Subaru Reveals The WRX STi Type RA And BRZ tS

The Subaru WRX STi Type RA and BRZ tS were revealed as performance variants of the Subaru WRX STi and Subaru BRZ

By Stephen

Published: Friday, June 9, 2017, 15:41 [IST]

Japanese car manufacturer Subaru has revealed performance oriented versions of two of its cars - The BRZ and the WRX STi. The BRZ and WRX STi in stock form were already performance cars, and have been winning hearts of petrolheads around the world.

So, performance versions of performance cars. One would be expecting a huge bump up in power and probably turbocharging on the naturally aspirated BRZ right? Wrong.

Subaru Revealed The BRZ tS And WRX STi Type RA

Named the BRZ tS and WRX STi Type RA, they are lightened versions of the standard models. The WRX STi Type RA sees an increase of five horsepower, taking the maximum power output to 310bhp, but the power figure on the BRZ tS remains the same.

The ‘tS' in the BRZ stands for ‘tuned by STi', so it not the full STi package, but is just fettled by them. For the uninitiated, STi (Subaru Tecnica International) is the performance and motorsports division of Subaru, and is well-known for their prowess in tuning Subaru's WRC cars, as well as making the WRX STi the legend it is today.

If it isn't the full STi package, what is it then? It gets SACHS dampers and coil springs as front and rear suspension, and flexible V-braces in the engine compartment. The BRZ tS comes with 18-inch wheels shod with 215/40 R 18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires instead of the low-rolling resistance tires on the standard car.

The BRZ tS features a large carbon fiber wing with manual adjustment, new front and rear diffusers, and brakes from Brembo at all four corners. The fog lamps have been replaced with signature STI covers.

Updates to the interior include new Recaro seats and red contrasting stitching throughout the cabin and several STI logos inside and out. It is a similar story with the WRX STi Type RA.

The ‘RA' stands for ‘Record Attempt', a name which Subaru gives to special edition cars named after Subaru cars which have attempted to or have broken a world record. The first time Subaru used ‘RA' badging was on the Subaru Legacy.

It was named after a Subaru Legacy that broke the FIA World Speed Endurance Record by travelling one lakh kilometres in 18 days. The WRX STi Type RA revealed now though is named for the upcoming WRX STi Type RA NBR Special race car which would soon be attempting to break a record at the Nürburgring.

The Type RA receives several upgrades and new features. A carbon fibre roof, a carbon fibre rear spoiler, and lightweight, 19-inch forged alloy wheels from BBS shod with 245/35R19 Yokohama Advan Sports tires makes the WRX STi Type RA lighter and grippier.

The engine, as mentioned before gets a mild increase in power courtesy, a new cold air intake system and a new exhaust system as well. A retuned ECU, forged pistons, a short shifter and a revised third gear ratio complete the changes to the powertrain.

Just like the BRZ tS, several STI badges are found on the wing, mirrors, bumpers and on the new Recaro seats as well. Badging inside the car shows only 500 units of the Type RA will be produced.

Even though there might not be a great increase in power in the WRX STi Type RA and no increase at all on the BRZ tS, the cars will definitely be a lot quicker than before because of the upgraded brakes, suspension and lower weight. Prices and performance figures for the cars will be announced later this year and sales would start early in 2018.