Subaru Needs To Push The Boundaries With A WRX Type RA

Do you remember the Subaru WRX STI Type RA? It's time for Subaru to build an all-new WRX Type RA for performance enthusiasts. Let's wake up the WRX. 

A new Type RA would wake up the WRX.

It's no secret that the Subaru WRX needs help to keep the nameplate alive. Without the STI, the WRX is in mediocre land, on a sales slide from which it may not recover. You can read my report here to see what happened last month. So, let's wake up the sports sedan with a WRX Type RA. It's time for Subaru to push the boundaries.    

Do you remember the Subaru WRX STI Type RA?

The 2018 Subaru WRX STI Type RA was produced after the Subaru 2017 Nurburgring record attempt, the fastest lap ever for a four-door sedan. The STI Type RA, a limited production STI with only 500 examples built for U.S. fans, was a testament to its exclusivity and desirability.

When it launched, Subaru said, "The original venture took place in 1989 when a competition version of Subaru Legacy broke the FIA World Speed Endurance Record by clocking over 62,000 miles in 18 days and setting a top speed record of 138 mph. Furthering this spirit of endeavor, a special race model WRX STI Type RA NBR Special will attempt a Nürburgring speed record this summer."

With only 500 examples of the 2018 WRX STI Type RA limited edition for the U.S. market, Hagerty, who insures collectible cars, said the 2018 Subaru WRX STI Type RA limited edition performance sedan is destined to become a highly collectible car in the future. Check out my report here.

If you bought one, you likely aren't driving it much. 

Hagerty said the limited-run STI Type RA shouldn't be sitting in the garage." We look for vehicles that push boundaries and beg to be driven, and these cars meet that test." says McKeel Hagerty, CEO.

The STI Type RA had additional upgrades. 

The STI Type RA boasted a range of additional upgrades, setting it apart from the standard models and making it a must-have for enthusiasts.

The Type RA came with a new intake and exhaust system that gave the standard 2.5-liter boxer an extra 2hp and reduced back pressure by 50 percent. It also had a tweaked engine control unit (ECU) that commanded a bit more maximum boost, sodium-filled exhaust valves, and new pistons only on the Type RA.

The Type RA had 310 horsepower, an additional five HP over the EJ25 2.5-liter boxer in the standard WRX STI. The torque was unchanged at 290 lb. feet, but the third gear ratio was more aggressive (1.590 instead of 1.521) in the six-speed manual gearbox to take advantage of the increased lower-end torque. The torque curve map was also changed between 2-3,000 rpm to take advantage of the third gear changes.

More WRX STI Type RA upgrades

Other changes included a carbon-fiber roof reducing weight by 5 lbs and a lowered center of gravity by 2mm, 19-inch wheels vs standard 18-in. Subaru says the total difference in weight is 68 lbs vs a base STI with Recaro seats coming from the lighter wheels, tire repair kit, carbon roof, adjustable rear wing, and rear seat armrest.

It also had an upgraded suspension with Bilstein-sourced and STI-tuned dampers and rear wheel vents to reduce lift and drag. Subaru said the Type RA had a 1.4 percent less drag coefficient than the base STI. The revised rear wing reduced lift at both axles without inducing more drag in conjunction with a new front splitter and rear valance.

The WRX needs a game-changer to attract attention. With its unique features and high performance, a new WRX Type RA could be just what it needs. 

First, Subaru of America needs to attempt a record run with the WRX. RA stands for Record Attempt, so they should build a prototype WRX Type RA performance car and set a new record. It would have to be off the charts fast. Scott Speed would be the driver for this feat. 

Imagine a new 2026 Subaru WRX Type RA. 

The 2024 Subaru WRX has 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Nowhere near enough for a new WRX Type RA production model. The 2026 WRX Type RA would need more than 300 horsepower to be a viable candidate for Subaru enthusiasts. In addition, it would have suspension upgrades, a lower center of gravity, and lighter weight distribution. 

The new WRX Type RA cannot be a WRX with a Type RA badge on the rear truck lid. It would have to be different and unique enough for STI owners to step back into Subaru showrooms and take a look. Once they did, the WRX Type RA sales would take off. 

Subaru's current answer is the WRX tS, but is it enough?

The new 2025 WRX tS's 2.4-liter turbocharged Subaru Boxer engine delivers 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, the same as the standard model. It needs much more to get STI enthusiasts excited about the WRX again. It's a good start, but it falls short of expectations. Go big, or go home. 

The 2025 Subaru WRX tS is coming in the first quarter of 2025. Pricing for the new WRX tS will be announced later this year. Will it be enough? No. 

The WRX STI Type RA was a resounding success, selling out shortly after orders opened and commanding high prices from dealers, a testament to its desirability and performance. 

One of the top volume Subaru dealers in the U.S., Heuberger Subaru in Colorado Springs, noted on their Instagram account that their waiting list for the STI Type RA (Record Attempt) filled up in one hour.

The high-volume Subaru dealer said, "It's a shame only a select few of us will be able to lay our hands on this upcoming beauty. Have you made it onto any waiting lists yet? Ours filled up inside of an hour once the announcement dropped." 

At the time, Heuburger Subaru told me they were anticipating no more than five limited edition models to be allocated to them, but they have ten buyers on their waiting list "just in case we get lucky." The 10 hopeful buyers understand that Subaru of America limits the dealer, so they all have their fingers crossed!"

Subaru needs to push the boundaries with the WRX and bring a WRX Type RA for performance enthusiasts. They need to build it as a production model and not limit the performance car to a small number of models. Subaru, if you will build it, they will come. 

And yes, It would have a wing on the back trunk lid. 

The 2026 WRX Type RA , with its anticipated 300+ horsepower, suspension upgrades, lower center of gravity, and lighter weight distribution, would be the addition to the Subaru lineup that would push the boundaries and wake up the WRX.

What do you think?

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I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Writer since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Subaru