Subaru imports race-only WRX STIs

Fancy yourself as a bit of a rally ace? Subaru is importing limited numbers of the FIA-homologated race-ready WRX STI NR4 to sell to punters for $38,990.

The Australian arm of the Japanese brand was rumoured to re-enter the Australian Rally Championship (ARC) after a race-going WRX STI was spotted on the front lawn of rally outfit Possum Bourne Motorsport (PBMS). However Subaru Oz are now officially ruling that out – the models are here as a one-off import deal.

The NR4 designation references the ability to run the WRX STI in both FIA WRC2 and ERC2 regional and national championships, and Subaru Oz will import the motorsport-only models in two colours, white and WR Blue. The 2.0-litre turbo makes more grunt than the production 2.5-litre STI and is unique to the non-road-going model.

PBMS is actually developing, Subaru revealed in a statement, “A range of packages for these vehicles which will suit everyone from club amateur to the professional”.

Indeed that $39K price tag is essentially a blank canvas for the rally buyer, with PBMS able to add a roll-cage and several other buyer-specific options.

Subaru Oz hasn’t released the full list available, however overseas buyers can get 3-way Ohlins adjustable dampers, AP Racing paddle clutch for the five-speed dog gear kit, AP Racing homologated brake packages for tarmac and gravel with driver-adjustable brake pressure and hydraulic handbrake with manual lock, a fibreglass fixed bucket seat and more.

“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,” explained Subaru Australia managing director Nick Senior as a key reason for the special import series.

“These cars represent fantastic value for motorsport enthusiasts that want the amazing all-wheel drive advantage that has made WRX such a legend over the past 20 plus years”.

Celebratory rooster-tail, anyone?

Get your free weekly report from the world of fast cars - subscribe to the MOTOR newsletter!