In 2007 Tanner Foust earned the nick name “Golden Child” by winning X Games Rally gold and winning the Formula Drift championship all in the same year. Since then hes had some significant success (he followed up his ‘07 Formula Drift championship with another in ‘08) but this year Tanner is in position to raise the bar for himself yet again by winning two gold medals at X Games 16. The first in head to head rally racing then again in the 4 car mayhem known as “Super Rally”.
Head to head rally racing could only be described as chaotic. Things were shaping up ok but after Friday’s practice many of the rally drivers felt that the course design was too tight. This left the drivers meeting with track officials Saturday morning about possibly re-configuring the course lay out. The driver’s got their wish and the course was changed but by the time the changes were complete there was no time for the drivers to practice on the new configuration. To add to the tension the drivers were feeling from no practice time was the red-flag rule hanging over their heads. In short the red-flag rule states that if a driver deviates from the designated course they will instantly be “red flagged” and if you get red flagged it is an automatic disqualification from that heat.
This combination resulted in nearly every heads up rally racing heat ending with a red flag disqualification. Including the final battle between Tanner Foust and fellow Rockstar Energy/Ford Racing driver Brian Deegan. You can watch their battle below.
After the pandemonium of head to head rally racing was over it was time for the event that everyone was waiting for: the 4 car tandem “Super Rally”. In the Super Rally race 4 cars at a time all race against each other in a 4 lap heat. To mix things up each driver is required to use the “Joker Lane.” The Joker Lane is a slightly longer path through the course that included the massive gap jump. The tricky part about this was that the drivers could choose when they wanted to take the Joker lane. Since no one knew what driver would take the Joker lane at what time no one knew what to expect or when to expect it!
After four heats the final was dominated by professional drivers as Verdier, Foust, and Hubinette all lined up against the only non-drifter Brian Deegan. You can see how the final Super Rally battle played out below:
With Formula D drivers dominating the X Games rally, could this mean we might see more action sports and rally drivers like Ken Block and Travis Pastrana take up drifting to improve their skill set? Probably not, but it would be interesting to see!
All in all despite the confusion during the head to head rally racing Super Rally more than made up for everything and definitely looks like the sport could have a BIG future on American soil.
Saturday was the second day and final day of X Games rally competition. Practice was over and there was no more warm ups. On this day every run counted. The pressure was definitely on each driver to get everything right so they could continue to advance. If the pressure of competition wasn’t enough there was another factor that added to the tension. The officials changed the layout of the track before competition began. The story we heard from various sources was that the original layout was too disconcerting to the drivers. As such, the officials changed the layout. However once the course was changed the drivers had little to no time to practice the new configuration. Then came news that if any driver deviated from the set course they would be red flagged and automatically DQ’d!
There was definitely a lot of drama throughout the rally racing and especially in the Super Rally Final. There will be more posts on all of that later. In the meantime check out some pictures from day 2 below and even more pictures in our GALLERY.
I caught up with Travis Pastrana after his first Rally Run at X Games 16. The first thing I ask is what was the issue with his car that contributed to his loss to Brian Deegan. Secondly I ask what he feels his biggest challenge will be going into the Super Rally 4 car competition later in the day.
X Games is back in town and the entire local automotive culture has gone Rally crazy. There are a few big changes to the Rally event this year versus previous years. The biggest change is the new “Super Rally Cross” format. Before the X Games used a “Super Stage” style in which two cars would run at the same time but on their own set course trying to beat their rival’s time to move on to the next battle. The “Super Rally Cross” format takes the old style but shakes it up by having 4 cars run at the same time…on the same course! Yet they’re still racing the clock more than each other.
However, they have to battle each other for the fastest line through a corner. If that wasn’t crazy enough, they’ve also introduced the “Joker Lane” The Joker Lane is a longer route around the track but it also includes the infamous “gap jump”. Now, a driver can use any lap of the race to take the Joker lane but each driver MUST use the lane at least once per race. This adds a whole new level of excitement as well as strategy for the drivers. Will they get the Joker lane out of the way early? Or will they save it for the last lap?
