Subaru has unveiled a limited-production BRZ STI Sport Type RA, featuring chassis upgrades, a refined boxer engine, and aggressive styling. However, availability is restricted to Japan, making it unlikely for most international buyers to acquire.
The model, limited to 300 units, is derived from a Subaru BRZ used in the Japanese Super Taikyu racing series, focusing on incremental performance enhancements rather than radical overhauls. This approach leverages production-based modifications to elevate the BRZ’s capabilities.
Engine and Mechanical Refinements
At the heart of the STI Sport Type RA is the familiar 2.4-liter naturally aspirated flat-four boxer engine, producing 174kW of power and 250Nm of torque. Subaru has implemented stricter manufacturing tolerances for the flywheel, crankshaft, connecting rods, and pistons, resulting in a more balanced internal rotation. This “balanced boxer” principle, initially used in Subaru’s EJ20 race engine, is now applied to the FA24 production engine.
The engine benefits from a 67% lighter flywheel and a 50% lighter clutch cover. Connecting rods have a 50% reduction in weight tolerance, and the crankshaft has an 80% reduction in rotational balance tolerance. These refinements aim to deliver smoother engine operation without increasing power or torque output.
The car features a modified six-speed manual transmission with automatic rev-matched downshifting and flat-foot upshifting.
Chassis and Handling Upgrades
Subaru has equipped the STI Sport Type RA with new suspension dampers sourced from ZF, enhancing handling characteristics. Chassis rigidity is bolstered by flexible strut bars. The car rides on 18-inch forged alloy wheels in either matte grey or bronze finishes.
Additional components include an STI performance muffler, front and rear under spoilers, and a large carbon-fibre rear wing, previously featured on the limited-run WRX S210.
Brembo brakes with gold calipers and a Torsen limited-slip differential are standard.
Exterior and Interior Details
Of the 300 units, 100 will feature the carbon-fibre wing, while 200 will be wingless. Winged models get bronze wheels, while the wingless versions have matte grey wheels.
Available colors include Subaru’s iconic WR Blue Pearl and Crystal White Pearl (at an additional cost). The interior features black sports seats with red stitching and synthetic leather upholstery.
Availability and Pricing
The BRZ STI Sport Type RA will be available only via a lottery in Japan. The wingless model is priced at ¥4,972,000 (~A$49,230), while the winged version costs ¥5,478,000 (~A$54,250).
For comparison, the top-spec Subaru BRZ tS manual costs $49,190 before on-roads in Australia.
This limited-edition model represents a refined iteration of the BRZ, prioritizing incremental performance enhancements and exclusive styling. However, its restricted availability makes it unlikely for most international buyers to acquire
