Six Star Magazine Six Star Magazine Winter 2010/2011 | Page 16

WRX STI

RELENTLESS REFINEMENT:
SUBARU AT THE NÜRBURGRING
The Nürburgring Nordschleife is more than just a legendary racetrack – it’s a punishing test bed that can
highlight weaknesses in the set-up of virtually any car. This is why the world’s top manufacturers – including
Subaru – visit the circuit in efforts to fine-tune their product before releasing it to the general public. The
thinking is this: If your vehicle can lap the ‘Ring quickly and safely, it can handle anything the average public
road can dish out. Here’s a timeline documenting Subaru’s involvement with testing at the Nürburgring.

FIRST GENERATION WRX 1992-2000

SECOND GENERATION

1992 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX

1996 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX STI
(JAPANESE SPECIFICATION MODEL)

2002 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX STI

The Subaru Impreza has enjoyed a
long and fruitful relationship with
the Nürburgring. The first-generation
WRX was tested there in September
1992 and the information gathered
during that run resulted in significant
improvements to both the front
suspension and braking systems.

Four years later, the first WRX STI
visited the German track and the gains
were significant. The unforgiving
nature of the circuit led to further
improvements to the car’s braking
system. Most notably, 4-piston calipers
were added – an expensive solution,
but one that was necessary to create
the desired performance.

In 2002, a return visit for the secondgeneration WRX STI was arranged. This
time, the car featured a stiffer body, revised
front suspension, improved turbocharger
and strengthened 6-speed manual
transmission. The changes worked
wonders as the Subaru edged closer to
the mythical 7-minute mark, formerly the
exclusive domain of the supercar.

LAP TIME: 8:28.93

LAP TIME: 8:10.75

LAP TIME: 8:06.59

ACCESSORIES

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This collection of WRX STI accessories has been tested to ensure your Subaru
performs like never before. Check out subaru.ca for more information.