Subaru WRX STI Type RA-R – 329 PS, lighter, 500 units

Subaru WRX STI Type RA-R – 329 PS, lighter, 500 units

Here’s the most extreme official version of the current Impreza, the Subaru WRX STI Type RA-R. Limited to 500 units in Japan, the Type RA-R is “the complete model” to commemorate STI’s 30th anniversary that falls this year.

Developed under the concepts of “light weight, speed and enjoyment,” the Type RA-R pursues “running, turning and stopping” as fundamentals. At 1,480 kg, Subaru says that the Type RA-R is 30 kg lighter than previous flagships S208 and S207, and is also 10 kg lighter than the standard WRX STI.

The reduced weight is coupled with S208 levels of output, which is 329 PS at 7,200 rpm and 432 Nm of torque from 3,200 to 4,800 rpm. The 2.0 litre EJ20 boxer is paired to Subaru’s signature AWD and a six-speed manual gearbox.

Subaru WRX STI Type RA-R – 329 PS, lighter, 500 units

The engine features a performance shroud with high rigidity for the intercooler to work at its best, while a performance exhaust system with lowered back pressure contributes to the higher engine output and more direct response. Also in are a specially tuned ECU, balanced clutch cover and flywheel, twin scroll ball bearing turbocharger and STI-designed strengthened silicon intake duct.

The dampers and coil springs are have been specially designed for the Type RA-R, which rolls on Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres wrapping STI-designed BBS 18-inch alloys. For brakes, there are Brembo 18-inch ventilated discs with six-pot calipers in front and two-pot fists at the back.

The Type RA-R is nothing much to look at though, being a stripped down minimalist version. Without the big wing, it looks tamer than a regular STI, never mind the pumped up S208. For the purists (in Japan), this limited edition costs 4,998,240 yen (RM182,502).


GALLERY: Subaru WRX STI in Malaysia

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Danny Tan

Danny Tan loves driving as much as he loves a certain herbal meat soup, and sweet engine music as much as drum beats. He has been in the auto industry since 2006, previously filling the pages of two motoring magazines before joining this website. Enjoys detailing the experience more than the technical details.

 

Comments

  • Mikey on Jul 25, 2018 at 10:51 am

    SUBARU, the underrated performance sedan compared to an Evo or CTR. It is actually a gud thing without a Big spoiler at the back. It will give the driver the element of surprise when some soup-up Hatch/sedan think that this is just another common sedan until U smoke them in a traffic light.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 0
    • Yeah, until... on Jul 25, 2018 at 12:04 pm

      Around the same price, the AMG C43 would smoke the Subie while you still thinking that C-class beside you is an “old man’s car.”

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 15
      • ahmadjohnson97 on Jul 25, 2018 at 1:46 pm

        CKD version of AMG C43 is rm100k more than CBU standard WRX STI. Even non car guy will know that merc is a fast car and not slow “old man’s car”.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 1
  • Ben Yap on Jul 25, 2018 at 11:43 am

    anytime a civic type R can smoke this car.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 23
    • camtakpro on Jul 25, 2018 at 12:31 pm

      modded Myvi smoke both.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 3
    • ahmadjohnson97 on Jul 25, 2018 at 1:34 pm

      New civic type r, yes. But it will be hard for CTR to smoke wrx sti in wet or snow condition

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 0
    • Henry on Jul 25, 2018 at 2:06 pm

      You better stop smoking whatever you are smoking. It is bad for your brain.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 1
  • Removing that big rear wing alone already cut around 5 kgs from the total weight saving of 30 kgs.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • Bernard on Jul 26, 2018 at 10:18 am

    If bring here would the price exceed rm500k?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • Nope. https://paultan.org/2018/05/18/gst-zero-rated-subaru-prices-down-by-up-to-rm17k-in-june-price-protection-scheme-still-in-effect/

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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