2011 Impreza WRX STI Sets Nürburgring Record

Jay Williams - 09/June/2010

Nürburg, Germany - The new 2011 Impreza WRX STI sedan has set a new record securing Subaru’s fastest-ever lap time at Germany’s famed Nürburgring racetrack.

The 2011 WRX STI sedan recorded a time of 7.55 seconds – four seconds faster than Subaru’s previous best time, set in 2004.

Ironically, the new record was set by four-time World Rally Champion Tommi Mäkinen, who drove for Mitsubishi, who were Subarus rival in the World Rally scene.

Subaru has been using the world’s toughest Nordschleife course at the Nürburgring since 1992 when Subaru first tested its Impreza WRX.

Advanced research and development, plus tests of the Impreza WRX and WRX STI models has taken place over those 18 years.

Major changes to the 2011 Impreza WRX STI include chassis and suspension refinement. 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.

Major specifications of the 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

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

Related Links:
- Subaru Impreza WRX (2011)
- Subaru WRX STI Carbon (2009)
- Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C (2009)
- Subaru WRX STI 20th Anniversary (2009)
- Subaru Impreza WRX (2009)
- Subaru Impreza Sedan (2009)
- Subaru Impreza WRX STI (Road Test)
- Subaru Impreza WRX (Road Test)
- Subaru Impreza World Rally Car (2008)