Subaru releasing hardcore STI model

Subaru is (finally) bolstering its STI offerings in North America with two new models.

Limited to 500 examples, the WRX STI Type RA is essentially a hardcore variant of the standard WRX STI, replete with a laundry list of engine and chassis upgrades. The turbocharged 2.5-litre flat-four under the hood is familiar, but it’s fitted with a new cold-air intake, stronger pistons, a reprogrammed ECU and a high-flow exhaust system. All that translates a whopping five-horsepower bump to 310 hp.

It also receives a six-speed manual transmission with a short-throw shifter and a revised third gear, along with Bilstein suspension bits and inverted struts, a double-wishbone suspension setup out back, 19inch BBS wheels wrapped in sticky Yokohama Advan Sport tires, a carbon-fibre roof and wing, and Recaro racing seats inside.

The BRZ tS — tS stands for “Tuned by STI” — is a bit more divisive. Like the WRX STI Type RA, it receives extensive chassis upgrades, including Sachs dampers and springs, plus beefier engine bracing, Brembo brakes, 18-inch BBS wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires, and an aero kit with a manually adjustable carbon-fibre wing.

But the BRZ tS sees no additional power upgrades. Yes, that means the 2.0-L boxer four-cylinder engine still pumps out 205 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque. That being said, the chassis and suspension enhancements are sure to make the BRZ tS a bona fide track car.

Subaru hasn’t dished any performance data for either model, but those numbers will likely surface, with pricing and on-sale dates, toward the end of the year.