- The Subaru WRX NBR Challenge 2026 has been unveiled.
- Engine gains more power and an electric turbo wastegate.
- Subaru targets a top overall finish at the Nurburgring 24h.
Subaru has revealed its latest weapon for the Green Hell. The WRX NBR Challenge 2026 is set to compete at the 24 hours of Nurburgring, representing the latest evolution of the FA24-powered platform.
Underneath, it starts life as a WRX S4, then gets the full race-car treatment. The headline change is a 6.5% bump in peak output over last year’s car. That takes the turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer up to 395 hp (295 kW / 400 PS) and 590 Nm (435 lb-ft) of torque.
More: Subaru Finally Builds A Turbocharged AWD BRZ, Then Keeps It Off The Road
While it can’t match the 670 hp (500 kW / 680 PS) of the unrestricted Project Midnight, Subaru’s latest racecar is the most powerful factory-backed WRX to ever tackle the Nurburgring endurance race. Power is transmitted to all four wheels via a six-speed sequential gearbox and the symmetrical AWD system.
According to Subaru, the focus has shifted toward improving controllability in extreme conditions. Alongside the power bump, the 2026 car adopts an electrified turbo wastegate aimed at sharpening transient response.
Stability has been addressed through a newly developed ABS unit, a revised rear suspension roll center, and more durable suspension ball joints. None of it reads flashy, all of it matters over 24 hours.
More: Japan Gets Its First Manual WRX STI This Generation, But Only 600 Will Drive One
The exterior looks similar to previous iterations with wide fenders, cannards, sharp bumper extensions, and a large rear wing stretching the vehicle’s length to 5,270 mm (207.5 inches). According to the company, aerodynamics have been slightly improved thanks to the redesigned mirrors.
Crucially, Subaru is not only aiming for the victory in the SP4T class of the WRX NBR Challenge, but also for the top overall finish, challenging rivals from the higher SP8T class.
What About Roadcars?
The reveal of the track-only beast is a sign of Subaru trying to keep the STI spirit alive through specialized road cars rather than a proper new version of the WRX STI.
More: Subaru’s WRX STI Hatch Is Back On Track, Just Not On The Street
A recent example is the limited-production WRX STI Sport# in Japan, which offers enthusiasts a sharper driving experience via an STI-tuned chassis, a manual transmission, and a blueprinted engine, albeit without a power bump.
Furthermore, there are a few rumors about a new STI hatchback, following the Performance-B STI Concept and a similar HiPerfX2 racecar for the Super Taikyu series.