Tune into the X Games on ESPN and ESPN HD TODAY to watch the action. You can also stay tuned to Xgames.com or right here on MotorworldHype.com as well as our twitter page @MotorworldHype to stay updated on the action. Check out some practice pictures from Friday below and even more pictures in our gallery.
As it stands right now SpoCom is the only dedicated car show that still makes a stop in Long Beach and for that we’re grateful (especially since Long Beach is our back yard!) but one of the things we appreciate about SpoCom the most is how they really bring back the vibe of car shows from years past. It was crowded but not too crowded it was a large show but not obnoxiously big and the quality of cars on the show floor was top shelf! It was a great show and I highly recommend attending if they make a stop in your area. Check out some of our pictures below and for a full photo gallery visit our Facebook Fan Page.
DC Shoes has done a bit of pre-summer cleaning and redesigned the “Auto” section of their website (dcshoes.com/auto). The team page has been re-done and stuffed full of new photos and even some video. There is also a section to keep up with where each of their sponsored drivers are in the rally standings. Good stuff!
Crawford Performance is the shop that built the Subaru’sKen Blocked hoon’d in both of his Gymkhana videos. Most of the work they did one the cars were custom one-off pieces but they did save a few bits and decided to mass produce them for regular joes like you and me. Once such item is their “Gymkhana Exhaust“. This is the very same exhaust design used on the Gymkhana TWO car. This thing literally has two megaphones for exhaust tips and is meant to make tons of noise. There isn’t much of a power gain with this exhaust but you wont lose any power. However, you will lose about 20lbs of weight over the stock unit.
Yesterday Subaru released footage of the 2011 Subaru WRX STi taking a historic lap around Nurbergring AKA “The Green Hell”. With rally driver Tommi Makinen behind the wheel, the 2011 STi actually broke a personal best record for Subaru. Check out the in-car video from the lap below.
Due to the New York Auto show being in full effect we’re going to see a lot of new car debuts this week. So far the debut of the new WRX STi is what has the bulk of my attention. For the first time ever the user has a choice of a hatchback STi or a Sedan. Both models are complete with the new wide-fender treatment that Subaru has adopted for 2011. Besides the aggressive look, the new STi has a stiffer suspension than the previous model which should provide a significant bump in handling. Mechanically, the new STi is mostly unchanged from the previous STi. There is a 5hp increase but besides that Subaru decided it would be best to not fix what wasn’t broken. So far I am a fan of the new treatment. I just hope I get to drive one soon!
Check out the rest of the details in the press release below:
The Wing is Back! Subaru Debuts New 4-Door Impreza® WRX® STI® Model for 2011
– First Time Subaru Performance Flagship Offered in Two Body Styles
– New WRX STI Four-Door with Wide-Body Design
– Retuned Suspension for Even Sharper Handling
NEW YORK, April 1 – Subaru of America today introduced a new 4-door version of its Impreza WRX STI performance flagship model. This will be the first time that the WRX STI has been offered in two body styles (5-door and 4-door). In addition to the new styling, the 2011 WRX STI features significantly revised suspension tuning and lighter 18-inch wheels for even sharper handling.
The WRX STI has been a recipient of continuous improvement since its introduction. Most recently, the 2010 WRX STI Special Edition previewed some of the suspension enhancements now migrated to the 2011 WRX STI. Thorough and painstakingly detailed chassis development, including testing on Germany’s famed Nurburgring racetrack, has resulted in the best-handling Impreza WRX STI models Subaru has ever offered.
“The continuous evolution and development of the WRX STI is driven by the strong, loyal and vocal support from thousands of enthusiastic owners of this exciting high-performance vehicle,” said Tom Doll, executive vice president and COO of Subaru of America, Inc. “The 2011 4-door WRX STI will expand the appeal of this iconic performance model to a wider range of driving enthusiasts.”
