SUBARU NBR Nürburgring Challenge WRX STI 2020 deep infomations

At the end of February 2020, the machine to challenge the Nürburgring 24-hour race at the Subaru WRX STI unveiled. Until now, Autoprove has been following the tests since the early stages of development, and reports have been made, but let me tell you that preparations for actual production are finally at the final stage.

Actually, a shakedown test to be performed at Fuji Speedway on February 26 was scheduled to be released, but I was able to attend the fourth test one week before that, so from the information I got there, Let me tell you.

To the final stage

The last test took place on December 25, 2019. The highlight of the test at this time was to raise the roll center, change the tread width, and review the Ackerman-Janteau geometry. Has been reviewed.

In addition, there were aerodynamic tests where the painted surface was uneven, the rear wing changed to a swan-neck suspension type, the shape of the fuel tank was changed, and the aerodynamic design including the front fender was reviewed.This uneven coating is called shark skin coating.

The test results obtained at this time were brought back, and after that, after being exhibited at the Tokyo Auto Salon, a test drive was conducted in mid-February.

Mid-February Test

From the end-of-year test results, the only change in the hardware was the stabilizer change. It is said that the input to the body has changed due to the change in the bush of the rear subframe, etc., and the rigidity has also changed. For this reason, the suspension has been changed to a softer direction, and the stabilizer has also been changed to be narrower than the 19-year specification.

In addition, turbo, cross members, suspensions, etc. were brand new and tested to make them familiar. In addition, since wind tunnel tests were conducted and data were obtained, the angle of the newly designed rear wing was at the level of fine adjustment.

One of the goals of the day was time attack. Fuji Speedway is a standard course for development every year. Of course, we test run on the Subaru test course, but when it comes to racing car level, it is important to test on a full-scale circuit（race track).

At the Fuji Speedway, the 1’45 “532 time was the best in the 19-year specification, and the aim of the 20-year specification was to raise it to a level that could enter the 44-second range. It seems that there is a correlation that if the best time in Fuji can be updated, the time on the actual Nürburgring course can also be shortened, so two 30-minute occupancy slots are secured on this day It was a test.

However, unfortunately, the treatment after the renovation work of the 100R course was not yet enough, and although the course itself was clean pavement, the sand treatment during the work remained, and the course was very dusty. It was a situation. Therefore, the driver said, “100R is the place where I want the most downforce, so I want to step on it including the shape of the rear wing. But I slipped in that situation, so I stopped,” commented Takuto Iguchi are doing.

Eventually, the time attack was canceled, and it ended at the level of checking the hard parts and checking the communication of staff going to the Nürburgring.

The next test was scheduled for three consecutive days in late February, and was scheduled for public release on the last day. However, in order to prevent the spread of COVID19 (new corona virus) infection, its public release was suspended and only tests were conducted.

There was an NBR machine that appeared in 20-year coloring. The body is shark skin coating on the roof, engine hood and door panels, with sponsor stickers around the rear and partially painted with shark skin.

The new design follows the STI color image and renews the body color. The WRX STI will be tested at Fuji Speedway again in March. At that time, it will be the final specification, and will participate in the preparatory QF battle in April, with a scheduled 24-hour race.

NBR20MY Specifications

Finally, let me tell you a little about the Subaru WRX STI NBR Challenge. The 2020-year specification WRX STI has been in use for the first time since 2018, and is being reviewed every year, including in all areas, including body improvements. The power train uses EJ type with 2.0L turbo. This is tuned for racing, but the performance is adjusted by installing an air restrictor by regulation. Anti-lag (misfire) is not adopted for the turbo. This is not adopted because it has a greater impact on fuel economy than dislike turbo lag.

The transmission is equipped with a Hewland sequential 6speeds dog mission and is participating in AWD. The subframe uses the improved type for the rally, but the basic layout of the suspension etc. remains the same as commercial（nomal) vehicles. Although it has been entirely remodeled for racing, changes from commercial vehicles will change rigidity and strength, but the basic frame remains the same as commercial vehicles.

The fuel tank is equipped with 100L. The refueling system at Nürburgring is the same type of nozzle used at gas stations in the city. For this reason, it is possible to refuel 100L non-stop if the air in the tank is good, but if the air is bad, it will stop at around 94L. Therefore, the tank shape has been changed this season, and it has been confirmed that non-stop entry up to 99L is possible. In previous experiments, it seemed to be working perfectly, and the pit stop time could be reduced to ten and a few seconds with a single operation. If you make 16 pits in the 24-hour race, you can save about 3 minutes, so you can simply run one more lap.

The tires are Falken commercial racing tires. It is a commercial slick tire, not a special tire. In addition, two types of rain, Intermediate and heavy rain, are permitted, so they use commercial racing rain.