Subaru’s American division has revealed not one, but two souped up versions of their two performance vehicles. The new Subaru WRX gets an STI Type RA (Record Attempt) treatment while the BRZ gets the first ever STI tuning. Both performance vehicles are limited to just 500units and will go on sale only in 2018.
First, let’s talk about the WRX STI Type RA; the RA insignia takes its legacy from Subaru Legacy, which broke the FIA World Speed Endurance Record back in 1989. The special race-spec WRX STI Type RA NBR is slated to go for the Nurburgring lap record for a four-door car this summer, asserts Subaru. The RA treatment brings in weight reduction with the use of carbon fibre roof and rear wing. The 19-inch BBS forged wheels are wrapped in special 245/35section Yokohama tyres.
The same turbocharged 2.5-litre Boxer engine boosts the power output to 310hp owing to use of STI-specified new cold air intake and high flow performance exhaust. The ECU has been tuned for increased engine performance, while the gearbox has been tweaked for short throw shifter in the third gear. The suspension has been upgraded with Bilstein dampers with STI-tuned Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system. Braking responsibilities were improved with a six-piston front and dual-piston rear Brembo brakes with vented rotors.
There’s a Recaro sports seat on the inside with STI logo stitching. The steering wheel is wrapped in suede. There’s a plethora of STI badging all around the car. Each of the 500 units will have a plaque mounted on the centre console with an individual number on it.
The BRZ tS, on the other hand, was expected to get a turbocharged engine under the hood. Unfortunately, Subaru decided to ditch the turbocharger as the power figures from the 2.0-liter flat-four engine remained the same. The handling, which the BRZ is renowned for, is improved with SACHS dampers and springs. The chassis has been stiffened up a bit as well. The 18-inch lightweight wheels are wrapped in 215/40section Michelin Pilot Sport tyres with Brembo brakes on all four corners. The large carbon fibre rear wing is another addition to this sporty derivative. The interior gets Alcantara upholstery with contrast stitch. Similar to the WRX STI, the BRZ tS gets a host of tS badging all around the car. There is an abundance of black treatment as well.
Both the Subaru WRX STI Type RA and BRZ tS will be available in three exterior paint schemes – WR Blue Pearl, Crystal Black Silica and Crystal White Pearl. Pricing and other finer details will be divulged later this year, asserts the Japanese carmaker.
