Subaru Debuts New WRX Rally Car

Subaru is to rallying what Coca-Cola is to soda. Subaru has been racing in some form of rally driving since 1980, and they debuted the WRX to the rally world in 1993, and it has been racing ever since. 

All-New For 2024

Subaru Motorsports USA has revealed their all-new 2024 WRX rally car for the American Rally Association Championship (ARA) with drivers Travis Pastrana and Brandon Semenuk. 

Race Built

The new rally car was built by technical partner Vermont SportsCar to adhere to the rules and regulations of the ARA Open 4WD class. The race car features a turbocharged and intercooled 2.0-liter Boxer 4-cylinder. In order to meet regulations, it needs a 33-millimeter restrictor and a 22 psi boost limit. Regardless of the restrictor and boost limit, the WRX rally car produces 320 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque that gets put to the wheels through a SADEV close-ratio 6-speed sequential transmission. SADEV is a manufacturer that specializes in motorsport racing transmissions. 

Suspension

The WRX rally car features R53 Suspension springs and dampers, working alongside VSC-designed crossmembers, links, and hubs to control the wheels on every surface the ARA will be racing on. The tires are Yokohama 15-inch ADVAN A053 gravel rally tires. 

Safety Comes First

With most of its development being driven by the safety of the driver and co-driver, the body shell is fully seam welded with an FIA/USAC-spec roll cage that is made from T45 steel. An 82-liter Kevlar fuel cell replaces the stock gas tank from the WRX, and Sparco ADV Prime seats are equipped with the mandatory HANS (Head and Neck Restraint System) devices. Hopefully, the drivers and co-drivers won’t need it, but there is a self-extinguishing fabric liner just in case, with FIA-approved energy-absorbing padding. 

Travis Pastrana

When asked what he thinks of his latest race car Travis Pastrana said, “So excited about the 2024 ARA rally championship. The new Subaru platform is amazing and the chance to battle again with two-time and defending champion Brandon Semenuk is going to be so much fun. When Brandon joined the team, I was the veteran. But the tables have turned and I’m looking forward to learning a lot and hopefully getting back to the top. I’ve only been away from the sport for a year but a lot has changed and I’m ready for the new challenge.”

Racing Debut

The new Subaru Motorsports WRX Rally car debuted on August 24 at the Ojibwe Forests Rally with driver Brandon Semenuk and co-driver Keaton Williams. Travis Pastrana will be joining his teammate in a second car for a return to the ARA Championship. 

YouTube Docuseries

Subaru is using its YouTube channel to show off a six-part series called “Next Stage” that chronicles the 18-month process to design, engineer, and build the all-new rally car. 

Subaru has won 5 championships over 6 seasons of ARA Championship racing. 

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