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.
