Subaru sets new Nurburgring lap record for four-door sedans

When Subaru first attempted a Nurburgring run with the WRX STI Type RA NBR Special, mother nature didn't want to cooperate and dumped heavy rain on the track. Given the conditions, the best that they could muster was an eight minute lap around the track. However, Subaru returned with sunnier weather in tow to take on the Green Hell once again.

With the weather being more cooperative, Subaru was able to muster a 6:57.5 lap around the Nordschlife with the NBR Special. It mangaged to smash the previous record for four-door sedans set by an Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglo which had a lap time of 7:32 . For reference, Porsche's 918 hypercar also managed to do a 6:57 lap around the Green Hell.

It should be noted however that the WRX STI Type RA NBR special is not a production car. Instead it uses a 2017 WRX STI as a base car but is powered by a Prodrive-built 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four engine that pushes out 600 PS. A World Rally Champion (WRC) spec sequential gearbox meanwhile puts the powerdown to all four wheels. For better handling, the NBR Special received an extensive aerodynamics upgrade, including an active rear wing.

As for the 500 examples of the road-going WRX STI Type RA, it will make do with the standard 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four engine with 310 horsepower. Unlike the standard WRX STI, the Type RA does feature a short-throw shifter and revised gearing. Outside, the Type RA comes with a carbon fiber roof and some milder aerodynamic revisions.

Subaru has yet to release a video of the official record breaking run, but promises to do so soon.