Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the manufacturer of Subaru automobiles, released footage covering an advanced research and development project carried out at the Nurburgring’s racetrack in Germany, using a 2011 Subaru WRX STI 4-door (sedan) test vehicle. Subaru has been using the world’s toughest Nordschleife course since 1992 for advanced R & D as well as tests of the WRX and WRX STI models.
The concept of the 2011 WRX STI is “The Fastest WRX STI Ever”. At Subaru, the phrase “Fastest” refers to more than just top speed or maximum engine output. It implies driving with confidence. The WRX STI can only be taken to its “fastest ever” performance when it provides the driver with total driving control with confidence. Major upgrades to the 2011 WRX STI focused on the chassis and suspension set-up. Tests at the Nürburgring demonstrated the supreme overall dynamics and linear behavior. Tommi Mäkinen, the legendary four-time World Rally Champion, piloted the test vehicle for the challenge. He commented, “The car was controllable with precise and faithful handling even on tricky corners. I could easily predict the car’s behavior. That is exactly what Subaru is offering, confidence”. As a result, the 2011 WRX STI test vehicle recorded 7’55’’00, Subaru’s fastest lap time ever, which is 4 seconds faster than the previous fastest time recorded in 2004. The 2011 WRX STI 4-door will go on sale world-wide from this summer. Upgrades to the 4-door version will be carried over to the 5-door (hatchback) model.
