Subaru and Mitsubishi developing R4 versions of the Impreza and Lancer

Japanese manufacturers Subaru and Mitsubishi are both developing high performance versions of their existing Group N cars to enable them to compete on level terms with their Super 2000 rivals next year.

Armindo Araujo driving a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X R4 prototype

Work on the cars, based on the firms Impreza and Lancer models, began earlier this month after the FIA World Motor Sport Council gave the green light to a new ‘R4’specification.

An R4 kit, homologated by the current Group N manufacturers, should enhance the performance of the two-litre turbo cars, bringing them in line with the normally aspirated Super 2000s.

The R4 class could lead to Imprezas and Lancers competing alongside Super 2000 cars in the 2011 SWRC, and should also give the turbo cars a boost in national rallies where they already compete in the same category as the S2000s.

Prodrive releases Group N Spec Subaru Impreza N2010 [UK]

18 January 2010. Prodrive releases new Impreza Group N

Prodrive has launched the Impreza N2010, its latest FIA specification group N rally car.

The Impreza N2010 uses the new larger 33mm air restrictor, introduced by the FIA to help balance the performance of Group N and the unrestricted Super2000 rally cars. Increasing the restrictor diameter from 32 to 33mm, fitting high flow fuel injectors and recalibrating the ECU increases peak power by 20 bhp, but more significantly, improves torque and responsiveness throughout the rev range.

The improvements in engine performance have been matched by enhancements to the car’s dynamics. The N2010 Ohlins dampers have been revised with extra travel front and rear, while all the suspension bushes have been strengthened.

“The engine and suspension changes make the N2010 far more competitive,” said Graham Prew, Prodrive sales manager. “On gravel the Impreza is certainly a match for any Super 2000, but it is on tarmac, that the additional engine performance will really come into its own and make the N2010 a competitive alternative to a Super 2000, but at about half the price and with significantly lower running costs.”

The Impreza N2010 prices start at £120,000 and for the first time Prodrive has introduced a financing option to enable the car to be leased over two years with an option to buy the car at the end of the agreement. The package includes insurance and system rebuilds.

2008 Subaru WRX STi to be unveiled in the 40th Tokyo Motors Show [JA]

Subaru offers the new AWD performance icon

Concept

The new WRX STI was developed with the eternal theme and essence of the driver’s car, the “total driving control,” that the preceding WRX STI models also pursued. This AWD sports model gives maximum driving pleasure through its combination of power, performance, handling and ride capabilities thanks to engineering exclusively designed for the WRX STI and its five-door package. It also balances excellent safety and environmental aspects at a high level.
Styling

Using a new five-door body style developed from the Impreza model, the new Impreza WRX STI displays a powerful design language that speaks directly to its performance credentials, integrating function and beauty. Adopting shortened front and rear overhangs, a longer wheelbase and widened body flares, the Impreza WRX STI clearly embodies driving performance in dynamic exterior design that delivers as overwhelming presence and beauty.


Performance

The new Horizontally-Opposed 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo charged engine was developed exclusively for the new WRX STI. By further improving the basic performance of the engine, and mating it to SI-DRIVE (SUBARU Intelligent Drive), the WRX STI offers not only outright performance as might be expected, but also delivers excellent handling under extreme as well as normal driving conditions.

Featuring Subaru’s unique Symmetrical AWD and specially developed in-house 6-speed manual transmission as its base technologies, multi mode DCCD* and VDC**, which control traction and stability more precisely, have also been added to WRX STI. To complete its performance credentials, the evolved chassis by “Subaru Dynamic Chassis Control Concept” has dramatically improved road-hugging capability and will provide exhilaration and confidence in every driving situation.

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-Subaru, FHI

All-New Subaru Impreza WRC Concept

Fuji Heavy Industries Unveils New Subaru Vehicles at the 62nd Frankfurt Motor Show

Tokyo, August 9, 2007 – Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, today announced the major features of its Subaru exhibit at the 62nd International Motor Show (IAA), which will be held in Frankfurt am Main from September 15 through 23, 2007 (press days are September 11 and 12). Highlights of the Subaru booth this year will be three new models soon to be introduced in many European countries, as well as the Subaru WRC Concept.

FHI will hold a press conference at the Subaru booth at 14:00 September 11. Masatsugu Nagato, FHI’s Director, Executive Vice President in charge of European markets, and Petter Solberg, a Subaru World Rally Team (SWRT) driver, will be present to speak with the media.

Major Exhibits


Subaru Impreza


Subaru Impreza


► Subaru Impreza
FHI debuts the third-generation Impreza for the European market. Developed around the concept of new and more refined designs for comfort, the Impreza will be fitted with either the 1.5-liter or the 2.0-liter engine, both of which feature Subaru Symmetrical AWD.


Subaru Tribeca


Subaru Tribeca

► Subaru Tribeca
With new exterior designs featuring substantial changes to its front, the new Tribeca, always advancing the concept of a progressive SUV, has been greatly improved. Incorporating a newly designed horizontally opposed engine, the Tribeca has skillfully combined outstanding driving performance and sophisticated styling.


► Subaru Justy
The new Justy is positioned as an entry-level car in Subaru’s lineup. While offering superb maneuverability and cabin roominess, the new Justy boasts exceptional fuel economy and low emission levels. The new Justy will be supplied by Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd., under an original equipment manufacturing (OEM) agreement with FHI.


Subaru WRC Concept


Subaru WRC Concept

► Subaru WRC Concept
The Concept Car, based on the new Impreza, conjures up images of future styling trends for a world rally car.

► Other displays
FHI will exhibit its horizontally opposed diesel engine, the Subaru Boxer Turbo Diesel, which FHI plans to introduce in Europe in 2008. Also on display is the Subaru R1e, an electric vehicle already in use in Japan, shown as an example of FHI’s commitment to developing environmentally friendly technologies.

-FHI, Subaru

Valentino Rossi to drive a privateer Subaru Impreza in WRC Rally New Zealand

Rossi in New Zealand

Now that entries for the event have closed, it is confirmed that MotoGP star Valentino Rossi has entered this year's Propecia Rally New Zealand, the penultimate round of the 2006 FIA World Rally Championship.



The Italian star will drive a Subaru Impreza S11 World Rally Car but as a private entry and not an official part of the Subaru World Rally Team.

SWRT Managing Director Richard Taylor told WRC.com; "Valentino has entered Rally New Zealand privately in his own name. He will however be driving a car supplied by us; in fact, the car which Chris Atkinson drove in Germany this year."

Taylor also confirmed that the exact details of how the car will be run are yet to be finalised; "There's still a bit of work to do on the details and it may be run alongside the Subaru team. But it will certainly not be an SWRT-liveried car."

Rossi has competed in the WRC only once before, Rally GB in 2002, at the wheel of a Grifone-run and Michelin-supported Peugeot 205WRC. However, his was a short event, as he went off the road early on the first day.



The choice of a Subaru for this occasion comes after previous outings with the Japanese marque. "Valentino has driven a car with us several times before, at Monza and Bologna and said that he would like to do another WRC event. New Zealand has been discussed for several months, as it fits in with his MotoGP programme and it's an event he would like to compete in."

Rossi's Yamaha runs on Michelin tyres in the MotoGP series but when he has driven Subarus, he has run on Pirelli tyres, the same as the SWRT. Taylor also confirmed that this is one area that is still to be confirmed.

"I think this is great news," Taylor said. "It's wonderful that he is this interested in the WRC and of course, we're glad that he will be driving a Subaru."

-WRC.com