Four people were killed and at least seven others were injured after a rally car veered off the road and crashed into spectators during a race in Hungary. The accident occurred near the Danube River, with two people, including a child, sustaining serious injuries and six others, including a child, being transported to a hospital with lighter injuries. Videos on social media captured the car losing traction on a paved road before sliding into the spectators.
Nissan has unveiled the SEMA special Safari Rally Z Tribute, a rally car concept based on the Z sports car. Lifted two inches on KW suspension, the rally Z features NISMO Safari wheels, dirt-ready tires, front bumper protection, a skid plate, rally lights, a roll bar, and harness-capable Recaro seats. While the Z concept showcases the potential for a factory offroad package, Nissan's interest in producing safari wheels suggests the possibility of factory-stock safari Zs. The article urges Nissan to build these cars as stock, tapping into the market demand and offering the NISMO goodies and warranty backing that only Nissan can provide.
Chris Harris takes a spin in Travis Pastrana's Hoonigan Subaru Huckster, a rally car built with NASA-grade engineering capable of death-defying stunts. Despite its intimidating appearance and advanced technology, the Huckster's cabin maintains a retro '80s vibe with period-correct Subaru radio and digital gauges. Powered by a purpose-built 2.3-liter engine with one monster turbocharger, the car produces 862 horsepower and 680 lb-ft of torque. Even Harris, known for his driving skills, was hesitant to push the Huckster to its limits, making Pastrana's ability to control the powerful machine even more impressive.
Subaru has unveiled its latest WRX-based rally car, the Subaru Motorsports WRX Rally, which will debut at the Ojibwe Forests Rally in August. Powered by a custom-built 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, the car produces 320 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. Built by Subaru's technical partner Vermont SportsCar, it features a fully seam-welded body, custom suspension, FIA-spec roll cage, and a carbon fiber widebody with a rear wing for added downforce. While not available for purchase, the rally car offers a glimpse into what a hotter WRX could be, as Subaru has yet to reveal an STI version of the sedan.
Prodrive has created the P25, a $500,000+ restomod of the Subaru Impreza WRX, celebrating 25 years since Subaru's first manufacturer's championship. The P25 features a modern drivetrain, suspension, and electronics, with a U.S.-spec 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine producing around 440 hp. It has a pneumatically actuated six-speed sequential manual transmission, adjustable Bilstein suspension, unboosted brakes, and optional half roll-cage and hydraulic handbrake. With a weight of just 2,500 pounds, the P25 can reach 60 mph in 2.8 seconds. Prodrive is building only 25 examples of the P25 in 2023, all of which are already sold out.
Sam Albert of Dirtfish swapped a 4.5-liter Ferrari V8 engine from a California into a Subaru WRX STI, while retaining the all-wheel-drive system and gearbox. The engine had to poke out far beyond the front axle due to the Subaru method of driving the front wheels from the gearbox, but the weight distribution was maintained with a rear-mounted radiator. The car was entered in the Olympus Rally and although it broke, it will come back stronger and ready to compete in more rallies.
This 2008 Mitsubishi Evolution X GSR is a softer-edged version of its predecessors, but still packs a punch with its high-output turbo four, close-ratio gearbox, and all-wheel drive. The car has 160,000 miles and is equipped with an AEM cold air intake, aftermarket shift knob, and upgraded stereo. The bodywork and interior are in good condition, and the car has a clean title and current smog certificate. The asking price is $17,500, and buyers must decide if it's worth the cost for this rally-ready sports car with a manual transmission.
