Subaru Rally Team USA have unveiled their 2015 WRX STI Rallycross car at the 2015 New York Auto Show which will take part in the 2015 Red Bull Global Rallycross season and the X Games.
The third evolution of the Subaru STI-based Rallycross car has been dubbed VT15x and built in partnership with Vermont SportsCar. “We made huge strides in durability and competitiveness last season,” aid Vermont SportsCar Team Principal Lance Smith. “The VT15x is almost entirely-new technology. This car is a revolution, not just an evolution.”
Sporting Bucky Lasek‘s 2015 livery at the unveiling, the car meets GRC and FIA Rallycross homologation standards and features a whole host of changes over the VT14x including optimising weight balance, center-of-gravity, suspension geometry, and aerodynamics to improve handling. There has also been a gain in engine power giving a higher top speed and better launch capabilities.
“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,” added Smith.
Subaru Tecnica International (STI) bring their WRC and circuit racing expertise to the Subaru Rallycross programme and Subaru Motorsports Marketing Manager Rob Weir is happy to be part of the project.
“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,” said Weir
Subaru Rally Team USA head in to the 2015 season looking to build on their 2014 season which brought them a five GRC podiums, a Silver medal at the X Games plus a victory for Sverre Isachsen in Seattle.
Lasek and Isachsen return for the season ahead and will be joined by Travis Pastrana at the X Games, plus selected rounds still to be announced.
“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.”
The Red Bull Global Rallycross season gets underway at Fort Lauderdale on 31 May, followed by X Games on June 5.
