Gambit Posted May 7, 2014 Share Posted May 7, 2014 We're going back to the Isle of Man to try and beat our own record!! Subaru will this month mount a fresh assault on the four-wheeled lap record on the world-famous Isle of Man TT course, using the new 2015 WRX STI performance saloon that will be driven by British rally champion Mark Higgins.The current record stands at 19 minutes and 56.7 seconds, set in 2011 by Higgins at the wheel of the previous-generation Subaru WRX STI. Higgins achieved an average speed of 115.36mph around the famous TT Mountain circuit in a production-spec version of the iconic model.As with the previous record-breaking run, the new WRX STI is a standard Subaru production car (US specification), equipped with a 300ps 2.5-litre horizontally-opposed turbocharged Boxer engine, unmodified brake callipers and road-legal tyres. The springs and dampers have been adjusted slightly to minimise any potential damage when the car encounters the many bumps – and jumps – at high speed along the course. The WRX STI is also equipped with requisite safety features, including a roll-cage, race harness and fire suppression system.Subaru will complete three timed runs under closed road conditions on Saturday 31 May, Monday 2 June and Wednesday 4 June.In his previous record attempt on the course, Higgins created one of the most memorable race videos when he had a self-described ‘moment’ at the bottom of Bray Hill at 150mph –clips of the attempt have received almost 10 million views online since 2011. Higgins commented: “Setting the record was totally exhilarating and one of the highlights of my career – Bray Hill certainly added to the thrill! As a Manxman, I love the TT Races and I have a huge amount of respect for the TT riders and what they do. It will be a real honour to attempt a new fastest car lap.”Subaru of America, Inc. will return as a partner with the Isle of Man again this year, renewing its sponsorship of the event.The all-new Subaru WRX STI goes on sale in the UK this month. To find out more about the new model, and Subaru’s range of All-Wheel Drive models, visit http://www.subaru.co.uk/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scooby Pete Posted May 7, 2014 Share Posted May 7, 2014 As good news as this is, it's a shame it's all Subaru America putting this on. Subaru UK don't seem to give a toss about the new car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ash007ks Posted May 7, 2014 Share Posted May 7, 2014 Always same mate, and it looks so slow compared to the motorbikes doing it lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gambit Posted May 7, 2014 Author Share Posted May 7, 2014 Does say it's US spec not sure if that means it is the Americans or a joint operation. But I'm sure I will enjoy it all the same :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scooby Pete Posted May 7, 2014 Share Posted May 7, 2014 The car is being prepped by the rally team in America. They are also doing all the development of the new car for the rallies there, no more Prodrive involvement, not aware of anyone this side of the pond doing development on the new car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gambit Posted May 7, 2014 Author Share Posted May 7, 2014 Hopefully Litchfield will carry on but I agree shame Prodrive haven't said about anything with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay762 Posted May 7, 2014 Share Posted May 7, 2014 would be good to have teh UK step up a bit but they clearly dont see the market potential - or maybe we are wearing rose tinted glasses - either way cant wait for the lap :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gaulson Posted May 7, 2014 Share Posted May 7, 2014 I'm looking forward to this as I have watched that lap a fair few times. Just seeing it getting into a tankslapper at that speed still makes me tense! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pommy Posted May 7, 2014 Share Posted May 7, 2014 It is a pity about prodrive and lack of anything from Subaru UK. But will still be really good to watch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoozyDave Posted May 7, 2014 Share Posted May 7, 2014 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gambit Posted May 7, 2014 Author Share Posted May 7, 2014 I just had an excited wee 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scooby monkey Posted May 8, 2014 Share Posted May 8, 2014 Can't wait to see this, although it'll be embarrassing if it's slower than the last one! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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