This Subaru Factory WRX STI Type RA-R produces 329 PS

MANILA: How many of you knew that Subaru has got its own in-house tuning division? Yes, that’s right. It is called the Subaru Technica International or popularly known as STI. It was established way back in 1988. This year the STI turned 30 and to celebrate the occasion Subaru decided to unveil the most powerful factory WRX STI ever produced - the WRX STI Type RA-R.

 

The WRX STI Type RA-R has been fined tuned by the STI itself. The STI has tuned many cars in the past including the first-generation Impreza STI and Impreza 22B. So the people there know exactly what they are doing.

In order to reach the 329 PS figure, the Type RA-R went through a few changes. It has got a revised intercooler, a performance exhaust, and re-tuned ECU. And the result there is a bump of 29 PS in the total power output.

The STI also had to get rid of the extra weight from the Type RA-R, thus making sure that it handles the boost in power without a sweat. So, all the unnecessary features and elements were removed and carbon fibre is used at various places like the roof.

With all the weight reduction and power boost, the WRX STI Type RA-R needed some serious braking power. Here come the cross-drilled disc brakes from Brembo. Also, the super sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires wrapped around those 19-inch alloy wheels, help the Type RA-R to keep the race line at all times.

The STI has also done some minor changes to the exterior of the WRX STI Type RA-R so that it is possible to differentiate it from the standard WR STI. Pay a little attention and you will find a subtle yet contrasting red stripe at the bottom of the front grille, as well as at the rear bumper just above the diffuser. There’s also a signature rear wing on the WRX STI Type RA-R, but that is available as an option.

It’s great to see Subaru coming up with this super- fast and desirable car. Unfortunately, it has decided to make only 500 of these. What’s more disheartening is that none of them will be available for purchase outside of Japan. Unlike the other WRX STIs, the Japanese ones come with a 2.0-litre boxer engine, and Subaru will like to keep them all for its home market only.