2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI sets Nurburgring record

Most of the big auto manufacturers have had a fascination with setting fast times on the Nurburgring and proving the mettle of their machines in the process. But over the past few years, this has become a crazy obsession, just to prove a point or two to the rival companies.

So much so that even the Americans – who, the entire motoring industry believes, can do only loud and muscle, but not a proper handling car – had a go at the much feared German track and did rather well! The Cadillac CTS-V established itself as the fastest saloon car in the world by clocking the best time in its segment on the north loop of Nurburgring, Nordschleife. Well done there, America. But the Japanese have replied, and how!

Subaru has always slugged it out with the likes of Mitsubishi, Ford, Peugeot and Citroen in the WRC and has enjoyed a cult following. Even I’ve been a Subaru faithful. But it’s not that Subaru’s Impreza has only been a good rally car; no, it’s been a great road-going sports saloon/hatch as well.

And the latest one is perhaps the hottest of them all. The 2011 edition of Subaru Impreza WRX STI features a 4-cylinder boxer engine capable of 305bhp that delivers power to all four wheels via a 6-speed manual ‘box. The car that did the unbelievable time of 07:55 minutes wasn’t a bog-standard thing. The test car was specced out and carried R205 mods and spec C parts.

The Impreza WRX STI that went round the Nurburgring in record time had the brake callipers and front lip spoiler from R205 and Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tyres and aluminium hood from Subaru STI Spec C machine.

Let’s look at Subaru Impreza’s history at Nurburgring. In 1992, the Impreza WRX lapped the ‘ring in 8’28’’93. In 1996, the time was improved to 8’10’’75 and in 2002, Subaru Impreza WRX STI set a lap time of 8’06’’59. The previous lap record of 7′59”41 was posted in 2004 (WRX STI). So the 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI is about 4 seconds quicker round the Nurburgring vis-à-vis its predecessor.