Wednesday 4th June 2014

Higgins breaks TT record

UPDATE: Official time and pics from Subaru on its new lap record

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There's no huge tank slapper video this time! You'll remember Mark Higgins' previous record on the Isle of Man was set in 2011 and featured 'a bit of a moment' caught on camera. At 150mph. Higgins has been been back since with PH and has now swallowed his brave pills for another record attempt.

Well done Mark and Subaru!

And he's been successful! An average speed of 116.40mph in the new WRX STI is another production car record for Subaru and the Manxman, 1.04mph faster than in 2011. The official time from Subaru is 19:26 with a maximum speed of over 160mph.

The car is ostensibly standard, albeit optimised for a run up the mountain. So the speed limiter has been removed and equipment for competition added (roll cage, extinguishers, bucket seats) added. Oh, and some Dunlop slicks. Plus new springs and dampers. So nearly standard.

Our colleagues at Autocar are out with Mark and Subaru now so expect a full update soon. For now, congratulations Mark and Subaru!

 

 

[Sources: Autocar, Subaru Twitter]

[epom]

Not a bad way to get some publicity for the new model. Well done.

[garypotter]

Standard car - the same as Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes F1 car - standard

still not as impressive as the new lap record set earlier this week on 2 wheels over 132mph average, go Bruce

[SevenR]

Oh no, not a car v bike thing. I'm out of here.

[tuffer]

Probably been discussed at length on here several times but what would be the ultimate standard car to do this in, and I mean bog standard straight off the showroom floor? I would imagine a 991 Turbo S would be a little bit quick.

[Dave Hedgehog]

Nicely done, balls of steel

[BoxsterEtype]

I'm sure it would go faster still if they got that bonnet to fit properley!!!

[Vee12V]

Imho, if the tires aren't road legal than it doesn't count.
Still impressive though.

[anonymous-user]

Some brave driving there!

tuffer said:

Probably been discussed at length on here several times but what would be the ultimate standard car to do this in, and I mean bog standard straight off the showroom floor? I would imagine a 991 Turbo S would be a little bit quick.

I can't imagine much would be able to beat the GTR.

[Monaro5.7]

Nissan GT-R V-Spec?

Edited by Monaro5.7 on Wednesday 4th June 13:51

[muckyman]

Congrats to both Mark & Suburu.
It would be interesting to see some other marques having a go (GTR as previously mentioned would be good to see.

Lastly, RIP to Karl Harris and Bob Price who sadly lost their lives at this years TT

[Debaser]

Good stuff! Would be nice to see a video.

[GravelBen]

Vee12V said:

Imho, if the tires aren't road legal than it doesn't count.
Still impressive though.

He was only 1mph slower average speed in the old model on road legal tyres last time.

Would be interesting to see how much more speed he could find if they let him have more than 2 practice laps.

[HereBeMonsters]

Maybe one of the mini-Le-Mans style Westfields, or the Atom V8?

[Debaser]

tuffer said:

Probably been discussed at length on here several times but what would be the ultimate standard car to do this in, and I mean bog standard straight off the showroom floor? I would imagine a 991 Turbo S would be a little bit quick.

I reckon this would be fast for a standard car.

[harryowl]

La Liga said:

can't imagine much would be able to beat the GTR.

P1

[tuffer]

Debaser said:

tuffer said:

Probably been discussed at length on here several times but what would be the ultimate standard car to do this in, and I mean bog standard straight off the showroom floor? I would imagine a 991 Turbo S would be a little bit quick.

I reckon this would be fast for a standard car.

Maybe but not sure some of the really exotic stuff could handle the bumpy roads and cambers if they enabled full race mode.

[Monaro5.7]

harryowl said:

P1

Well I raise you a Zonda R. Standard but not road legal

[Fire99]

Monaro5.7 said:

Nissan GT-R V-Spec?

Edited by Monaro5.7 on Wednesday 4th June 13:51

I think it might be bit 'big and heavy' around the tighter sections for the 'ultimate' lap..

[Dave Hedgehog]

tuffer said:

Debaser said:

tuffer said:

Probably been discussed at length on here several times but what would be the ultimate standard car to do this in, and I mean bog standard straight off the showroom floor? I would imagine a 991 Turbo S would be a little bit quick.

I reckon this would be fast for a standard car.

Maybe but not sure some of the really exotic stuff could handle the bumpy roads and cambers if they enabled full race mode.

Looked ok on the ring, would the battery last thou?

[harryowl]

Monaro5.7 said:

Well I raise you a Zonda R. Standard but not road legal

P1 was significantly quicker at the nurb if the unconfirmed time (6.30 odd) is to be believed.