Subaru WRX STI Type RA unveiled, gets 310 hp, revised gearbox, short shifter



To celebrate Subaru America’s 50th-year anniversary is yet another special edition of the WRX STI sports sedan. Unlike the BRZ, the WRX STI Type RA receives a slight bump in performance.

RA stands for “record attempt“, indicating this model with race kit will attempt a lap record at the famous Isle of Man TT. In fact, those familiar with the brand will know that it’s not the first RA model to be produced. In 1989, the Legacy model was the first bearer of the RA moniker, breaking the FIA World Speed Endurance Record by clocking over 100,000km in 18 days and setting a record top speed of 222 km/h.

Being a record breaker, this WRX STI has a few tricks under its sleeve, with lightweight being one of them. It gets carbon fibre roof, a carbon fibre rear spoiler and lightweight BBS 19-inch forged alloy wheels wrapped with 245/35R19 Yokohama Advan Sports rubber. Extra weight such as the spare tyre is removed. 

The engine gets a slight power bump of 5 hp, thanks to upgrades such as cold air intake, retuned ECU, upgraded pistons and new performance exhaust. The final output from its 2.5-litre turbocharged flat-four engine is 310 hp.The revised third gear ratio and short shifter allows for quicker gearshifts.

Only 500 units of the Subaru WRX STI Type RA will be commissioned, with sales beginning in early 2018.