14/11/2025
Subaru’s New BRZ Type RA Is the JDM Surprise No One Saw Coming
Subaru has unveiled a special edition that feels like a love letter to purists. The BRZ STI Sport Type RA has arrived in Japan, and it is easily one of the most focused versions the brand has released in years. It brings back the storied RA name, a badge once reserved for machines built with one clear purpose: to chase records.
This new Type RA keeps the familiar 2.4 litre FA24 flat four, but the story is in the engineering beneath the surface. Subaru and STI reworked key internals to deliver a smoother, sharper response throughout the rev range. Pistons and connecting rods are weight matched, the crankshaft balance is enhanced, and the flywheel and clutch are revised to create a more connected feel. It is not about big horsepower gains. It is about precision, consistency, and that satisfying mechanical honesty that BRZ fans love.
The chassis receives the same level of attention. ZF dampers and STI developed flexible components tighten the car’s movements without ruining the playful rear drive character. A rear differential case fitted with cooling fins helps the car hold up under long track sessions. Subaru also added shift assist functions, including rev matching and flat shift, which makes every gear change feel cleaner and quicker.
Only 300 units will be offered. Two hundred will be the standard Type RA and one hundred will include the large rear spoiler. Prices start at 4,972,000 yen, with the spoiler version crossing 5,400,000 yen. Buyers cannot simply walk into a dealer. Subaru is running a lottery style selection because demand is expected to exceed supply by a huge margin. For now, the model is exclusive to Japan.
In a world filled with power wars and software packed sports cars, the BRZ STI Sport Type RA feels like something different. It is a reminder that feel, balance, and craftsmanship still matter. Subaru built this one for the drivers who notice the small things that make a car special.