What's all this about?

Subaru is competing in motorsport in 2015 but there's not a muddy rally car in sight - even though one of the machines is based on an Impreza. Sorry, WRX STI.

Can you clarify what you mean?

First up, a heavily modified racing version of the WRX STI will take part in the Nürburgring 24-Hour Race, running from May 14-17 this year. This mean-looking creation is said to be significantly upgraded from previous Subaru entries, in terms of aerodynamics, performance and body stiffness and it's also left-hand drive for the first time, to allow its four-man driving team better visibility for marshals' flags.

And what's the other race car for?

The BRZ GT300 will compete in its homeland of Japan in the Super GT series, where cars are built to international GT3 specification. The BRZ GT300 is front-engined and rear-wheel drive, but that's where the similarities with the road-going BRZ end, as this is a bespoke creation. This GT300 monster will be run by R&D Sport and both it and the STI NBR will compete on Dunlop tyres.

Matt Robinson - 10 Jan 2015