Subaru has announced the results of the purchase lottery for the BRZ STI Sport Type RA, and the numbers speak for themselves: 3,218 entries for 300 cars. The excitement is easy to grasp—this is one of the most thoroughly honed takes on the BRZ, developed with STI for enthusiasts who crave unfiltered driving.

The car starts with the familiar BRZ formula but adds a meticulously balanced 2.4-liter boxer engine. Tighter tolerances for component mass and balance reduce vibration and make the throttle feel sharper. The power unit is assembled with heightened precision—not by hand, but with machine balancing—to deliver impressively even operation.

The suspension deserves its own spotlight. STI retuned the ZF Sachs hardware, increased chassis rigidity, and fitted a cooled limited-slip differential—the kind of technology more often seen in supercars. On track, that combination should translate into consistently strong traction even under heavy loads, the sort of steadiness that builds confidence lap after lap.

Exclusively for the six-speed manual, Rev Sync automatically blips the throttle on downshifts, while Flat Shift enables upshifts without lifting. It effectively brings rally-inspired techniques within reach of regular drivers.

The look matches the brief: STI spoilers, dark accents, and gold Brembos. Inside, it’s restrained and purposeful, with red stitching and a supportive, low-slung seating position. Two versions are offered: STI Sport Type RA (200 units) and Type RA with Rear Spoiler (100 units). Pricing runs from 4,972,000 to 5,478,000 yen.

The BRZ STI Type RA stands out as a rare modern sports car that remains honest, mechanical, and centered on the driver. As electrification gathers pace, that authenticity only becomes more desirable.