The Subaru WRX STI RA Will Set You Back Nearly $50,000

Like the look of the US-bound WRX STI RA? It's not cheap, and neither is its BRZ tS cousin

We rather like the sound of the WRX STI RA. It revives the legendary ‘Record Attempt’ nameplate, and has been given a cheeky power boost up to 306bhp via a new cold air intake, exhaust and pistons. There’s also a carbonfibre roof, a carbonfibre rear wing, forged BBS wheels with stickier tyres, and fettled suspension.

Plus, unlike a lot of limited-run Subarus it’s not a Japan-only thing - this one’s for the USA. The only trouble is, it’s rather expensive: Subaru has just revealed that you’ll need the best part of $50,000 to snag one of the 500 available.

You’re looking at $48,995 plus a delivery and destination charge of $860. A standard WRX STI meanwhile is $36,095. Is the RA worth the extra? We’ll let you thrash that one out in the comments.

Meanwhile, the BRZ tS - the one that trolled us all into thinking a BRZ STI was about to happen - is yours for $33,495. Again limited to 500 units, the tS has a huge carbonfibre wing among other STI body parts, Sachs springs and dampers, various tweaks to reduce body flex, beefier brakes and lightweight STI wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres.

Both will land at US Subaru dealerships during spring 2018.