Not to be outdone by the US-market WRX STI Type RA, Subaru is now releasing a limited edition WRX STI in the land of the rising sun dubbed the WRX STI Type RA-R. It’s a Japan-only model with just a 500 unit production run to commemorate STI’s 30th year anniversary.

Designed with “light-weight,” “speed”, and “enjoyment” in mind, the WRX STI Type RA-R sheds 10 kilograms of weight compared to the regular WRX STI. Together with the lightened body, the WRX STI Type RA-R also uses an EJ20. Not only is this Subaru’s go-to motorsports engine, but it’s been balanced and re-tuned to deliver 329 horsepower. Other upgrades include a new performance engine shroud that enables the intercooler to work more efficiently and a performance exhaust with a lowered back pressure.


The WRX STI Type RA-R also has enhanced handling courtesy of unique dampers and coil springs. A quicker ratio steering (11:1) provides sharper steering inputs while sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires (245/40 R 18) provide better grip. Stopping power is provided by unique Brembo brakes with 6-pot calipers upfront and 2-pot calipers at the back.

The WRX STI Type RA-R also receives a black roof antenna, carbon-fiber aero-shaped mirror covers, and bumpers featuring STI’s signature cherry-red stripe.



Price in Japan is 4,998,240 yen or about P 2,400,000 at today’s exchange rates. It goes on sale in December of this year.

2018 Subaru WRX STI Type RA-R Major Specifications:

• Overall Length: 4,595 mm
• Overall Width: 1,795 mm
• Overall Height: 1,465 mm
• Front / Rear Track: 1,535 mm / 1,550 mm
• Curb Weight: 1,480 kg
• Engine: 2.0-liter DOHC 16V with dual AVCS, twin-scroll turbo
• Maximum Output: 329 horsepower @ 7,200 rpm
• Maximum Torque: 432 Nm @ 3,200-4,800 rpm
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 60 liters

Main Features:

• Inverted struts and lowering coil springs
• Rear dampers and lowering coil springs
• STI-designed BBS 18-inch × 8 1/2JJ alloy wheels (Matte Black)
• 245/40ZR18 97Y tires (Michelin Pilot Sport 4S)
• Brembo 18-inch ventilated front disc brakes [drilled disc rotors & monobloc opposed 6-pot calipers (silver-painted with STI logo, STI Performance brake pads)]
• Brembo 18-inch ventilated rear disc brakes [drilled disc rotors & monobloc opposed 2-pot calipers (silver-painted with STI logo, STI Performance brake pads)]
• High-output balanced engine (with RA-R logoed STI Performance ornament)
• Exclusively tuned engine control unit (ECU)
• Balanced clutch cover and flywheel
• Twin scroll ball bearing turbocharger
• Performance exhaust system with lowered backpressure; Performance muffler with STI logo and tuned rear exhaust pipe
• STI-designed strengthened silicon intake duct
• Performance shroud
• Quick-ratio steering gearbox (11:1)
• Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system
• Active Torque Vectoring system (controls front and rear brakes in traction mode)
• STI-designed low-pressure-drop air cleaner element
• STI Performance engine oil (Motul 5W-40)

Controls:

• STI-designed push-type engine starter switch (red with STI logo)
• STI-designed DURACONR POM shift knob (black with STI logo)

Interior:

• Front sport seats (fabric and tricot, red stitching)
• Rear seats (fabric and tricot, red stitching)
• Instrument panel decoration (High gross black, with RA-R logo)
• Door trims/Door arm rests/Console lid (Simulated leather, red stitching)
• Sub trunk (with tire repair kit)

Exterior:

• Black roof antenna (shark fin type)
• Mesh-type front grill (cherry-red stripe, with STI logo ornament)
• Black side garnish with STI emblem
• Dry carbon fiber aero-shaped door mirror covers
• Rear bumper (with cherry-red stripe)
• RA-R rear ornament
• STI 30th Anniversary rear ornament