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 lies the familiar 2.4-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine, though with a twist. Subaru has fitted a variation of the tried-and-tested “FA24” adapted from the BRZ CNF (carbon neutral fuel) race car used in the Super Taikyu Series throughout the 2022 and 2023 seasons, and up to round two of the 2024 championship. The reasoning behind this is detailed in Subaru’s own words:

‘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 BRZ STI Sport Type RA’s appeal extends beyond its race-derived engine. Subaru enhances the package with 18-inch BBS wheels in matte bronze or gray, ZF dampers at both axles, and Brembo brakes with gold calipers. Borrowed from the race car, the rear differential case also gains cooling fins.

A host of Subaru Tecnica International (STI) components further sharpen the coupe’s dynamics. These include front and rear under spoilers, an upgraded muffler, a sway bar, and a draw stiffener to reduce chassis flex. The most striking change is the massive carbon rear wing, while additional touches 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 gearbox featuring a shift assist function. It’s essentially a combination of rev-matching downshifts and upshifting without releasing the accelerator pedal.

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

Dealers are already accepting applications, 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.