2018 Subaru WRX STI Type RA Specs & Pictures

Only 500 units of this rare, modified 310-hp track beast will be made available.

This past June, the Subaru WRX STI Type RA NBR Special made the ambitious attempt to set a new Nürburgring lap record for a four-door sedan, giving us a glimpse into the Japanese automakers Type R spec STI.

2018 STI Horsepower rated at 310-hp

Now, a more ‘toned-down’ version will be arriving this Spring: the 310-hp 2018 WRX STI Type RA with a 2.5L turbocharged engine under the hood mated to a 6-speed manual transmission equipped with a revised 3rd gear ratio and a short-throw shifter. But Subaru is only producing 500 units of the special edition WRX STI when it arrives to dealers in Spring 2018, along with its BRZ tS cousin also in limited quantities.

If it makes you feel better, only 75 units of the “White Thunder” limited edition 2020 WRX STI were made available.

2018 Subaru WRX STI Type RA
2018 Subaru WRX STI Type RA. Photo: Subaru

What sets this track star apart from the other WRX STIs is the cut in weight and revised gearing responsible for faster sprints off the line; coupled with a some serious braking power new for 2018 which includes stronger monoblock 6-piston calipers in front, monoblock 2-piston calipers in the rear and larger, cross-drilled rotors all around for better heat dissipation, all by Brembo.

WRX 2018 model interior & exterior gains nice extras

The Type RA model inside gets good old Recaro sports seats, signature red stitching and accent trim throughout, and Ultrasuede wrapped steering wheel, and of course, a centre console plaque displaying the number count of this rare beast.

2018 Subaru WRX STI Type RA
2018 Subaru WRX STI Type RA. Photo: Subaru

Unlike most track stars void of the bulky features, this rocket finds a 7.0” Multimedia Plus System that includes smartphone integration, Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming as well as an extensive list of STARLINK cloud apps, so everyday driving and chores like getting groceries in a rigid machine won’t be all that bad.

Exterior styling with revised features

If the WRX wasn’t invasive-looking enough, the 2018 WRX STI Type RA steps it up a few notches with an exclusive Cherry Blossom Red accent around both the front mesh grille and new rear bumper cover along with BBS 19-inch forged alloy wheels in gold finish. To handle those higher speeds, an STI front underspoiler adds stability while exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals, a roof-mounted shark fin antenna and STI fender badges now in a black finish round things out.

Price and Availability

Price was set at US$48,995 when the 2018 WRX STI Type RA first arrived at Subaru dealers, plus a destination & delivery fee of $860 ($1,010 for retailers in Alaska) – for those lucky enough to get one. Meantime, check our more WRX news and reviews here.

2018 Subaru WRX STI Type RA Key Specs and Pictures

  • 310 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque
  • Exclusive engine control unit (ECU)
  • Reinforced STI pistons
  • Specially designed air intake duct and air cleaner
  • Exclusive performance muffler and rear exhaust pipe
  • Exclusive Bilstein dampers and coil springs
  • Gold coloured BBS 19-inch forged alloy wheels
  • Silver painted Brembo front monoblock opposed-piston 6-pot brake calipers and rear monoblock opposed-piston 2-pot brake calipers, all with cross-drilled disk rotors
  • Exclusive front grille with cherry-red accent
  • Exclusive front under-spoiler
  • Black side badging with STI emblem
  • High-pressure turbocharged and intercooled, horizontally opposed, 4-cylinder, 2.5L high-performance SUBARU BOXER engine with Dual Active Valve Control System and SI-Drive
  • 6-speed Manual Transmission (6MT) with Hill Holder system
  • Dry carbon roof
  • Dry carbon rear spoiler
  • Rear bumper with cherry-red accent and air outlet grille
  • WRX STI TYPE RA rear badge
  • Black painted door mirrors
  • Black painted roof-mounted shark fin antenna
  • Exclusive Ultrasuede®1 steering wheel
  • STI short throw shifter
  • Red push button start
  • Exclusive serial-number plate mounted on the centre console
  • TORSEN® limited-slip rear differential
  • Multi-mode Driver Controlled Centre Differential (DCCD) and electronic limited-slip differential
  • Active Torque Vectoring
  • RECARO front bucket seats embossed with STI logo
  • Subaru symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive
  • Helical-type limited-slip front differential
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Bringing the latest news including release dates, pricing announcements, product updates. With some glossy concepts and special edition rides in the mix.