Yokohama instrumental in lap record

Yokohama, has been instrumental in a new lap record at the world-famous Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit. A modified yet road legal Subaru Impreza, built by Revolution Motorstore in the UK, lapped the circuit in 7m53.08s, setting a new record.

The concept behind the car was to set the fastest lap for a road-legal Subaru Impreza. While the car was highly modified, it was driven directly to the circuit, completed its record lap and was then driven back to the UK, all on the same tyres, fuel and brake pads. A handful of tools and spares travelled in the car but it was a genuine road-going car.

Yokohama, which has a development centre located at the Nordschleife, has a long-standing relationship with Revolution Motorstore, spanning 16 years. When the company built the Impreza, to celebrate its 15th anniversary, Yokohama tyres were the natural choice for the project, according to MD Glenn Campbell. Revolution chose the legendary Yokohama ADVAN A048R road-legal track day tyre for the attempt, sized 255/40×17 all round.

The ADVAN A048Rs were essential to ensure that the Impreza’s enhanced performance could be used to the full. The turbocharged engine was built with stronger Cosworth internal components and using a Turbo Technics modified turbocharger and fuel additives, produced a conservative 420bhp for the lap, despite the capacity to produce in excess of 500bhp if required.

The car is also fitted with uprated suspension and brakes, as well as a wide-arch bodykit to house the larger wheels and tyres.

The driver for the day was Fredy Lienhard, proprietor of Nordschleife specialists Rent4Ring, the company which Revolution sends its customers to for advice and guidance when tackling the fearsome ‘Green Hell’. With an estimated 20,000Km of experience under his belt, Lienhard was able to set the record on his first attempt in the car.