The ‘RA’ designation stands for ‘Record Attempt’ and has been applied to various Subaru performance models over the years, none of which were ever sold here officially but some did come in with the gray/used dealers. The first time was in 1989 when a race-prepped Subaru Legacy broke the FIA World Speed Endurance Record by clocking over 62,000 miles in 18 days with an average top speed of 138 mph.
Continuing this tradition, Subaru plans to take a more hardcore version of the WRX STI Type RA, the NBR Special, to the Nürburgring this summer. The aim is to set a record for a sedan at the ‘Ring, though it won’t be a production car record as the WRX STI Type RA NBR Special isn’t production-bound.
This car benefits from a slight increase in power to 310 horsepower from the familiar 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-4 engine. That’s up 5 horsepower on the standard WRX STI, all courtesy of stronger pistons, a new cold air intake, a high-flow exhaust and a reprogrammed ECU. STI’s engineers also revised the 6-speed manual’s third gear ratio and added a short throw shifter.
Weight has been reduced thanks to a new carbon fiber roof (in place of the usual steel unit), as well as lightweight 19-inch wheels from BBS and the removal of the spare tire. The stock tires are a set of Yokohama Advan Sports.
Other performance upgrades include a front splitter, inverted front struts and rear double wishbone suspension all with Bilstein dampers, Brembo brakes with cross-drilled rotors, and a retuned VDC stability control system. The final touch is a carbon fiber rear wing.
Inside the vehicle, you’ll find Recaro seats up front with red bolsters as well as an embossed STI logo on the head restraints. Contrast stitching is used throughout and the steering wheel is wrapped in Ultrasuede for better grip and has a black gloss-finish center spoke insert with an STI logo.
The WRX STI Type RA goes on sale in the first quarter of 2018. It will be available in WR Blue Pearl, Crystal Black Silica and Crystal White Pearl, and just 500 examples will be offered. Pricing information will be shared when we get it.
