Subaru Debuts New Rallycross Fighter for 2015
at New York International Auto Show
After a year of secret development, the cover comes off Subaru Rally Team USA's new 2015 WRX STI rallycross car at the 2015 New York Auto Show, set to compete in Red Bull Global Rallycross and X Games Rallycross.
Dubbed VT15x, this is the third evolution of an STI-based Rallycross car
for Subaru in four years built by technical partner Vermont SportsCar." We made huge strides in durability and competitiveness last season,"
stated Vermont SportsCar Team Principal Lance Smith. "The VT15x is
almost entirely-new technology. This car is a revolution, not just an
evolution."
Debuting in Bucky Lasek's new livery, the VT15x features a 580
Horsepower 2.0L Subaru Boxer engine, a 6-speed SADEV® sequential gearbox
and all-wheel drive. Other features include a rallycross-spec widebody,
and METHOD® Race Wheels. The VT15x is capable of 0-60 in just two
seconds. The new car will meet GRC and FIA Rallycross homologation
standards.
Updates and revisions to the VT15x are widespread compared to the VT14x
version ran by Subaru Rally Team USA last year. Optimizing weight
balance, center-of-gravity, suspension geometry, and aerodynamics were
key focuses to improve handling; while increased engine power and
response led to gains in overall speed and launching capability at the
start. "The foundation of every great race car is the chassis you start
with. Using the 2015 WRX STI, we have seen gains in handling and
cornering in both our stage rally and rallycross cars; which is a
testament to advancements in design from the factory" stated Smith.
Subaru Tecnica International (STI), the performance company for the
brand, has stepped up their technical support of rallycross development
with Vermont SportsCar; bringing their WRC and circuit racing expertise
to the Subaru rallycross program. "STI is increasing their support of
our U.S. based efforts in rallycross. Their expertise and development
resources will take our program to an even more competitive level,"
stated Rob Weir, Subaru Motorsports Marketing Manager.
Subaru Rally Team USA showed a steady rise in performance last season,
claiming five Red Bull GRC podiums including a Silver Medal at X Games,
and victory for Sverre Isachsen at the GRC Seattle round. Bucky Lasek
and Sverre Isachsen will again lead the factory race effort with Travis
Pastrana joining them at X Games, and select rounds to be announced
soon. "Confidence is high within the Subaru camp that we have a winning
package of driver talent driving faster cars for this season," said
Weir. "Our goal in 2014 was getting to the front row of every final and
being on the podium. This year, our only goal is winning."
Subaru Rally Team USA will begin their 2015 rallycross season at the
first Red Bull Global Rallycross round May 31 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
Immediately followed by X Games June 5 in Austin, TX.
