Subaru has given the BRZ yet another shot of excitement, even five years into its current generation, with the introduction of the STI Sport Type RA. Offered only in Japan and limited to a tiny production run, this special edition sharpens the coupe with a substantial list of mechanical upgrades rather than going all-out as a full STI model.
The familiar 2.4-litre naturally aspirated engine remains at the heart of the car, but Subaru has reworked it using know-how from the BRZ CNF race car that competed in the Super Taikyu Series from 2022 through early 2024. The company explained that the pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, flywheel and clutch cover have been manufactured with extremely tight tolerances, reducing weight variations and improving rotational balance. Subaru said these changes give the car a more race-car-like character, with noticeably smoother acceleration and reduced vibration.
The enhancements don’t stop with the engine. The STI Sport Type RA sits on 18-inch BBS wheels finished in matte bronze or grey, paired with ZF dampers and Brembo brakes featuring gold callipers. Subaru has also fitted the same rear differential casing used in its race cars, complete with cooling fins for better thermal management during spirited driving.
Subaru Tecnica International has added several components of its own to heighten the BRZ’s dynamics. The car receives front and rear under spoilers, a revised exhaust system, a sturdier sway bar and a draw stiffener to limit chassis flex.
The most eye-catching element is the huge carbon rear wing available on the higher-spec version, giving the coupe a far more purposeful stance. Small but thoughtful details, such as a unique engine plaque, black door handles and red stitching on the seats, round off the package.
The car is offered solely with a six-speed manual gearbox equipped with a shift-assist feature that combines downshift rev-matching with the ability to upshift without lifting off the throttle.
Prices begin at 4,972,000 yen (around RM132,700) for the version without the large rear wing, while the winged variant starts at 5,478,000 yen (around RM146,300). Even with the money in hand, securing one won’t be easy. Subaru is limiting production to just 300 units, and buyers must enter a lottery for the opportunity to purchase the car.
