2018 Subaru WRX STI Type RA and BRZ tS Preview – New Limited Editions for Enthusiasts

By Steve & Tamami Laser

Subaru enthusiasts received good news today from Subaru of America with the planned release of two new special limited edition performance models slated for early 2018.

Subaru says the new WRX STI Type RA and BRZ tS (above), engineered by Subaru Tecnica International (STI), will be limited to just 500 units each when they go on sale in the first quarter of next year at U.S. Subaru dealers.

Among the planned enhancements, BRZ tS gains STI-tuned front and rear SACHS® dampers and coil springs plus flexible V-braces in the engine compartment. New draw stiffeners are added to the chassis and subframe to help improve steering response. Output for the rear-drive model’s standard 2.0-liter 4-cylinder Boxer engine has not been announced, yet the current regular production BRZ puts out 205 horses and 156 lb.-ft. of torque.

BRZ tS will be easy to spot on the street thanks to its exclusive STI rear carbon fiber spoiler that’s manually adjustable to fine-tune rear downforce. The addition of STI front, rear and side under spoilers is said to help control airflow for enhancing traction and stability.

Eighteen-inch lightweight STI wheels are mounted with 215/40R-18 Michelin Pilot® Sport 4 tires to enhance grip and provide quicker turn-in. Brembo® brakes front and rear are also included.

The cabin features black leather and Alcantara® upholstery with contrasting red stitching while the front seats have red leather bolsters and seatbacks embroidered with the tS logo. BRZ tS also comes with red front seat belts and a frameless interior rearview mirror.

For the 2018 WRX STI Type RA (above), “RA” stands for “Record Attempt.” A special racing model will attempt a Nürburgring speed record this summer. The limited-edition AWD model for enthusiasts sports a lightweight carbon-fiber roof panel, carbon-fiber pedestal wing and BBS® 19-inch forged alloy wheels with 245/35R-19 Yokohama Advan Sports tires.

Powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged Boxer engine, the Type RA increases output to an estimated 310 hp with the help of an STI-specified cold-air intake and high-flow performance exhaust. The 6-speed manual gearbox gets a revised 3rd-gear ratio paired with a short-throw shifter.

Handling has been upgraded via inverted front struts and rear double-wishbone suspension with Bilstein® dampers. A modified multi-mode VDC is said to give the car better stability control to keep it on its intended path. The Brembo® brake system, with monoblock 6-piston front calipers and dual-piston rear calipers, employs cross-drilled rotors for better heat dissipation.

The cabin features Recaro® performance design front seats with red bolsters and stitching as well as an embossed STI logo on the head restraints. An Ultrasuede® steering wheel wears a center spoke insert with STI logo. Each WRX STI Type RA will be individually numbered with a plaque on the center console.

Exterior color choices for both limited-edition models include WR Blue Pearl, Crystal Black Silica and Crystal White Pearl. Subaru says final specs and pricing will be announced later this year.

News source and photos courtesy Subaru of America, Inc. Features and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Story (commentary) © 2017 CarNichiWa.com