2018 Subaru WRX STI Type RA revealed

A new ‘race model’ Subaru WRX is set to attempt a Nurburgring speed record this year.

Dubbed the WRX STI Type RA (RA for ‘record attempt’) Subaru’s new 231kW Rexy is going to be limited to 500 units. The RA badge comes from 1989, when a Legacy broke the FIA World Speed Endurance Record by clocking over 62,000 miles in 18 days and setting a top speed record of 138 mph.

Long term test: Subaru WRX STI

The extra power from the WRX’s 2.5-litre boxer comes thanks to an STI-specified new cold air intake and high flow performance exhaust.

To keep that power on the ground, suspension is upgraded with inverted front struts and rear double wishbone, and Bilsteins all-round. Subaru says it has also fiddled with the gearbox, as the “six-speed transmission features a revised 3rd gear ratio paired with a short throw shifter”.

Sweet Dream: Subaru WRX STi 23B

Lightweight 19-inch BBS alloys and Yokohama Advan Sports keep things rolling, while six-pot Brembos stop thing rolling from behind the front wheels. Dual-pistons feature at the rear.

A carbon fibre roof panel, the removal of the spare tire, a carbon fibre pedestal wing keep the weight down. Inside, Recaro seats with red bolsters and an Ultrasuede steering wheel help keep both the car and the driver where they need to be.

Additionalls, Subaru says each of the 500 Type RAs produced has been individually numbered with a plaque mounted on the centre console.

Subaru has also announced a new BRZ ‘tS’, which has been tuned by Subaru Technica International to be more stable and improve on handling, though specs have not yet been announced. The company says specifications and pricing will be announced later this year.