Subaru WRX STI Type RA-R Rumble Speaks Volumes

The new 2019 Subaru WRX STI Type RA-R is already sold out in Japan and it should tell Subaru Corporation what performance fans want. They want more power.

It took one day for performance fans in Japan to snatch up 500 of the new limited edition Subaru WRX STI Type RA-R. Maybe Subaru will get the hint that fans want more power in the current-generation WRX STI. The STI Limited Edition Type RA-R (Record Attempt-Racing), model is what enthusiasts want and they snatched them up in one day.

It doesn’t have the US-spec WRX STI Type RA EJ25 2.5-liter turbo Boxer (310hp) under the hood, it comes with the Japan-spec S208’s (hand-built by STI) EJ20 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve dual AVCS twin scroll turbo boxer with 329 PS (325hp). It gets a maximum of 432 Nm of torque (318 lb-ft of torque). Because of the weight reduction, the power-to-weight ratio exceeds that of the S208.

More upgrades underneath

The suspension also gets upgrades over the standard WRX STI with exclusive dampers and coil springs specifically designed for the Japan-spec Type RA-R. The performance sedan is equipped with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, featuring different compounds between the outer and inner parts of the tread providing better grip on both dry and wet road surfaces. Type RA-R gets Brembo brakes with high-performance brake pads for better braking performance. Subaru says the suspension, tires, and brakes give extra margins for the Type RA-R and better controllability at high speeds.

Will fans get more power?

According to a report from Road & Track, Subaru could use the new Ascent FA24 2.4-liter turbo Boxer in the fourth-generation Subaru WRX STI replacing the aging EJ25 used in the current model when it arrives sometime in 2020-2021. In the new Ascent family hauler, the turbocharged Boxer produces 260-hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. It’s reported the FA24 2.4-liter engine with a bigger turbo and internal upgrades could make 330 plus horsepower in the new STI. Now that would get fans excited.

Of course, this is all speculation and has not been confirmed by Subaru who declined to comment. Subaru needs to replace the aging 2.5-liter EJ25 Boxer in the new fourth-generation 2020-2021 Subaru WRX STI and will likely give it a new power plant and more power. It’s what performance fans want. Stay tuned.

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Photo credit: Subaru Tecnica International