Subaru BRZ STI Sport Type RA: A Limited-Edition Sports Coupe
Subaru has given its BRZ sports coupe a special edition treatment, introducing the STI Sport Type RA (Record Attempt) in Japan. Although it’s not a full-fledged STI model, the BRZ STI Sport Type RA boasts various mechanical upgrades over the standard car.
A Race-Derived Engine
The BRZ STI Sport Type RA is powered by a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine, adapted from the BRZ CNF (carbon neutral fuel) race car used in the Super Taikyu Series. According to Subaru, the engine has been modified to achieve a “race car-like engine feel with low vibration and smooth acceleration” by minimizing weight and rotational balance tolerances for the pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, flywheel, and clutch cover.
Enhanced Performance and Style
The BRZ STI Sport Type RA’s appeal extends beyond its engine. The car features 18-inch BBS wheels in matte bronze or gray, ZF dampers at both axles, and Brembo brakes with gold calipers. The rear differential case also gains cooling fins, borrowed from the race car.
STI Components and Special Touches
A range of Subaru Tecnica International (STI) components further sharpens the coupe’s dynamics, including front and rear under spoilers, an upgraded muffler, a sway bar, and a draw stiffener to reduce chassis flex. The car also features a massive carbon rear wing, a special engine plaque, black door handles, and red stitching on the fabric seats.
Transmission and Pricing
The BRZ STI Sport Type RA comes exclusively with a six-speed manual gearbox featuring a shift assist function, which combines rev-matching downshifts and upshifting without releasing the accelerator pedal. Pricing starts at 4,972,000 yen (about $32,100) for the version without the rear wing, while adding the rear wing bumps the price to 5,478,000 yen ($35,400).
Limited Production and Sales
Production is capped at 300 units, and customers must win a lottery to purchase one. Dealers are already accepting applications, with entries open until November 30. Subaru will showcase the BRZ STI Sport Type RA at Fuji Speedway during the final round of the Super Taikyu Series.
