, a WRX however not an STI. It’s the Subaru Motorsports WRX Rally. It’s 320 horsepower, restricted by class rules, and a rally automotive, the one automotive anybody ever desires.

You’ll be able to’t purchase this automotive (a minimum of but, till Vermont SportsCar, Subaru’s companion, probably decides to promote it in a number of years’ time or one thing), however it is possible for you to to see it this yr within the American Rally Affiliation Championship, beginning on the Ojibwe Forests Rally in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, on August 24 and 25. Sooner or later later this yr, Travis Pastrana, a driver of some renown, may also drive considered one of these automobiles in ARA competitors.

From Subaru’s launch:

Constructed for competitors by technical companion Vermont SportsCar, the brand new rally automotive has been engineered from the within out for max efficiency underneath present ARA Open 4WD specs and rules. Beginning with WRX number one – the very first current-generation Subaru WRX bought within the US – the brand new automotive was designed, constructed, and examined over a interval of 18 months earlier than its debut at present. It’s powered by a custom-built turbocharged and intercooled 2.0-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine that meets the necessities of its class, together with a mandated 33mm restrictor and 22psi enhance restrict. To spec, the engine produces 320hp and 380 lb-ft. of torque, whereas a SADEV six-speed close-ratio transmission sends the facility to all 4 wheels. Springs and dampers are from R53 Suspension, working with VSC-designed crossmembers, hyperlinks, and hubs to handle wheel motion on any floor the Yokohama 15-inch ADVAN A053 gravel rally tires encounter.

Subaru and Vermont SportsCar even have security in thoughts:

A lot of the event of the brand new automotive focuses on the protection of the driving force and co-driver, beginning with a completely seam-welded physique shell and an FIA/USAC-spec roll cage constructed from T45 metal. The inventory WRX gasoline tank is changed by an 82-liter Kevlar gasoline cell, and Sparco ADV Prime competitors seats characteristic HANS (Head and Neck Restraint System) gadgets, a self-extinguishing cloth liner and FIA permitted vitality absorbing padding.

Right here is a photograph of a flying automotive:

Subaru says that, “there may be each probability that rally racing could possibly be on the upswing in america,” and we will solely hope it’s proper. Subaru is attempting to do its half, a minimum of.