Real Rally

Motor Image plans to assemble the Group N spec WRXs in Singapore and export them to neighbouring ASEAN countries, under the AFTA tariff scheme. The collaboration with Prodrive will involve regional sourcing for parts that are compliant with the local content rule, which will allow for the introduction of competitive prices. Motor Image also intends to work closely with the Economic Development Board of Singapore to tap into Singapore’s resources and engineering knowledge base to grow this into a full fledged research and development programme.

Team Subaru PWRC Toshihiro Arai, along with representatives from British based Prodrive were in Singapore during the launch to share some insights on building and driving one of these dedicated race machines.

Japanese driver Toshihiro Arai started his professional diving career at the age of 19, driving the legendary Toyota AE86. Since joining Subaru in 2000, he has placed consistently well in races, winning more than a few along the way. “Subaru cars have a substantially well balanced package,” he says. “With a constant drive towards technological advancement to keep the car on the edge, the driver’s satisfaction is always ensured, and its stability and agility gives me great confidence in winning rally championships. Being directly involved with FHI and STI engineers on request specifications to build the base car (Spec C production car) allows me to make modifications to my vehicle, making it stronger and quicker. I really appreciate this involvement level. In addition, I can sense the passion Subaru personnel have for cars and driving, which makes it easier for me to communicate with them. This adds to the confidence I have in winning when I drive my car in the different rally stages.”

In 2005, Subaru won seven out of eight events in the Production Car World Rally Championship with Toshihiro Arai emerging as the series champion with Tony Sircombe. In the Italy Rally Championship, Subaru emerged as series champion.

The Group N vehicles are production vehicles outfitted with safety equipment in strict compliance with the governing FIA. Only production cars that have a minimum make of over 1000 units consecutively over 12 months can qualify as a base car. Rally competition vehicles are modelled after these production models with a limited range of modifications allowed. Achieving high standards of the base vehicle is imperative as it constitutes the performance level of the Group N vehicle. The proper assembly of a Group N vehicle includes removing much of the interior to install the FIA regulation roll cage, a process that takes more than 200 working hours to accomplish.

The cars can be assembled to meet different conditions like tarmac, gravel, snow or track and is dependent on what the client specifies. The Group N vehicles are targeted for purchase by private racing teams and used specifically for racing. These vehicles are not street legal in Singapore.

Engine: Flat four-cylinder boxer

Capacity: 1994 cc

Power: 270 bhp @ 4500 rpm

Torque: 560 Nm @3250 rpm

Turbo charger: IHI- Twin scroll bearing with regulation 32mm restrictor

Spark plugs: NGK

ECU: Prodrive – Pectel programmable individually mapped for various fuels

Center diff: Prodrive – Pectel programmable

Exhaust: Hi-flow motorsport catalyst +98 dB silencer

Fuel system: FIA approved FT3-99 80 litre safety tank centrally mounted under the floor

Gearbox: Prodrive 5 speed manual dog engagement

Front diff: Plated limited slip

Center diff: Electro mechanical, locking

Rear diff: Plated limited slip

Clutch: Alcon, 240mm six paddle competition, single plate homologated STi cover

Rollcage: FIA approved and homologated.

Front suspension: 54mm Prodrive-Ohlins Macpherson strut, 3 way adjustable with hydraulic bump stops

Rear suspension: 50mm Prodrive-Ohlins Macpherson strut, 3 way adjustable with hydraulic bump stops. Longitudinal and transverse link

Tarmac Brakes: four piston front and rear calipers, 355mm discs front and 285 mm discs rear

Gravel Brakes: four piston front and rear calipers, 295mm discs front and 285mm discs rear

Steering: Power assisted quickrack (13:1) for left and right hand drive.

Minimum weight: 1345 kg.

Credits: Lionel Kong