Subaru has introduced the new limited production BRZ STI Sport Type RAIt brings with it an upgraded chassis, boxer engine and gearbox, as well as plenty of STI accessories – but you probably won’t be able to buy one.
Limited to just 300 examples and only available in Japan, the model is derived from a Subaru BRZ that competes in the Japanese Super Taikyu racing series, which typically uses slightly modified production models. The STI Sport Type RA therefore only has minor mechanical improvements, but all are said to have improved the BRZ’s performance.
At its heart is still a naturally aspirated 2.4-litre boxer engine that delivers the same 174kW of power and 250Nm of torque. Subaru modified it and called it a “balanced boxer”. This principle was introduced with Subaru’s long-standing EJ20 racing engine, but has now been carried over to the BRZ’s FA24 production engine.
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According to the Japanese brand, this was achieved by introducing stricter tolerances in the manufacture of the engine’s flywheel, crankshaft, connecting rods and pistons, resulting in more balanced internal rotation and smoother performance, although without any additional power or torque.
Compared to the standard BRZ, Subaru says the flywheel is 67 percent lighter and the clutch cover is 50 percent lighter, while the weight tolerance of the connecting rods is reduced by 50 percent and the rotation tolerance of the crankshaft is reduced by 80 percent.
The brand claims that this makes the engine much smoother than the FA24 fitted to mass-produced BRZs.
Additionally, the car is equipped with a modified six-speed manual transmission that now includes automatic rev-matched downshifts and flat-foot upshifts.
The BRZ’s handling is improved by new suspension dampers, which come from the European automobile group ZF. The rigidity of the chassis is enhanced by flexible struts, while 18-inch forged alloy wheels are available as standard in matt gray or bronze depending on the model.
Other unique components include an STI performance muffler, STI front spoiler and STI rear spoiler, while the vehicle’s main eye-catcher is a large carbon fiber rear wing. This wing was fitted to Subaru’s Super Taikyu BRZ and was also used on the limited edition WRX S210.
All cars get large Brembo brakes with gold-painted calipers and a Torsen limited-slip differential.
Of the 300 units, 100 will be equipped with the carbon fiber wing and 200 will be “wingless”. The winged models will come with bronze-colored alloy wheels, while the rest will get the matte gray alternative.
Subaru’s legendary WR Blue Pearl is standard, but Crystal White Pearl is also available for an additional charge. The interior still features black sports seats with red stitching, while areas such as the doors feature faux leather upholstery.
As is typical for limited edition performance cars in Japan, the BRZ STI Sport Type RA will only be available through a lottery. The wingless model costs ¥4,972,000 (~A$49,230), while the more exclusive winged alternative costs ¥5,478,000 (~A$54,250).
For comparison, the top-spec manual Subaru BRZ tS costs $49,190 before it hits the road in Australia.
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