SEMA 2009: The WRX STI TRAX Concept
By Vincent Aubé, MSN Autos
The WRX STI TRAX concept, above, unveiled this week at the 2009 SEMA show in Las Vegas, could well be the best means of mountain-side transportation for snowboarders. Even if the compact Subaru WRX STI can tackle the worst winter driving conditions, this concept takes the oft-slippery task to another level.
The wild snow car is the vision-turned-to-reality of Ken Block, a Subaru Rally Team USA driver and co-founder of DC Shoes. Vermont SportsCar, who builds the SRT team cars, built this WRX from a 2009 Subaru WRX STI. A Mattracks rubber track system was added for driving on snowy mountain terrain and the powertrain was lowered three inches to fit the system.
The TRAX Concept gets a 2.5L boxer engine that puts out 400 horses and 400 lb.-ft. of torque, and the six-speed transmission was tossed in favour of a five-speed close-ratio integral transmission. The suspension was also modified and made into a more robust system designed for Group N rallying.
More than a basic WRX STI
The interior was completely removed to reduce weight and to solidify the chassis using additional welding and a safety cage. The STI’s sport seats were replaced by Kevlar/carbon Recaro SPS ProRacer seats.
What the photo doesn’t show is that the vehicle can tow a customized sleigh carrying four boarders while comfortably seated on Recaro heated seats. And because a SEMA concept wouldn’t be complete without some techno gadget, the sleigh is equipped with an Alpine marine sound system. Who said ski lifts couldn’t be stylish and cozy?
Posted by: Rusty | 2009-11-09 2:42:40 AM
Haaahaaa figgured it would only be a matter of time before somebody would put Traxx on a rally car.
I personaly have had a set of an equivilent of Traxx on my truck for over two years, However I have opted to make use of snow cat grouzers. Just a lil more mean and manly for my neck of the rocky mountains.
Deffinately a sweet rig you got there!
Posted by: Nigel | 2009-11-09 12:40:08 PM
This is hardly a new concept - there was one available for Land Rovers years ago for their early Series modles.
Posted by: Frederick | 2009-11-09 2:44:59 PM
How much would those concept cars cost?
Posted by: Peter B. | 2009-11-11 9:26:34 AM
Very intresting but can it do 120 km on the highway? My friends ATV has the same setup and it is great for the back country when we go hunting. Only one problem vettically challenged people need a step ladder to get on. :-)
Posted by: Marilyn Hill | 2009-11-11 5:29:25 PM
Does anyone know if GMC still make SUV's. We have a Tahoe 1999 and have very little trouble from it so are thinking of get a new one but have yet to see any when the ads show GM on TV
Posted by: Jay K | 2009-11-16 9:10:28 AM
that's Ken Blocks car. He does drifting and is owner of DC shoes