Subaru WRX ARA25L Unleashed for ARA Competition at Olympus

04/12/2025 09:32 AM

The American Rally Association (ARA) scene is set for excitement as Subaru Motorsports USA introduces its brand-new contender, the WRX ARA25L, at the prestigious Olympus Rally in Washington State this weekend. Behind the wheel of this fresh machine will be none other than extreme sports icon and Subaru Motorsports USA stalwart, Travis Pastrana. The WRX ARA25L is specifically built to compete within the highly competitive and accessible Limited 4-Wheel-Drive (L4WD) class of the ARA championship.

The L4WD category in rally racing demands cars that, while significantly modified for the rigors of off-road competition, must still adhere to a strict set of parameters and restrictions. This crucial aspect ensures that these rally vehicles maintain a close connection to the production WRX models that enthusiasts can find on showroom floors. This proximity is particularly notable when comparing them to the fire-breathing machines that compete in the Open 4-Wheel-Drive (O4WD) class, where Subaru Motorsports USA’s star driver Brandon Semenuk, alongside co-driver Keaton Williams, is currently in pursuit of an impressive fourth consecutive ARA championship title.

The WRX ARA25L is the result of expert design and meticulous assembly by Vermont Sportscar, Subaru Motorsports USA's trusted performance partner. This new rally weapon serves as a powerful demonstration of the performance potential that can be unlocked from a Subaru WRX with modifications that remain much closer to stock specifications. Importantly, the ARA25L offers aspiring rally drivers the exciting opportunity to compete alongside a legend like Travis Pastrana at a considerably more accessible price point compared to the cost associated with campaigning a vehicle in the premier O4WD class.

Powertrain and Performance Details: The beating heart of the WRX ARA25L is its robust turbocharged and intercooled 2.4-liter Subaru FA24 BOXER engine. In compliance with the ARA L4WD class regulations, this engine is equipped with a mandated 33mm turbocharger restrictor and is subject to a 2.5-bar absolute boost limit. Despite these restrictions, the ARA25L's engine is engineered to produce an impressive output of approximately 315 horsepower and a substantial 460 lb-ft of torque. This power is then channeled to all four wheels through a high-performance X Shift 6-speed sequential gearbox, featuring a durable 3-plate carbon race clutch, ensuring rapid and precise gear changes essential for rally competition.

Chassis, Suspension, and Braking: The WRX ARA25L's suspension system is comprised of R53 motorsport springs and dampers, working in conjunction with a carefully selected combination of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and Vermont Sportscar (VSC) hardware. This setup is designed to provide the necessary compliance and control for tackling the diverse and challenging terrains encountered in rally events. The car rides on sturdy 15-inch O.Z. Competition wheels, renowned for their strength and lightweight design, which are fitted with high-performance Yokohama ADVAN A053 rally tires, providing optimal grip and traction on loose surfaces. Bringing this rally machine to a controlled stop are powerful Brembo 4-piston brake calipers paired with 300mm brake rotors at both the front and rear, ensuring reliable and consistent braking performance under demanding rally conditions.

According to Travis Pastrana, speaking immediately after a day of testing the new WRX ARA25L, the car is "a really fun car to drive" and noted that it has "less downforce than the open car, which adds even more to the fun factor. It drives like a 125cc 2-stroke – you're always shiftin' and movin'!" This enthusiastic feedback from a seasoned rally driver like Pastrana underscores the engaging and dynamic nature of the WRX ARA25L.

The anticipation surrounding Travis Pastrana's participation in the 2025 ARA season has been steadily growing. Now, with the official reveal of the new WRX ARA25L and Subaru Motorsports USA's commitment to the L4WD class, there are even more compelling reasons for rally enthusiasts to attend events as spectators – or even consider entering the sport themselves. Fans can look forward to seeing Pastrana and the WRX ARA25L competing at ARA events throughout the season, including some of the high-profile Super Regional rallies like July's Rally Colorado. For the latest news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content, rally fans are encouraged to follow Subaru Motorsports USA on their official social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram @subarumotorsportsusa, and TikTok @subarumotorsportsusa.

Summary:

• Subaru Motorsports USA debuts the all-new WRX ARA25L at the Olympus Rally.
• Travis Pastrana will pilot the WRX ARA25L in the ARA Limited 4WD (L4WD) class.
• The WRX ARA25L is designed and assembled by Vermont Sportscar.
• It features a turbocharged 2.4-liter Subaru FA24 BOXER engine producing roughly 315 HP and 460 lb-ft of torque.
• Power is delivered via an X Shift 6-speed sequential gearbox.
• Suspension utilizes R53 motorsport springs and dampers.
• The car rides on 15-inch O.Z. Competition wheels with Yokohama ADVAN A053 tires.
• Brembo 4-piston brakes with 300mm rotors provide stopping power.
• Pastrana describes the ARA25L as a "really fun car to drive."
• Subaru Motorsports USA's participation in L4WD aims to make rally more accessible.

Disclaimer: Performance figures are estimates based on class regulations and testing. Specific vehicle specifications and competition results may vary.

Source: Subaru
AI Assistance: Gemini

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