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Shortly after our recent review and test drive of the 2025 Subaru BRZ tS, we were convinced that the platform clearly had more performance to offer. Now Subaru has proven that instinct to be correct with the 2026 Subaru BRZ STI Sport Type RA, a sharp, track-focused evolution that unfortunately remains under wraps in Japan.
Subaru is leaning on its Super Taikyu endurance racing program, and it shows in the hardware. The Type RA gets ZF dampers at each corner, a stiffer suspension tuning, a new anti-roll bar and a completely revised underbody aero kit. Lightweight, forged 18-inch STI BBS wheels and upgraded Brembo brakes make the car feel stronger and more confident when changing direction when you press the pedal deep in the braking zone. The rear differential housing features additional cooling fins to withstand heavy track use, and a new STI muffler setup gives the flat four a little more edge.
Under the hood, the familiar naturally aspirated 2.4-liter FA24 boxer engine remains, but the story is more about responsiveness than peak performance. Subaru tightens the weight tolerances for pistons and connecting rods, balances the crankshaft more precisely and installs a significantly lighter flywheel and clutch. The result should be an engine that revs more freely, feels smoother near redline, and responds more cleanly to small throttle inputs. Speed matching and flat-foot shifting provide motorsport flair without destroying the analog feel of the six-speed manual transmission.
Visually, the Type RA looks like a BRZ that spent a lot of time at track days instead of car shows. The STI aero bits stretch the factory lines just enough, while the forged wheels, gold Brembos and slightly hunched stance signal that this is the serious deal. Subaru will build a total of 300 units, with 200 cars featuring no rear spoiler and 100 featuring a large carbon rear wing. Prices in Japan start at around $32,100 and go up to around $35,400 with the grand piano, but money alone isn’t enough. Buyers have to enter a lottery to have a chance of owning one, which makes the car feel even more like a homologation special.
From our perspective, the BRZ STI Sport Type RA looks exactly how we hoped Subaru would after our time in the BRZ tS. Instead of striving for big performance, Subaru focused on ride, responsiveness, braking and durability for real track use. For enthusiasts outside of Japan, it is firmly in the “forbidden fruit” category, but it also sends an encouraging message. The BRZ platform still has plenty of scope, and if Subaru is willing to do this for its home market, there’s every reason to hope that some of that magic finds its way into future global special editions.
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Lloyd Tobias is an experienced automotive journalist and passionate enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the world of cars. Whether it’s exploring the latest advancements in automotive technology or keeping abreast of breaking industry news, Lloyd brings a keen perspective and deep appreciation for all things automotive. In his texts he combines technical understanding with practical enthusiasm, making his contributions both informative and appealing to readers who share his love of driving. When he’s not behind the keyboard or under the hood, Lloyd enjoys test driving the latest models and staying one step ahead in an ever-evolving automotive landscape.
