How SRT USA reduced weight on the 2015 Subaru WRX STI rally car

The SRT USA team of David Higgins and Craig drew will try out some new equipment on the 2015 Subaru WRX STI at Rally America Championship round, the Oregon Trail Rally this weekend. Every extra pound that can be reduced on a rally car can be the difference between winning and losing. Vermont SportsCar has improved performance of the 2015 WRX STI rally car and they reduced weight at the same time. How did they do it?

Vermont SportsCar is introducing a new Alcon brake package on the 2015 STI rally car that will enhance the stopping power. The new brake system is a symmetrical setup that uses four piston calipers, and 300mm diameter/32mm wide floating rotors.

The new Alcon brakes are lighter

Along with the improved performance, the new Alcon brakes are lighter. SRT USA says each new brake is 2.2 lb. lighter per corner than the old brakes they are replacing. 8.8 lb. is a significant performance factor on a rally car. This is “un-sprung weight” and not supported by the car’s suspension. Reducing un-spring weight does two important things; it improves handling and allows for better suspension control.

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Better stopping power is always a good thing on a rally course where there are plenty of sharp turns to navigate. Heat is a big problem for brakes on the rally course and SRT USA says the new brakes will improve performance and provide better driver feel through improved temperature control. This is accomplished by better ventilation of the disc and caliper.

The SRT USA team of David Higgins and Craig Drew will try out the new brakes on the 2015 Subaru WRX STI this weekend at Rally America Championship round, the Oregon Trail Rally, April 24-26. Stay tuned.