Skip advert
Advertisement

Subaru Impreza sets Nurburgring record

The World's quickest saloon is the Subaru Impreza WRX STI, judging by its Nurburgring lap time

The Subaru Impreza WRX STI – the quickest saloon in the world. That’s the claim, after the four-door version of the new-school Impreza set a new record at the Nurburgring. A mightily impressive claimed 7min55sec lap-time around the Ring’s Nordschleife (North Loop) puts the STI ahead of the previous saloon record holder, the Cadillac CTS-V. The American boasts a 6.2-litre V8 engine over three times the size of the Japanese-spec Subaru’s 2-litre flat-four, but transfers its 556bhp to the track via its rear wheels only. The Impreza is all-wheel drive. The STI was piloted by four-time World Rally Champion and former Mitsubishi and Subaru WRC driver Tommi Makinen. The car deviates slightly from standard, with the the larger turbocharger and six-pot brake calipers from the Impreza R205 edition and aluminium bonnet from the STI Spec C, plus the usual safety necessities for track work. All of this may leave UK Impreza fans cold, though. Since the car’s relaunch a couple of years ago there’s only been a five-door hatchback for the UK, a situation that’s unlikely to change.  Watch the video the car’s lap below to see what you’re missing…

Advertisement - Article continues below

We put the Impreza WRX STI against Lamborghini Gallardo

Follow evo on Twitter and Facebook for car news and views

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Petrol v electric: Alpine's A290 faces the Mazda MX-5
Mazda MX-5 v Alpine A290
Group tests

Petrol v electric: Alpine's A290 faces the Mazda MX-5

Alpine’s A290 is under consideration by evo contributor Peter Tomalin as a replacement for his MX-5. A comparison is in order…
25 Oct 2026
Why this 300,000-mile Ford Mondeo felt more revolutionary than a Lamborghini
Ford Mondeo
Opinion

Why this 300,000-mile Ford Mondeo felt more revolutionary than a Lamborghini

With one of the development parameters being the ‘perfection feeling’, the Mondeo was always going to be something special
22 Oct 2026
New Toyota Celica – Japan’s secret Porsche rival is on the way
Toyota Yaris M/ Celica mule
News

New Toyota Celica – Japan’s secret Porsche rival is on the way

With the new race-proven G20E engine in the middle, what was thought to be the next MR2 may well be called ‘Celica’
26 Oct 2026