VIDEO: Ken Block's Subaru-based TRAX STI is an alpine badass

VIDEO: Ken Block’s Subaru-based TRAX STI is an alpine badass

November 3 2009 by in cars |No Comments

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Hatchback, Subaru, Specialty

Ken Block’s Subaru WRX STI-based snow tank – Click above watch the video

Yes, that’s probably the first ever Subaru tank. We can’t say for certain, but I think in this case we can go ahead and assume. Driven by none other then Ken “Gymkhana” Block. Why does it exist? To be the “ultimate backcountry shred car,” of course. We think what that actually means is that you’ll be able to not only access rather remote sections of your favorite mountain in the TRAX STI, but get there quickly and confidently, while performing any matter of black diamond stunts along the way.

Being skiers and not snowboarders (ahem), the part that really interests up is what lies beneath. And we’re happy to say in the case of the TRAX STI, quite a lot. The snow beast begins life as just another Ken Block-prepped open class WRX STI rally car. It’s then sent to Vermont SportsCar where the power is upped to 400 hp, EXE-TC Group N dampers are fitted to all four corners and (obviously, duh) the wheels are ripped off and replaced with cat tracks. There’s also a four person sleigh (not shown in the video) that can haul four boarders plus their gear up a mountain. Says Block:

It combines a two of my favorite things in life: driving a rally car in the snow and snowboarding in the powder in the backcountry. It’s incredibly fun having the ability to push the high-power Subaru on the slopes and to backcountry spots that normal cars could never go!

We’re just hoping that at some point old Kenny boy will give us a slushy hot lap or two. And be sure to check out 0-60’s interview with Ken where the famed rally driver delves into more of his snow mania. Full press release explaining the madness behind the TRAX STI after the jump.

Gallery: Ken Block Subaru TRAX STI