Subaru will be pressing its performance envelope even further in 2018 due to special edition variants of the WRX STI sedan and BRZ coupe. Called the Subaru WRX STI Type RA and BRZ tS, they will be provided in WR Blue Pearl, Crystal Black Silica and Crystal White Pearl. Production runs will be no more than just 500 units and the first automobiles will show up in dealers early next year.
Potential BRZ fans longing for more power shouldn’t get too thrilled as the tS’ 2.0-liter flat-four puts out the very same 205 hp and 156 lb-ft of torque. Subaru states this variant of its sports coupe provides “the highest level of “fun to drive” and “pure handling delight” through higher flexibility, much better control and stability.”
Those claims are supported by the usage of STI-tuned Sachs dampers and coil springs front and rear, the addition of flexible V-braces to the engine compartment, brand-new draw supports in the chassis and subframe that enhance steering response, light-weight 18-inch wheels (a BRZ first), Brembo brakes at all four corners, and, perhaps most significantly, Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires sized 215/40R18– a significant upgrade from the routine Michelin Primacy HPs and the extremely summertime tires that somebody hoped for their first drive of the 2017 BRZ Limited Performance Pack.
The 2018 BRZ tS (short for ‘tuned by STI’) is independent from the rest of the lineup by its manually-adjusted carbon-fiber rear spoiler, black body package, Cherry Blossom Red accents on the grille and bumper, a tS badge on the rear hatch, STI covers in place of the fog lights, and a black finish for the exterior collapsible mirrors, roof-mounted shark fin antenna, and rear BRZ and SUBARU badging. Modifications to the leather-and-Alcantara-trimmed cabin are small and primarily include the addition of red accents and stitching in tactical places, though the tS also gets a special gauge cluster visor and door trim in addition to a cast black center console, red seatbelts, and a frameless rear-view mirror.
Outside Cosmetic modifications are like the BRZ tS’. Outside, these consist of a comparable Cherry Blossom Red accent for the grille and rear bumper and black-finished antenna mirrors, badges, an STI lower front spoiler, as well as a Type RA badge on the trunk.
Interior modifications are like the limited edition BRZ too, including red stitching and accents, an Ultrasuede-wrapped steering wheel with a black center spoke insert, and a separately numbered plaque on the center console.
When it comes to the name, the RA stands for “Record Attempt,” a moniker Subaru has used a number of times for cars that, make a record effort, beginning with a competition-spec Subaru Legacy that broke the FIA World Speed Endurance Record by clocking more than 62,000 miles in 18 days and set a top speed record of 138 miles per hour in 1989.
Cost and final specifications will be provided closer to the cars’ arrival in showrooms.
It would be surprising to know that the record this Subaru will be opting for is a Nurburging speed one, which will be tried by a race-prepped NBR Unique variation in near future.
