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Subaru to return to Isle of Man with 2015 WRX STI hoping to set new record [w/videos]

This is what it looked like when Mark Higgins set the lap record at the 37.75-mile TT Mountain Course on the Isle of Man in 2011 in a Subaru WRX STI. And it will probably look much the same when Higgins returns to the chunk of land in the Irish Sea to with the aim of breaking his record, set at an average speed of 115.36 miles per hour, but he'll do so in a 2015 WRX STI. As in 2011, he'll drive a mostly stock US sedan fitted with a roll cage, race harness, fire suppression system and upgraded springs and dampers. We're sure he'll be hoping to avoid a repeat of "The biggest moment of my life," though. There's a press release below with more information on the coming attempt, including dates, and we've included a video of that "moment" as well as one of the whole record run. Godspeed, Mr. Higgins. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. SUBARU TO DEBUT NEW 2015 WRX STI AT THE ISLE OF MAN TT COURSE AND ATTEMPT NEW FASTEST LAP Thursday 17th April 2014 -- Subaru of America, Inc. announced today that Subaru will return to the fabled Isle of Man TT Races and attempt to beat its own fastest car lap time. The current record of 115.36mph for the iconic 37 3/4 mile TT Mountain Course was set three years ago by Mark Higgins in a (2011) Subaru WRX STI. Higgins will return to drive the new 2015 Subaru WRX STI. The car Higgins will drive is a stock U.S.-spec 2015 WRX STI, with the exception of a roll-cage, race harness, fire suppression system and modified springs and dampers to handle the sustained high speeds of the course. Subaru will also return as a partner with the Isle of Man, renewing its sponsorship of the race. "We are very excited to return for another attempt of the TT course and to be the official car of the TT," said Dominick Infante, National Manager of Product Communications, Subaru of America, Inc. "The Isle of Man is paradise for anyone who appreciates motorsport and there is nothing like the TT road course anywhere else." In his previous attempt on the course, Higgins created one of the most memorable race videos when he had a self-described "moment" at the bottom of Bray Hill at 150 MPH. The video has received almost 10 million views via various media outlets.

Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #344 LIVE!

We're set to record Autoblog Podcast #344 tonight, joined by Doug DeMuro, author of Plays With Cars, formerly of Porsche Cars North America, and all-around swell guy. You can drop us your questions and comments via our Q&A module below, and we'll give them extra-diligent attention. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.
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WRX Concept styling may transfer to production Impreza, next WRX

Remember the original concept that previewed the latest generation Subaru WRX? If not, then just look above for a gallery of photos following its debut at the 2013 New York Auto Show. We loved it, and thus, were sort of disappointed when we first saw the less-aggressive production model.
It's not that the production 2015 WRX is ugly, per se. It just doesn't have the gaping grille, four-door coupe lines or squinting headlights that give the concept so much verve. But as it turns out, Subaru might have realized that it was on the right track with the more assertive styling. Rumors coming out of Australia suggest that the shape could form the basis for the next-generation Impreza, and next WRX, along with a major platform shift.
Subaru chief designer Mamoru Ishii tells Motoring that that the next-generation car will ditch the rather utilitarian current design in favor of something more exciting. Like the WRX concept, the design will start wide at the bottom for an aggressive stance and taper up to the roof. That styling would likely get even more aggressive for the next 'Rex.