The NBR Impreza to be entered into the 2008 NBR 24hrs is more like a road car which satisfies racing car standard safety measures rather than a racing based on a modified road car. 

A common raod-car-based racing car reinforces the chassis etc, from the white body stage to create an extremely stiff 'box', then applies modifications to avoid roll and nose driving (pitch).

However, this Impreza has minimal chassis reinforcement, and was built so the handling is controlled with the chassis as a whole, using the suspension as much as possible.

This is the perspective of SUBARU's road car development technique, and the car's setup was developed with great consideration toward the traits of the Nurburgring (NBR).

The inside of the car during the early stages of assembly. There is a roll cage to satisfy safety requirements, but there are no additional reinforcements in the body. This is so the chassis performance of the Impreza can be maximized.

The engine is installed in the same place as in the road car. The biggest difference from the road car appearance-wise is the additional lights built into the front bumper. Once the front grille is attached, it looks more like a regular car. 

Once the chassis had been modified, the body was painted silver, its base colour. SUBARU product developement cheif and leader of the Impreza WRX STi  developement team Mr Hiroshi Mori, along with the designers and factory workers, came to take a look at the machine.

The first test drive of the NBR Impreza was held at Tsukuba Circuit in early April. After confirming the function of each componenet, the test was concluded. Afterwards, the body was coloured completely.

A bucket seat, which holds the driver firmly in place, was installed. The seat, steering wheel, and pedal positions are all the same as the road car. 

A large 120-litre safety fuel cell was installed in the rear hatch. This is a race-spec installation so the tank does not get damaged in a crash.

 The engine setting focuses on maximising torque and controllability, rather than high revs and power. Efficiency is also a large factor in the race.

Aerodynamic support through the STi front under spoiler, sold commercially, and a rear under spoiler developed for this race. Again, sticking to the aerodynamic capabilities of the road car is the objective.

Re-fuelling during the NBR 24hr race is done through a nozzle, like at any regular gas station. The fuel cap is the same type as a motorcycle race fuel cap.

Wheels similar to the standard 18" raod car are used. In a 24 hour race, it is safe to assume that both slicks and rain tyres will be employed. In the 20kms of the NBR track, it's not unusual for the grand prix course to be completely dry when the mountainous areas are wet.

Last update: 20-07-2008 16:53