Subaru’s latest and arguable more capable WRX STI Type RA has landed on US soil, and it is time to find out what’s all the fuss is about.
The new WRX STI Type RA comes with a range of performance-enhancing features, including inverted front struts and Bilstein dampers, bigger six-piston Brembo brakes with cross-drilled rotors, a new cold-air intake along with a high-flow performance exhaust, a retuned ECU and stronger pistons.
The turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-four is now making slightly more power, at 310hp, and more torque in the middle range, while the six-speed manual gearbox features a revised 3rd gear ratio and a short-throw shifter.
To top it all off, Subaru has taken a few measures to drop the weight and stiffen up the chassis. These consist of a new carbon roof panel, an adjustable carbon rear wing and a set of lightweight 19-inch BBS forged alloys wrapped in sticky Yokohamas.
The revisions themselves might not sound that big, but the Japanese automaker claims that they do have a significant impact on how the WRX STI Type RA drives and feels.
Subaru has allotted just 500 units to the US market in a move to further boost the Type RA’s appeal, but the main issue remains the price, which comes at $48,995 plus $860 for destination and delivery.
The Subaru WRX STI Type RA should be really special to drive in order to justify that price tag. Let’s see what Matt Farah has to say about that on the video linked below.