RECORD: Subaru WRX STI smashes own landmark
The Subaru WRX STI has broken its own four-wheeled lap record around the Isle of Man TT circuit.
Driven by British rally champion Mark Higgins, the high-performance saloon navigated the famous 37.8-mile course in 19minutes and 26seconds, posting an average speed of 116mph and a top speed of more than 160mph.
The effort usurped the previous record for a four-wheeler of 19minutes, 56.7seconds, which was established by Manxman Higgins in the previous-generation WRX STI in 2011.
As with the previous record-breaking car, the WRX STI used for Higgins’ run was a standard Subaru production model, equipped with a 300PS 2.5litre horizontally-opposed turbocharged Boxer engine.
The only modifications to the car involved the springs and dampers, which were adjusted to minimise any potential damage.
It was also equipped with safety enhancements including a roll-cage, race harness and fire suppression system and was fitted with Dunlop Derezza tyres.
“It was quite a lap we did today and I am really happy to have another record in the bank,” said Higgins.
“The chassis of the new car is so much better it really allowed me to pick up time in each sector in the more technical parts of the course.
“There is nothing like the TT course in all racing.
“Not just because of its length but the elevation changes, constant surface variations as you shift from town to country roads and the fact we run from 30mph and then up to 160mph plus for much of the race.”
The outright lap record on the TT course was set recently by Bruce Anstey who hit an average speed of 212km/h to post a time of 17minutes, 6.7seconds on his BA Honda CBR1000RR.
