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

Rolls-Royce Phantom review – the epitome of excess and British engineering excellence
Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II
Reviews

Rolls-Royce Phantom review – the epitome of excess and British engineering excellence

Despite its age, the eighth-generation Rolls-Royce Phantom remains in a class of its own as the most luxurious way to travel by road by a significant …
20 Jul 2026
Can BMW’s £50k sports coupe beat the Audi RS3? – car pictures of the week
Audi RS3 and BMW M240
Features

Can BMW’s £50k sports coupe beat the Audi RS3? – car pictures of the week

In the current issue of evo, we test BMW’s updated M240 against the Audi RS3 – these are our favourite shots
18 Jul 2026
Why car bosses are quietly scrapping their multi-billion pound EV plans
Porsche badge
Opinion

Why car bosses are quietly scrapping their multi-billion pound EV plans

Industry giants U-turning on EV plans is not entirely good news, reckons Meaden
21 Jul 2026