Subaru is sending Canadians a pair of hot new special editions. The WRX STI will come as a higher horsepower and better handling Type RA, and the BRZ receives a quicker-cornering tS trim.
The WRX STI Type RA - which stands for record attempt - gets an STI air intake and high-flow exhaust. New pistons and a computer re-tuned for the modifications helps add power, although Subaru hasn't said by how much it'll climb over the stock car's 305 hp. The six-speed manual gets a new third gear ratio and a short-throw shifter for better acceleration and quicker shifting.
The Record Attempt in the name refers to a heavily modified race-only STI that Subaru is sending to the Nurburgring this summer to, appropriately, attempt to set a lap record.
To keep that power in check, the Type RA has optimised suspension with Bilstein dampers and revised spring rates. The vehicle dynamics control system has been modified for improved handling. Six-piston Brembo front calipers help bring the fun to a stop, and they are hiding underneath gold BBS 19-inch wheels. Subaru has also added chassis stiffening to the car to improve rigidity and handling.
The Type RA can be spotted by the carbon fibre roof and rear wing, and by the cherry blossom red accents. That massive rear wing is carbon and is adjustable for tuning the level of downforce. Inside are Recaro seats with red bolsters and more red stitching. The added carbon and revised parts mean that the RA is lighter than a stock STI as well.
The 2018 Subaru BRZ tS (tuned by STI) also gets red accents on the front grille and rear bumper cover. After years of wearing a tire more suited for a hybrid than a sports car, the tS gets 18-inch lightweight alloys and Michelin Pilot Sport 4 rubber. Brembo brakes at all four corners take care of the stopping, and Sachs dampers and STI-specified springs do their duty keeping those tires planted.
Both of these Subarus will go on sale later this year, with pricing and full specs to follow.
You may also like
