Voltex was the perfect company to join Tomei and Cusco because their attention to detail is mind-blowing. Having run Voltex parts on his Cyber Evo time attack machine, Tarzan knew that Voltex would do a great job with the Impreza. They began in the Voltex workshop, shaping the molds for the body panels according to the agreed-on designs. The requisites were simple: To create an aerodynamic and aggressive design that would generate the high levels of downforce needed in a car of this nature. Once the primary body shape was completed, the car was put in a wind tunnel and meticulously checked for overall flow and of course measured for downforce. With this done the body panels were created, giving the Impreza an extremely purposeful silhouette. It all begins with the front bumper, which utilizes the factory Subaru grille but combines it to a wider, more aggressive stance, as well as a massive integrated front spoiler. The whole piece is made in dry carbon, as is the spoiler slash diffuser. This stretches all the way under the engine to smooth airflow, and protrudes well over the dimensions of the car both in the front and at its sides. Voltex had to create a small aluminum subframe to hold the diffuser in place, which is where all of the front downforce pushes. At 100 km/h, the massive front scoop already generates around 40 kg of pressure, which is just what you need to corner on rails. The front fenders, again made in dry carbon, push the dimensions of the car out by 50mm on each side, allowing for the same increase in front track. The carbon aero hood does a great job of expelling heat from the engine bay, without disrupting the car’s airflow. Angular side skirts accentuate the profile of the Team Tarzan Impreza while the massive rear carbon overfenders complete the race car look. Just like at the front, a 50mm increase was achieved, helping push those 18-inch Volk Racing TE37 wheels out further for better handling. The factory rear bumper is joined by the lightweight carbon trunk lid, which is secured to the car through a series of racing catches. The hook-up point for the gas jack system is on the left side of the lid, and can literally lift the car in five to six seconds when plugged into a gas tank. Rear downforce is handled by the massive carbon spoiler, which at 100 km/h can generate 10 kg of force. Small carbon mirrors were made up to aid in additional weight saving, much like the acrylic windows. In fact, with all the exotic carbon bodywork and the work Cusco did on the chassis, the weight comes in at 1,060 kg, which is simply impressive. This is also achieved thanks to the spartan layout of the interior.
Open the driver side door and you are met with the twin crossbars of the rollcage. There isn’t much else to see except the mere essentials, like the lightweight carbon-Kevlar Bride bucket seat and the Sparco steering wheel. To move the driving position as far back as possible, the steering column was extended and a custom console made up where the MoTeC data logger LCD screen is fitted. Since being in this extended position would never allow Yamada-san to be able to reach the stock pedals, a Tilton adjustable pedal box was thrown in, which helps in giving the driver the perfect driving position. Only an HKS Knock Amp Meter has been fitted as additional instrumentation because all the parameters you need to care about are visualized via the MoTeC display. The controls for the center differential have been positioned within easy reach along the transmission tunnel.
The Team Tarzan Impreza is now being shipped to the U.S., where it will arrive in time to enter the Super Lap Battle finals on Nov. 12 at Buttonwillow. The car will then remain in the U.S. and participate in both the Super Lap Battle and the Redline Time Attack in 2009. Tarzan is excited to take on the U.S. tuners and to see how the best from Japan will fear against the best from our neck of the woods.