Subaru is known for its many special-edition enthusiast models, with Japan often getting the best of them. The latest of such is the Subaru BRZ STI Sport Type RA, “RA” meaning Record Attempt, and true to its STI Sport badge, it’s loaded with STII-flavoured upgrades.
Limited to just 300 units in Japan, the Subaru BRZ STI Sport Type RA was developed using “the technology and knowledge that Subaru and STI have cultivated through motorsports such as the Super Taikyu Series, to pursue the joy of driving,” according to the company.
The special-edition BRZ stands out with STI BBS 18-inch aluminium wheels in matte grey or matte bronze, an STI front under spoiler, STI rear side under spoiler, an optional STI dry-carbon swan-neck rear spoiler, STI and Type RA badging on the engine bay, and an STI performance muffler. It also gets a “Lustre Black” rear ornament, while the cabin features black fabric seats with red contrast stitching.
Of course, this special edition isn’t just about cosmetic upgrades. It gets new ZF front and rear dampers, Brembo four-piston front brake callipers and two-piston rear callipers finished in gold, a rear differential case with cooling fins, an STI flexible V-bar, and an STI flexible draw stiffener at the rear — all engineered to make the BRZ an even sharper weapon on track and on touge roads.
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The ECU has also been tuned with rev sync and flat shift. According to Subaru, this function was developed from the challenge of “reducing the burden on the car and driver” in the Super Taikyu Series. Rev Sync smooths downshifts by controlling engine speed, while Flat Shift lets you upshift without lifting off the accelerator, improving transmission response and acceleration.
While the BRZ receives numerous chassis upgrades for improved handling, it retains its famed 2.4-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder boxer engine, producing 228 hp and 249 Nm. Power is sent solely to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual — no automatic for this special edition!
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In Japan, the Subaru BRZ STI Sport Type RA is priced from JPY4,972,000 (about RM133k), or JPY5,478,000 (about RM147k) with the carbon-fibre swan-neck spoiler. Adding to its exclusivity, Subaru is only offering it through a lottery system, with just 200 units of the standard Type RA and 100 units of the spoiler-equipped version available.
If this special edition has you tempted, the standard Subaru BRZ remains available in Malaysia from RM268,500 on-the-road without insurance. Otherwise, you’ll probably have to wait for someone to import an example down the line – and probably at significantly marked-up prices.
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