2018 Subaru WRX STI Type RA-R: A Rumbling Monster in Japan Only



[ad_1]

Topline : Thursday, Subaru Technica International and Subaru announced a new variant of the WRX to celebrate STI's 30th anniversary in the form of the WRX STI Type RA-R, an even warmer version of the WRX STI $ 48,995 Type RA

What's New : The RA-R shaves a marginal amount of weight from the base model WRX STI, losing only 10 kilograms (22 pounds), much of which is likely to come from the US. rear wing; More important is the boost STI has given to the aging EJ25 engine, which will produce 325 hp and 319 lb-ft of torque, respectively 20 and 29 above STI base levels. This power was obtained with a modified exhaust, an intercooling fairing, an intake, an inertia flywheel and a readjusted engine control unit.

Although RA gives more weight on paper than RA-R, the gap between the two is more important. and the weight advantage of the RA-R compared to Japan's previous exclusive performance model, the WRX STI S208, is 30 kilograms. Many previous STIs in Special Edition have gained weight with the spare tire and the flat repair kit removed, although Subaru does not announce the weight of the RA-R with these absentees. We assume that it is in the vicinity of the RA.

The RA-R will ride on springs and dampers developed exclusively for the model, and will control the Michelin's four Michelin Pilot Sport 4S 245 / 40ZR18 tires on all surfaces. Traction is further enhanced by active vectorization of the brakes, powered by new Brembo units. The 18-inch, 8-inch wheels house 18-inch drilled rotors, squeezed forward by six-piston, silver-painted two-piston calipers.

Only 500 RA-Rs will be built, all with six … fast manual transmissions, and sold for 4628 million yen before tax ($ 41,609). Buyers must receive orders by December 17, when orders are closed, provided Subaru is not exhausted.

Quotable : "Developed under the concepts of 'light weight', 'speed' and 'fun', the RA-R TYPE continues' Running, Turning and Stop, "the fundamental performance of an automobile," says Subaru in its press release on the RA-R. "With a weight / power ratio higher than that of S208, the RA-R model brings the" speed "and the" pleasure "at the highest level that complete STI models have ever brought."

What you need to know : RA-R scores at least third (or even fourth) edition The special WRX STI available on the Japanese domestic market (JDM) .It will not be available in the United States, but we are far from running out of special editions ourselves because we have received the STI.Gray WRX series in the spring, and the RA Type in the first quarter – Subaru can afford to maintain its status in the compact sedan market without Ford or Mitsubishi competition, hence the minimal effort on the platform, even if a replacement WRX is on the way.

Treats everything it can from the now-old WRX powertrain before the model receives a major overhaul, due in 2020. The next WRX will almost certainly be a hybrid, but should still come with a manual transmission. We can still be happy that the car has not yet abandoned its manual …

[ad_2]
Source link