New Designs for 2011
In front, the 2011 WRX STI models feature sharpened bumper corners and wider, blacked-out fog lamp nacelles to accentuate the “wide and low” profile. A jutting lip spoiler with three-dimensional detailing emphasizes the cars’ sporty intent. The newly designed front grille with black base and blacked-out Subaru wing highlights the headlights’ shape to give the entire front end a more powerful appearance, accentuated by larger grille and bumper intake openings.
For the 4-door models, newly designed wider rear fenders are stretched out on the side beyond the tail lamps, accentuating a look of power and stability. The new design details contribute to an improved drag coefficient.
New Chassis Tuning for 2011
The Subaru WRX STI was already a highly optimized performance machine. Specific chassis tuning. Aluminum front lower L-arms reduce unsprung vehicle weight. Major chassis tuning changes include a lowered ride height and new pillow-ball bushings in front and stiffer bushings for the rear subframe that supports the double-wishbone suspension - these improve camber and toe stiffness.
Both the front and rear suspension systems employ higher-rate springs and thicker front and rear stabilizer bars than the 2010 model: 21 mm vs. 20 mm in front and 19 mm vs. 18 mm in rear. Spring rates have increased by 15.6 percent in front and 53 percent in the rear.
New standard 18-inch aluminum wheels feature high-luster paint and weigh 17.6 lbs. less than the previous standard wheels. The optional 18 x 8.5-in. BBS® forged aluminum-alloy wheels, which further reduce unsprung vehicle weight, are highlighted by silver high-luster paint for 2011.
Exclusive to the WRX STI, the Brembo Performance Brake System uses ventilated 4-wheel Super Sport anti-lock (ABS) disc brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). Super Sport ABS can control the braking forces at each rear wheel independently, which optimizes braking ability during hard cornering to help reduce understeer.
The Ultimate Performance Subaru
The 2011 WRX STI continues as the ultimate-performance Subaru with its high-boost 305-hp turbocharged/intercooled 4-cyl. Boxer engine and 6-speed manual transmission. The STI also features Multi-Mode Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) version of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with three “Auto” modes, as well as a manual mode with six driver-selectable differential locking settings.
The WRX STI is equipped with advanced dynamic control systems, as well: the Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction control system is standard and features a track performance-optimized mode; Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) technology allows the driver to tailor the car’s driving characteristics by choosing from among three selectable modes - “Intelligent,” “Sport” and “Sport Sharp” - using a rotary dial on the center console.
The 2011 Impreza WRX STI models arrive in Subaru dealerships late this summer.
Sporty, Spacious and Versatile Interior
New for 2011, the WRX STI interior is finished in black and silver to highlight its sporty design. Trim panels, the steering wheel air bag cover and steering wheel switches are now dark cast metallic.
The standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel is a three-spoke, leather-wrapped design embossed with the STI logo and features control switches for Bluetooth® hands-free phone function. A new AM/FM stereo with single-disc CD player features Bluetooth audio streaming and hands-free calling, iPod control capability, a USB port, 3.5mm aux. input jack and XM/SIRIUS satellite radio (subscription is extra). An available navigation system integrates a vehicle information center and Bluetooth hands-free calling.
Got another late night New York Auto Show preview for you guys. Subaru released an early picture of the 2011 Impreza WRX. It looks like Subaru decided to give the new models a widebody design in order to increase the track of the tires for better handling. Both the sedan and 5 door hatch models will feature the widebody design although there have been no pictures of the hatchback released as of yet. I reckon we won’t see any leaks of that until right before the show. This new design is definitely a step in the right direction. I predict many suby owners looking for a quick sale or trade in so they can get into a 2011 model.
Press Release:
Subaru Introduces 2011 Impreza® WRX® Models With New Wide-Body Designs and Enhanced Handling Performance
- New WRX 4-Door and 5-Door Models Adopt Wide-Body Design
- Wider Track and Tires Enhance Grip
NEW YORK, March 22 /PRNewswire/ — Subaru of America, Inc. today introduced the new 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX models, which now use a wide-body design like the brand’s iconic WRX STI® performance flagship model. The wider body designs give the 2011 WRX an aggressive road presence and also allow wider track dimensions.
