2018 Subaru WRX STI Type RA

The 2018 WRX STI Type RA brought carbon-fibre weight reduction, chassis changes and a revised 2.5-litre boxer to a 500-car US allocation. It is distinct from Japan’s 2018 Type RA-R and from the purpose-built Type RA NBR Special record car.

A 2018 US model announced in 2017

Subaru announced the American Type RA in June 2017, with arrival scheduled for early 2018. The public profile uses the 2018 model year while preserving the inventory’s 2017 announcement reference in its audit. The same launch introduced the US BRZ tS, but each model had its own 500-car allocation. Their shared STI development story does not create one shared count or make the rear-drive coupe mechanically equivalent to the AWD sedan.

Subaru: US Type RA and BRZ tS launch

The revised boxer belongs to the US specification

The announcement identifies a 2.5-litre turbo boxer with an exclusive control unit, reinforced pistons, revised intake components and an exclusive exhaust treatment. The later US pricing announcement gives the final model’s engine reference. These changes should be discussed as a factory combination rather than as proof of the output of any current modified car. A Type RA description also needs to avoid importing the smaller Japanese RA-R’s EJ20 specifications into the American vehicle.

Carbon components change the standard STI presentation

A carbon-fibre roof and pedestal wing are prominent factory Type RA features. Their value in the history lies in the coordinated reduction and redistribution of mass described by Subaru, rather than a guessed performance gain from photographs. Carbon parts are also transferable. Inspection should connect the complete car to its original identity, with close documentation of panels, repairs and any replaced aerodynamic pieces rather than treating visible carbon weave as sufficient authentication.

Subaru: US Type RA and BRZ tS launch

Wheels, suspension and brakes complete the package

The factory lists gold 19-inch forged BBS wheels, Bilstein dampers and springs, and Brembo braking hardware with six-piston front and two-piston rear calipers. This turns the car into a coordinated chassis specification rather than an appearance-only edition. Service records help explain the condition of an individual example, especially where wheels, tyres or brake components have been changed. Historical factory equipment and current fitted parts should be described separately in a vehicle file.

Subaru of America: 2018 limited-edition specifications

Separate three easily confused Type RA identities

This profile covers the 500-car American road programme. The Japanese Type RA-R has a different engine, market and programme boundary. The NBR Special is a dedicated record-attempt vehicle, not one of these ordinary customer cars simply fitted with a wing. Keeping the names and contexts explicit makes photographs and technical comparisons more useful. The included image identifies a 2018 Type RA at a later public event rather than establishing its entire ownership or mechanical history.

Specifications and identity reference

Rarity and production scope

The manufacturer announced 500 WRX STI Type RA cars for the United States. The separate 500-car BRZ tS programme, Japan’s Type RA-R and the Type RA NBR Special record vehicle are not additional subsets of this count. This is an attributed allocation reference, not a newly verified completed-production or survivor total. The exact completed-production field remains blank, and the later-event photograph is not a factory chassis ledger.

What the photograph represents

A source-identified 2018 US WRX STI Type RA at a later Caffeine and Carbs event. The rear view illustrates the carbon-wing and Type RA presentation. It is distinct from Japan’s Type RA-R and from the dedicated NBR Special record vehicle.

Related Subaru profiles

• 2018 Subaru WRX STI Type RA-R
• 2019 Subaru WRX STI S209
• 2018 Subaru BRZ tS US Edition

Frequently asked questions

Is Type RA the same car as the Japanese Type RA-R?

No. The US 2018 Type RA uses a different market specification and engine from the Japanese RA-R.

Was the Nürburgring record set by an unmodified customer Type RA?

The named Type RA NBR Special was a dedicated record vehicle and needs to be identified separately.

What is the production-count boundary for this profile?

The manufacturer announced 500 WRX STI Type RA cars for the United States. The separate 500-car BRZ tS programme, Japan’s Type RA-R and the Type RA NBR Special record vehicle are not additional subsets of this count. This is an attributed allocation reference, not a newly verified completed-production or survivor total. The exact completed-production field remains blank, and the later-event photograph is not a factory chassis ledger.

Sources and further reading

1. Subaru: US Type RA and BRZ tS launch
2. Subaru of America: 2018 limited-edition specifications

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.