Though it’s been kept a big secret the past year, Subaru has finally revealed its secret weapon for its Subaru Rally Team USA efforts: a 2015 WRX STI rallycross car that’ll be used in Red Bull Global Rallycross and X Games Rallycross. Built by Vermont SportsCar, the project – known simply as VT15x – is powered by a 580hp 2.0L Subaru Boxer motor, mated to a 6-speed sequential SADEV gearbox, which can hit 0-60 with the quickness at just two seconds. The chassis has been outfitted with a rallycross-spec widebody kit, METHOD race wheels and is built to meet GRC and FIA Rallycross homologation specifications.
The difference between the VT15x and last year’s VT14x are substantial: With this STI, the team took special care in optimizing proper weight balance, center-of-gravity, suspension geometry and aerodynamics for improved handling; the motor was built to not only produce more power but also improve driving response, helping to achieve more speed and launching capability from the get-go. Coming back to aid Subaru Rally Team USA and pilot the VT15x is Bucky Lasek and Sverre Isachsen, joining factory team co-racer, Travis Pastrana at the X games. The car will see its first bout of racing at the Red Bull Global Rallycross on May 31st in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, followed by the X Games on June 5th in Austin, Texas.
Attendees of the 2015 New York International Auto Show can see the VT15x in person starting April 3rd through April 12th. For more info on Subaru Rally Team USA, visit: www.subaru.com/enthusiasts/rally.html.
(Images: courtesy of Subaru)