An approximately 1.5-inch increase in front and rear track, firmer rear subframe bushings and wider 17-inch wheels and tires deliver improved grip in the 2011 WRX. The standard wheels are now 17 x 8-in. vs. 17 x 7-in. in the 2010 model, and tire size is now 235/45R17 vs. 225/45R17.
“The new wide-body designs mark another major step on the continuous evolution of the WRX to give driving enthusiasts an even more compelling all-wheel drive performance package,” said Tom Doll, executive vice president and COO of Subaru of America, Inc.
The 2011 Impreza WRX 4- and 5-door models arrive in Subaru dealerships this summer. Both are powered by a 265-hp turbocharged/intercooled 2.5-liter 4-cyl. SUBARU-BOXER® engine teamed with a 5-speed manual transmission. This highly responsive engine produces 244 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,000 rpm.
The WRX has been the focus of continuous improvement since its introduction. Most recently, the 2009 model received the 265-hp engine and a significant chassis tuning upgrade. For 2010, the new Limited trim lines expanded the WRX model’s appeal to a broader range of driving enthusiasts.
The 2011 Impreza WRX uses the Continuous AWD version of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. A viscous coupling locking center differential nominally distributes torque 50:50. Should slippage occur, this system transfers more power to the wheels with the best traction.
The Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction control system is standard. Incline Start Assist, featured on all Impreza models equipped with a manual transmission, can momentarily prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when being driven away from a stop on an incline.
New Designs for 2011
Both the WRX 5-door model and 4-door model will now feature a wide-body design for 2011 similar to that of the WRX STI, underscoring the high-performance character of both models . The new design is based on a “wide and low” concept and gives both cars an aggressive street presence. The design also maintains a consistent flow from front to rear bumper, creating a distinctive identity and a sense of stability in the vehicles.
Significantly, curb weight for the 2011 WRX models increases by just 33 pounds over the “original body” 2010 models, preserving their powerful acceleration performance.
In front, the 2011 WRX models feature sharpened bumper corners and wider, blacked-out fog lamp nacelles to accentuate the “wide and low” profile. A jutting lip spoiler with three-dimensional detailing emphasizes the cars’ sporty intent. The newly designed front grille with black base and blacked-out Subaru wing highlights the headlights’ shape to give the entire front end a more powerful appearance, accentuated by larger grille and bumper intake openings.
For the 2011 WRX 4-door model, the wider fenders are stretched out on the side more than the tail lamps, accentuating a look of stability. The new design details contribute to an improved drag coefficient.
Sporty, Spacious and Versatile Interior
In the WRX models, exclusive carbon black checkered upholstery accented by red stitching sets the tone for the sporty interior. The compact layout of the double-wishbone rear suspension helps to minimize intrusion into the cargo area, providing a wide and deep luggage compartment. In the 5-door, the wide and flat load floor can accommodate two Tour-size golf bags with the rear seat backs in the upright position. In the 4-door, which is 6.5-inches longer than the 5-door, the trunk can accommodate three Tour-size golf bags. A 60/40-split folding rear seat further boosts cargo capacity and convenience in both models and the 4-door also features a rear seat fold-down center armrest.
All WRX models are equipped with standard aluminum-alloy pedal covers and driver’s footrest. Performance-design front seats integrate the backrest and head restraint into a single structure. As a sporty accent, the instrument panel electroluminescent gauges use indicator needles that sweep the gauge faces upon engine startup.
The standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel is a three-spoke, leather-wrapped design and features control switches for Bluetooth® hands-free phone function. A new AM/FM stereo with single-disc CD player features Bluetooth audio streaming and hands-free calling, iPod control capability, a USB port, 3.5mm aux. input jack and has XM/SIRIUS satellite radio capability (subscription is extra). An available navigation system integrates a vehicle information center and Bluetooth hands-free calling.
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