We’ve been waiting for a long time for a truly high-performance variant of the Subaru BRZ. The second generation of this sports coupe puts us closer, but it’s still not quite hair-on-fire performance. Well, it looks like we’re waiting longer. Japan’s new Subaru BRZ Type RA looks racy, but it’s far from it. Under the hood, it uses the same high-revving 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder engine rated for 228 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. Like the BRZ tS, the Type RA only comes with a six-speed manual transmission.
So what’s changed on the Subaru BRZ type RA? A lot. However, it’s mostly cosmetic, and a lot comes from Subaru Technica International (STI). The most substantial upgrades include a rear differential case with cooling fits, Brembo brakes all around, ZF dampers, an STI flexbile V-bar and rear draw stiffener, and a balanced clutch cover and flywheel. The powertrain also sees improvements with a unique engine control unit, rev sync, and flat shift functions. Meanwhile, the “balanced” engine includes an updated crankshaft, pistons, and connecting rods. It also features a special STI plate with a Type RA logo. To round things out, the Type RA includes an STI performance muffler.
Outside, the Type RA includes STI front and rear under spoilers, black badges, bronze 18-inch BBS alloy wheels, and an optional STI dry carbon rear spoiler. Inside, it includes black inner door handles and fabric seats with red stitching. In total, Subaru is building 300 examples of the BRZ Type RA. Only 100 of those are equipped with the massive rear spoiler. Should you want one and you live in Japan, you’ll need to enter a lottery for the privilege to buy it. But you’ll need to act fast because the entry period for the lottery ends on November 30.
Source: Subaru
