Five years after the current-generation Subaru BRZ hit the roads, you'd think it might be showing its age. But Subaru just dropped a special edition that proves this sports coupe still has plenty of fight left. Meet the BRZ STI Sport Type RA, a Japan-exclusive model that's not quite a full-blown STI, but packs enough upgrades to make enthusiasts drool. And here's where it gets interesting: this isn't just a cosmetic makeover. Subaru has dug deep into its racing playbook, borrowing tech from the BRZ CNF race car that dominated the Super Taikyu Series in 2022 and 2023.
Under the hood, the familiar 2.4-liter naturally aspirated engine gets a race-inspired twist. Subaru’s engineers have fine-tuned the “FA24” powerplant, optimizing weight and rotational balance for the pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, flywheel, and clutch cover. The result? A smoother, more responsive engine with minimal vibration—a setup that feels like it’s straight off the track. But this isn’t just about raw power. Subaru claims it delivers a ‘race car-like engine feel’ with seamless acceleration, a bold statement that’s sure to spark debate among purists.
And this is the part most people miss: the BRZ STI Sport Type RA isn’t just about what’s under the hood. Subaru has thrown in a host of performance-focused upgrades, like 18-inch BBS wheels in matte bronze or gray, ZF dampers for improved handling, and Brembo brakes with eye-catching gold calipers. Even the rear differential case gets a nod to its racing heritage with cooling fins.
STI’s influence is everywhere, from the front and rear under spoilers to the upgraded muffler, sway bar, and draw stiffener that reduces chassis flex. But the real showstopper? That massive carbon rear wing, which isn’t just for looks—it’s a functional aerodynamic element that divides opinions. Love it or hate it, it’s hard to ignore. Inside, the car gets a special engine plaque, black door handles, and red stitching on the fabric seats, adding a touch of exclusivity.
Here’s the kicker: this special edition comes exclusively with a six-speed manual gearbox, complete with a shift assist function. It’s a feature that combines rev-matching downshifts and seamless upshifts without lifting off the accelerator—a nod to Subaru’s racing DNA. But here’s the controversial part: is this enough to justify the price tag? Starting at 4,972,000 yen (around $32,100) without the wing, and jumping to 5,478,000 yen ($35,400) with it, this isn’t exactly a budget-friendly upgrade.
And here’s where it gets even more exclusive: only 300 units will be produced, and you can’t just walk into a dealership and buy one. Subaru is running a lottery system, meaning you’ll need more than just cash—you’ll need luck. Applications are open until November 30, and the car will make its public debut this weekend at Fuji Speedway during the Super Taikyu Series finale.
So, here’s the question: Is the BRZ STI Sport Type RA a worthy addition to Subaru’s lineup, or is it a pricey gimmick for die-hard fans? Let us know in the comments—we want to hear your take!
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Source: Subaru
- The Motor1.com Team
