2018 Subaru WRX STI Type RA-R
Explore the Subaru WRX STI Type RA-R: history, verified identity, specification references, rarity evidence and real credited photos.
The 2018 WRX STI Type RA-R concentrated STI’s Japanese complete-car approach on reduced mass and a 329 PS EJ20. Its 500-car programme is distinct from the American Type RA, with a different engine specification and its own place in STI’s anniversary-era development.
The RA-R name needs its year and market
STI’s heritage record identifies the Japanese 2018 Type RA-R and gives a 500-unit reference. The name also appeared on an earlier Impreza-generation car, so an unqualified RA-R photograph or specification can be misleading. This profile concerns the later VAB-based vehicle. It also remains separate from the American 2018 Type RA, whose 2.5-litre engine and carbon components belong to a different market programme despite the closely related designation.
STI: 2018 WRX STI Type RA-R heritage and specification
The EJ20 supplies a precise technical identity
The factory specification lists the 1,994 cc turbocharged EJ20 at 242 kW or 329 PS, with 432 Nm of torque and a six-speed manual. Retaining the source’s PS unit avoids pretending that every published horsepower convention is identical. These are original factory references. Current output depends on the condition and calibration of an individual car, so engine rebuilds, tuning and replacement parts need their own documentation rather than an assumption based on the model badge.
Weight reduction defines the programme’s emphasis
STI lists a 1,480 kg reference and describes reductions of around 30 kg against S207 and S208, and around 10 kg against the base model. Those are attributed factory comparisons at their stated scope, not independent measurements of every configuration. The useful engineering point is the balance between power and mass. Different fuel loads, accessories and later modifications can change a real car’s measured weight, so an inspection should not demand an identical scale result without matching conditions.
STI: 2018 WRX STI Type RA-R heritage and specification
Tyres and braking complete the road specification
The heritage account identifies Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tyres and Brembo braking equipment with high-friction pads. Those details help distinguish the coordinated road-car package from a simple cosmetic tribute. Tyres and pads are service items, making current brands and date codes part of the individual vehicle’s record. Factory specification explains what the programme intended; inspection and invoices explain what is actually fitted and how it has been maintained.
STI: 2018 WRX STI Type RA-R heritage and specification
A correct image avoids the earlier RA-R confusion
The supplied Subaru image comes from the factory’s July 2018 WRX STI Type RA-R collection, rather than an older Impreza or a US Type RA. It illustrates the named programme and retains Subaru’s editorial-use restrictions. Authentication of a customer example still requires the original chassis and sales records, supported by the correct complete-model specification. Visible STI parts or an RA-R emblem alone cannot establish that a car belongs to the 500-car Japanese programme.
Specifications and identity reference
| Reference year / market | 2018 / Japan |
|---|---|
| Programme reference | 500 cars |
| Engine | EJ20; 1,994 cc turbo boxer four |
| Factory output | 242 kW / 329 PS; 432 Nm |
| Transmission | Six-speed manual |
| Factory mass reference | 1,480 kg |
Rarity and production scope
STI records a 500-car Japanese 2018 Type RA-R programme. The earlier RA-R and the American 2018 Type RA are separate identities and are not included in that reference. The number is attributed to the manufacturer, with exact completed production left blank rather than presented as a new chassis audit. The factory photograph is correctly dated to this programme and supplied under Subaru’s editorial image terms, not a Creative Commons licence.
What the photograph represents
Factory-supplied 2018 WRX STI Type RA-R image, from Subaru’s July 2018 RA-R collection. It shows the correct VAB-era programme in a garage setting, not the earlier Impreza RA-R or the US Type RA. Supplied image treatment is retained unchanged.
Related Subaru profiles
Frequently asked questions
Is this the 2006 RA-R?
No. The profile covers the separately documented 2018 VAB-based Japanese Type RA-R.
Is the US Type RA part of the same 500 cars?
No. It is a different US-market programme with a 2.5-litre engine specification.
What is the production-count boundary for this profile?
STI records a 500-car Japanese 2018 Type RA-R programme. The earlier RA-R and the American 2018 Type RA are separate identities and are not included in that reference. The number is attributed to the manufacturer, with exact completed production left blank rather than presented as a new chassis audit. The factory photograph is correctly dated to this programme and supplied under Subaru’s editorial image terms, not a Creative Commons licence.
Sources and further reading
Research checked 19 October 2026. Linked manufacturer heritage pages, factory announcements, official distributor publications and labelled contemporary coverage support the specifically identified claims. Photographic descriptions identify the illustrated subject. Design analysis and suggested authentication steps are editorial interpretation.
Built in limited numbers
STI records a 500-car Japanese 2018 Type RA-R programme. The earlier RA-R and the American 2018 Type RA are separate identities and are not included in that reference. The number is attributed to the manufacturer, with exact completed production left blank rather than presented as a new chassis audit. The factory photograph is correctly dated to this programme and supplied under Subaru’s editorial image terms, not a Creative Commons licence.
Gallery
Specifications
Factory specifications may vary by model year, market and configuration.
Identity & production
- Official model
- Subaru WRX STI Type RA-R
Sources and verification
Source citations are being prepared for this profile.
