That Nurburgring NotImpreza? It has 310hp...
Now this is rather confusing. Accompanying the video of a
very racy WRX STIon the 'ring recently was a press release from Subaru saying "Stay tuned for information on the production Type RA". Although 'NBR Special' had been dropped from the production car name - and we still don't have any kind of Nurburgring record, or even lap - expectations were still pretty high. Type RA was introduced to a lot of people through Gran Turismo, the 'Record Attempt' (or is it 'Rally Altered'?) cars always pretty special:
this one in the PH classifieds, for example, looks like an absolute gem.
And what about the Nurburgring chaps?
While this latest STI RA has some interesting upgrades, it is neither significantly beyond a standard nor in a record-breaking spec. There's a carbon roof, carbon spoiler, forged BBS wheels and six-piston front brake calipers, which are all worthwhile tweaks. But with an "estimated" 310hp and "revised third gear ratio", it's not going to be night-and-day different to a standard car. Bilstein dampers and a recalibrated VDC help on the dynamic side, though it still comes across as a little half-baked given the excitement generated by the video. Let's see. 500 are going to be made, with availability and pricing to follow soon.
As if to compound the disappointment, there's the BRZ STI tS. That's 'tuned by STI', which sounds a bit like getting a Heston sandwich from Waitrose; yes, some influence is good, but what you want is the full ice cream pork pie. Or a properly quick BRZ, if you see where we're getting at. Come on Subaru!
Looks fast; goes like a normal BRZ...
As it is this BRZ tS gets an adjustable carbon spoiler, Sachs dampers, additional chassis bracing, Michelin PS4 tyres and Brembo brakes at each corner. Otherwise known as handy modifications to make to handle more power. But, alas, this car is mechanically standard.
To appease the angry mob, this BRZ gets some additional interior Alcantara, contrast stitching and red accents. Probably not going to cut it, Subaru. Still, another BRZ is better than no BRZ, isn't it?
Subaru USA says the BRZ tS offers the "highest level of... pure handling delight", which is certainly a bold claim. Buyers will be able to find out for themselves in the first quarter of 2018, although it looks like being only for those customers in the United States.
