Subaru BRZ tS And WRX STI Type RA Teased Ahead Of US Launch

Courtesy: Subaru U.S. Media Center
Courtesy: Subaru U.S. Media Center /
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Subaru Tecnica International, Inc. will be working on 500 units of the BRZ tS and WRX STI Type RA each. Both cars will be launched in the US in early 2018 and that’s not a short time to wait for by any means.

Subaru has found the need to release the spicier and sportier versions of the BRZ and the WRX STI in the North American market. Breathed upon by the boffins at Subaru Tecnica International, Inc., the Subaru BRZ tS and the Subaru WRX STI Type RA are coming to the US in early 2018.

So what do these two hotshots have to offer over their tamer versions?

We’ll start with the BRZ tS. STI has left the flat-four naturally aspirated engine the way it was. But they took some liberty in revising the chassis and also gave the rear-wheel-drive sports car a styling update. The front splitter, side skirts and the rear diffusers take care of the airflow department and also give the BRZ tS a more sinister look. But we are more smitten by that massive, manually-adjustable carbon-fiber spoiler at the back.

STI was focused on making the BRZ tS more driver-focused than the car’s standard form. So the suspension setup got an upgrade in the form of STI-tuned Sachs dampers and coil springs. The footwear now features 18-inch lightweight STI wheels shod with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires.

Subaru BRZ tS
Courtesy: Subaru U.S. Media Center /
Subaru BRZ tS
Subaru BRZ tS /

Courtesy: Subaru U.S. Media Center

Subaru BRZ tS
Subaru BRZ tS /

Courtesy: Subaru U.S. Media Center

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Now comes the turn of the WRX STI Type RA. It loves carbon-fiber more than the BRZ tS does. So you get a carbon-fiber roof panel and a large carbon-fiber rear wing. Wheels are lightweight 19-inch BBS forged alloys shod with Yokohama Advan Sports tires. Weight reduction has been given the attention due and that measure also saw the spare tire being removed.

Suspension upgrades include inverted front struts and rear double wishbone suspension with Bilstein dampers. The turbocharged 2.5-litre flat-four engine churns out 310 hp of power and revisions have been done to the chassis, ECU, pistons, exhaust and brakes to bring forth, manage and control the new vigor and dynamics of the sports sedan.

Subaru WRX STI Type RA
Courtesy: Subaru U.S. Media Center /
Subaru WRX STI Type RA
Subaru WRX STI Type RA /

Courtesy: Subaru U.S. Media Center

Subaru WRX STI Type RA
Subaru WRX STI Type RA /

Courtesy: Subaru U.S. Media Center

Subaru has big plans for the WRX STI Type RA, one of which being a Nürburgring speed record with a special race model WRX STI Type RA NBR Special.

Both cars have been embellished with an exclusive Cherry Blossom Red accent around the front grille and rear bumper cover. Color palettes have been limited to WR Blue Pearl, Crystal Black Silica and Crystal White Pearl.

Next: First US-Spec Honda Civic Type R Up For Auction

The manufacturer hasn’t announced the prices for these two performance-focused versions yet and we’ll keep you posted once more details surface.