The new Model Year 2011 Impreza WRX STI sedan has achieved Subaru’s fastest-ever lap time at Germany’s famed Nürburgring racetrack.

Four-time World Rally Champion Tommi Mäkinen recorded a time of seven minutes, 55 seconds – four seconds faster than Subaru’s previous best time, set in 2004.

Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the manufacturer of Subaru cars, has released footage of Mäkinen’s drive on the Subaru Global website http://www.subaru-global.com/home.html or at Subaru Australia’s website, www.subaru.com.au

Subaru has been using the world’s toughest Nordschleife course at the Nürburgring since 1992, for advanced research and development, plus tests of the Impreza WRX and WRX STI models.

Major changes to the MY11 Impreza WRX STI include chassis and suspension set-up. Tests at the Nürburgring demonstrated the supreme overall dynamics and linear behaviour.

Tommi Mäkinen said: “The car was controllable with precise and faithful handling even on tricky corners. I could easily predict the car’s behaviour. That is exactly what Subaru is offering: confidence.”

Technical changes to the four-door Impreza WRX STI will also be carried over to the five-door hatchback model.

The revised Impreza WRX STI, including sedan variants, goes on sale in Australia in the last quarter of the year.

THE 2010 TEST

Development of the Model Year 2011 WRX STI focused on improved dynamics and precise handling, with every aspect tested under extreme operating conditions, including at the toughest Nürburgring racetrack. Subaru chose the new four-door sedan for 2010 testing. Some potential future model items were added to the test vehicle, with Subaru positioning the test as one stage in advanced research and development. Subaru evaluated the model’s performance, considering future product planning of the WRX STI.

The final test took place in April at the Nordschleife course. Subaru believes suspension performance is essential for high speed cornering with confidence. Therefore, the refinement of suspension and chassis were the main focus of the test, as well as the development of MY11 WRX STI. During testing, the car showed faster cornering speed. The test vehicle recorded 7’55’’00, the fastest lap time ever in a Subaru.

“The 2011 MY WRX STI test car balances excellent stability and handling performance at a high level, thanks to its refined suspensions”, explained Tommi Makinen. The legendary four-time World Rally Champion piloted the car. He has also been a long-time supporter of Subaru since driving for Subaru World Rally Team in 2002. “The car was really controllable with precise and faithful handling even on tricky corners. I could easily predict a next behaviour of the car, that is, I confirmed its evolved total driving control ability. Subaru’s renowned Symmetrical AWD system also greatly contributed to this performance. The outstanding achievement is not only a tribute to Subaru’s continued and earnest efforts, but also an evidence of confidence in driving a Subaru.”

MAJOR SPECIFICATIONS OF 2011MY WRX STI TEST VEHICLE:

Overall length x width x height: 4580 x 1795 x 1470 mm
Wheelbase: 2625 mm
Engine type: Horizontally-opposed four-cylinder DOHC 16-valve turbocharged engine
Displacement: 1994 cc
Transmission: six-speed manual
Tyres: 245/40 R18

MAJOR ADDED FEATURES TO THE TEST VEHICLE:

R205 model items (R205 is a special edition for Japan market).
Bigger turbocharger
Six-pot brake callipers
Flexible tower bar
Front lip spoiler

spec C model items (spec C is a special edition for Japan market).
Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tyres
Aluminum hood

Safety equipment
Full-bucket seat
Roll cage
Five-point safety belts

Advanced items
Under cover
Aluminium fenders