Subaru launches BRZ Special Edition with STI upgrades

Although it’s been five years since the current generation BRZ debuted, Subaru is still finding ways to keep its sports coupe fresh. As with most desirable special editions, the STI Sport Type RA (Record Attempt) is exclusive to Japan. It’s not a full-fledged STI, but it does benefit from a wide range of mechanical upgrades over the standard car.

Under the hood is the well-known 2.4-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine, albeit with a twist. Subaru has fitted a variant of the proven ‘FA24’, a modified version of the BRZ CNF (carbon neutral fuel) race car used in the Super Taikyu Series in the 2022 and 2023 seasons, and through to the second round of the 2024 championship. The reasoning behind this is detailed in Subaru’s own words:

‘The weight and rotational balance tolerances for the pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, flywheel and clutch cover have been rigorously minimized, achieving a race car-like engine feel with low vibration and smooth acceleration.’

But the appeal of the BRZ STI Sport Type RA extends beyond its racing engine. Subaru expands the package with 18-inch BBS rims in matte bronze or gray, ZF dampers on both axles and Brembo brakes with gold calipers. The rear differential housing is borrowed from the race car and also has cooling fins.

A large number of Subaru Tecnica International (STI) components further enhance the coupe’s dynamics. These include front and rear underspoilers, an upgraded muffler, an anti-roll bar and a tension stiffener to reduce chassis flex. The most noticeable change is the solid carbon rear wing, while additional accents such as a special engine plaque, black door handles and red stitching on the fabric seats complete the look.

The special edition comes exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission with shift assistance. It’s essentially a combination of downshifting and upshifting without releasing the accelerator.

13

Source: Subaru

Prices start at 4,972,000 yen (approximately $32,100) for the version without the rear wing, while adding the prominent aerodynamic element pushes the price up to 5,478,000 yen ($35,400). Besides money, you also need luck to buy one. Production is limited to 300 units, and instead of a first-come, first-served sales approach, customers must win a lottery for a chance to own one.

Dealers are already accepting entries, with entries open until November 30. Meanwhile, Subaru will showcase the hotter BRZ this weekend at Fuji Speedway during the final round of the Super Taikyu Series.