Subaru Motorsports USA is set to debut the all-new WRX ARA25L at this weekend’s Olympus Rally in Washington State, with none other than Travis Pastrana behind the wheel.
Competing in the American Rally Association’s (ARA) Limited 4-Wheel-Drive (L4WD) class, the ARA25L bridges the gap between showroom performance and competitive rally racing, delivering a more accessible entry point for privateers and fans alike.
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Unlike the high-budget builds in the Open 4WD class—where Brandon Semenuk and Keaton Williams are gunning for a fourth straight ARA title—the L4WD cars retain closer ties to their production siblings. Built by Vermont SportsCar, the WRX ARA25L is a fine example of how far a near-stock WRX can go with smart upgrades and rally-focused tuning.
Under the hood, the ARA25L features a 2.4-liter FA24 BOXER engine, turbocharged and intercooled, capped by a 33mm restrictor and 2.5-bar absolute boost limit per ARA class rules.
The result is an estimated 315 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, all delivered through a 6-speed sequential gearbox from X Shift and a triple-plate carbon race clutch.
Suspension is handled by R53 motorsport dampers and springs, paired with both OEM and Vermont SportsCar components, while braking is managed by Brembo 4-piston calipers and 300mm rotors at each corner. It rides on 15-inch O.Z. Competition wheels wrapped in Yokohama ADVAN A053 rally tires.
According to Pastrana, fresh from early testing, the car is “a really fun car to drive,” noting it has less downforce than the O4WD version, which makes for a more dynamic and engaging experience. “It drives like a 125cc 2-stroke – you’re always shiftin’ and movin’!” he added, summing up the car’s nimble, fast-paced character.
This marks a major moment for fans and grassroots drivers alike, as the WRX ARA25L offers a cost-effective, highly capable rally car with the star power of Pastrana behind the program. Spectators can look forward to seeing this car in action throughout the 2025 ARA season, including marquee events like Rally Colorado in July.
Subaru Motorsports USA, managed by Vermont SportsCar, continues to champion performance, accessibility, and community in the rally world, backed by sponsors like MOTUL, Yokohama Tires, R53 Suspension, DirtFish, and Sparco. For updates and behind-the-scenes content, follow @subarumotorsportsusa on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
For more on Subaru Motorsports USA and their rally efforts, visit www.subaru.com/motorsports.
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