Subaru Australia has confirmed that it is importing a limited number of competition-spec WRX STI vehicles for use by “enthusiasts and professional teams”. The WRX STI NR4 Spec is designed for FIA WRC2 and ERC2 regional and national championship specification, meeting NR4 regulations. The new NR4 class replace the previous N4 and R4 classes.
Subaru Australia hasn’t confirmed how many NR4’s they’ll be bringing in, only saying that a limited number will be available. The model isn’t eligible for road registration and is designed purely for for track and motorsport use.
With that in mind, you won’t find many options available for the N4 – you can either buy the car as-is, or opt to have an FIA-approved roll cage fitted, which will make the car eligible for racing. The cage can be fitted pre-delivery, as optioned at the time of purchase.
Pop the bonnet and you’ll find Subaru’s 2.0L turbocharged boxer engine – downsized from the 2.4L engine found in Australian Spec WRX STI’s due to the WRC / ERC / ARC having 2.0L engine displacement restrictions. Power output hasn’t been mentioned but 227kW and 422Nm is a safe bet.
Subaru Australia managing director Nick Senior said in a statement, “Current production WRX and WRX STI have taken interest in these turbocharged legends back to the peak levels we saw in the late 1990s, and with that has come a whole new wave of interest in using them for motorsport activities. These cars represent fantastic value for motorsport enthusiasts.”
Interested? Subaru Australia is offering the package from just $38,000. You’d better get in quick as they’ll sell fast. At least picking a colour is easy – whiteor blue!