Subaru’s BRZ STI Sport Type RA is not for NZ 

Subaru has unveiled a more focussed BRZ in the STI Sport Type RA, a Japan-only special that pulls heavily from the brand’s endurance racing efforts.  

Race-bred engine, not more power 

The BRZ’s familiar 2.4-litre naturally aspirated boxer remains, but Subaru has effectively hand-built it to motorsport tolerances. Instead of chasing bigger outputs, engineers refined the FA24 from the BRZ CNF endurance racer used in the Super Taikyu series between 2022 and 2024. 

Subaru explains the philosophy clearly: 
“Weight and rotational balance tolerances for the pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, flywheel, and clutch cover have been rigorously minimised, achieving a race car-like engine feel with low vibration and smooth acceleration.” 

Inside the engine, nearly everything is lighter or more precise. Piston and connecting-rod weight tolerances are halved, crankshaft rotational balance tolerance is reduced by 80 per cent, and the flywheel and clutch come in 67 and 50 per cent lighter, respectively. The result is an engine that is said to spin more freely and respond faster throughout the rev range; all without altering the factory power rating. 

To support the powertrain’s racier character, Subaru also adds rev-matching and flat-foot shifting to the six-speed manual. Drivers can downshift with perfect blips or shift up without lifting off the throttle, further enhancing the car’s circuit-inspired flavour. 

STI hardware throughout 

Where the Type RA really distances itself from the standard BRZ is in the chassis and aero package. Subaru Tecnica International has raided its parts bin to give the special edition sharper reflexes and more stability under sustained hard driving. 

The list is extensive: 

• 18-inch forged BBS wheels in matte bronze or grey 

• ZF dampers at all four corners 

• Brembo brakes with gold calipers 

• A reinforced rear differential case with cooling fins 

• New sway bar and flexible V-bands 

• STI underbody aero with redesigned airflow management 

• STI front and rear under spoilers 

• An upgraded muffler and chassis draw stiffener 

Much of this learning comes straight from Subaru’s Super Taikyu endurance campaign, where the BRZ CNF race car competed on carbon-neutral fuel. The aim isn’t dramatic speed but consistency, cooling and control during long, high-load sessions. 

The most visible change is the enormous carbon-fibre rear wing. Subaru says the entire chassis is stiffer, the underbody generates cleaner airflow, and the suspension is designed for more precise response on track. 

Interior tweaks and small visual touches 

Rather than going full stripped-out racer, Subaru keeps the cabin recognisably BRZ but adds motorsport cues. Fabric seats gain red stitching, the engine receives a commemorative plaque, and exterior details such as black door handles and STI badging quietly differentiate the model. It’s purposeful without losing the BRZ’s everyday usability. 

A rare collectible — if you can win the lottery 

This is where exclusivity really kicks in. Subaru will build just 300 examples, split into 200 without the rear wing and 100 with it. Prices start at 4,972,000 yen (around NZ$52,000) for the wing-less version and 5,478,000 yen (around NZ$58,000) with the big aero. 

But even in Japan, buying one isn’t straightforward. Subaru is running a lottery system open only until the end of November. Winners will then earn the right to purchase what is likely to become one of the rarest modern BRZ variants yet.