Limited to just 300 units, all of which are destined for Japan, the Subaru BRZ Type RA brings Subaru and STI’s motorsports learnings directly to the street. At the core is a “balanced” version of the 2.4-liter normally-aspirated FA24. Tuned by STI engineers, it has new pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, flywheel, and clutch cover all to bring the powerplant into rotational and weight balance. Weight tolerance has been reduced by 50 percent compared to stock, while its flywheel is 67 percent lighter.

While power outputs remain the same as the stock version—235 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 250 Nm at 3,700 rpm—compared to the stock FA24, STI reveals that the engine achieves a racecar-like engine feel with minimal vibration all the way to its engine’s redline.

Along with the balanced engine, the BRZ Type RA features two new technologies: Rev Sync and Flat Shift. Rev Sync automatically adjusts engine rpm after downshifting, enabling smoother deceleration. This eliminates the need for complex heel-and-toe maneuvers, allowing the driver to concentrate on braking, resulting in stable handling that translates into greater speed. Flat Shift, on the other hand, allows upshifts with the throttle fully open during acceleration. It suppresses excessive RPM increases when the clutch is released with the accelerator engaged, and optimizes the RPMs for the next gear, ensuring uninterrupted acceleration and faster, more reliable increases in speed.

With a moniker that means “Record Attempt,” the BRZ Type RA is tuned to enable faster lap times versus the stock BRZ. Handling upgrades include ZF front and rear dampers, Brembo brakes (17-inch four-pots at the front and 17-inch two-pots at the back) STI Performance suspension parts (flexible V-bars, 18-inch BBS forged alloy wheels, sports exhaust, and a complete under spoiler set). A revised rear differential case with integrated cooling fins completes the mechanical changes. A dry carbon fiber spoiler is also an available option for increased stability at high speeds.

Sadly, the Subaru BRZ Type RA is a limited-edition Japan exclusive with only 300 planned to be produced. It goes on sale via a lottery basis.