Just after our recent 2025 Subaru BRZ tS review and test drive, we walked away thinking the platform clearly had more performance to give. Now Subaru has proved that instinct right with the 2026 Subaru BRZ STI Sport Type RA, a sharp, track-focused evolution that sadly stays locked away in Japan.
Subaru leans on its Super Taikyu endurance racing program for this one, and you can see it in the hardware. The Type RA gets ZF dampers at each corner, stiffer chassis tuning, a new sway bar, and a completely reworked underbody aero kit. Lightweight forged 18-inch STI BBS wheels and upgraded Brembo brakes help the car feel more eager to change direction and more confident when you lean on the pedal deep into a braking zone. The rear differential housing gains extra cooling fins to handle serious track abuse, and a new STI muffler setup gives the flat four a bit more edge.
Under the hood, the familiar 2.4-liter FA24 naturally aspirated boxer engine remains, but the story is all about responsiveness rather than peak numbers. Subaru tightens weight tolerances for the pistons and connecting rods, balances the crankshaft more precisely, and fits a much lighter flywheel and clutch. The result should be an engine that spins more freely, feels smoother near redline, and reacts more cleanly to small throttle inputs. Rev-matching and flat-foot shifting add a motorsport flavor without killing the analog feel of the six-speed manual.
Visually, the Type RA looks like a BRZ that spent a lot of time at track days instead of car shows. The STI aero pieces stretch the factory lines just enough, while the forged wheels, gold Brembos, and slightly hunkered stance signal that this is the serious one. Subaru will build 300 units total, with 200 cars running without a rear spoiler and 100 fitted with a large carbon rear wing. Pricing in Japan starts around the equivalent of $32,100 and climbs to roughly $35,400 with the wing, but money alone is not enough. Buyers must enter a lottery for the chance to purchase one, which makes the car feel even more like a homologation special.
From our vantage point, the BRZ STI Sport Type RA looks exactly like the direction we hoped Subaru would take after our time in the BRZ tS. Instead of chasing big power, Subaru focused on feel, response, braking, and durability for real track use. For enthusiasts outside Japan, it sits firmly in the “forbidden fruit” category, but it also sends an encouraging message. The BRZ platform still has plenty of headroom, and if this is what Subaru is willing to do for its home market, there is every reason to hope some of that magic finds its way into future global special editions.
Lloyd Tobias is a seasoned automotive journalist and passionate enthusiast with over 15 years of experience immersed in the world of cars. Whether it’s exploring the latest advancements in automotive technology or keeping a close pulse on breaking industry news, Lloyd brings a sharp perspective and a deep appreciation for all things automotive. His writing blends technical insight with real-world enthusiasm, making his contributions both informative and engaging for readers who share his love for the drive. When he’s not behind the keyboard or under the hood, Lloyd enjoys test driving the newest models and staying ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving automotive landscape.
