STI Tinkers with BRZ
When you think about Subarus, your mind automatically conjures up images of the Impreza being driven through some of the toughest rally stages. But with a full-blown WRX STI (Subaru Technica International) model taking a break from production, STI has been in the background, helping come out with some slightly “STI-fied” models in the past few years. The performance division needs a new platform to work on, and it sets its sights on the BRZ.
Drawing on its experience competing in one of Japan’s premier racing series, the Super Taikyu, Subaru’s STI performance department has refined the BRZ to enhance its performance capabilities.
Subaru
Ultimate BRZ Performance
Say hello to the Subaru BRZ STI Sport Type RA (Record Attempt). With the direct connection to STI’s motorport experience, one of the first main highlights is a more balanced engine. The tuning of the FA24 of the BRZ takes inspiration from the balanced nature of the brand’s legendary WRX STI EJ20 boxer engine.
To achieve this balance, STI reduced the weight of the connecting rods and clutch cover by 50%, the flywheel by 67%, and the crankshaft by 80%. While none of these features contribute to an increase in stock power figures (still 235 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque), the engine should feel much more like a race-bred unit, staying vibration-free all the way up to the redline.
Apart from the powertrain updates, two features have been added to enhance performance and driving behavior: Rev Sync and Flat Shift. Rev Sync automatically adjusts the RPM during downshifting the manual gearbox (essentially rev matching), so the driver need not ‘heel-and-toe’ and can focus purely on braking and cornering.
Flat Shift is interesting; it allows the driver to shift gears with the throttle wide open by eliminating the over-revs that occur when depressing the clutch during an upshift. It instead uses the RPMs to optimize the next gear, allowing for smoother and faster acceleration.
It isn’t all about the powertrain; there are also upgrades to the handling, a crucial aspect of all motorports. First additions are the ZF front and rear dampers, tuned to ensure a high level of road contact for each tire, capitalizing on the inherent grip of the tires. Bigger Brembo brakes have been added, along with STI performance parts such as flexible V-bars, a sport exhaust, and newly designed 18-inch forged rims.
Exclusivity and Rarity
Rounding out the performance add-ons are newly integrated cooler fins for the differential case. Lastly, if you would like additional downforce, a dry-carbon wing is available as an option.
As impressive as all these upgrades sound, unfortunately, the Subaru STI Sport Type RA will only be available in its home country of Japan, with 300 units set to go on sale through a lottery system.
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