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The photos of this blue STi are the first look at the 2018 WRX STi Type RA ("Record Attempt") which will arrive in April, 2018. One of our team photographers, Max Youmans, captured the first four images at a regional meet. The Type RA is part of a pair of extreme performance models produced by Subaru for 2018...the other is the BRZ tS.
Each vehicle is limited to 500 units and vehicles will arrive at Planet Subaru in early 2018.
WRX STI Type RA, limited edition of only 500 units, arriving in early 2018.
WRX STI Type RA
The 2018 WRX STI Type RA delivers increased performance through weight reduction, suspension and engine upgrades and is priced at $48,995 plus $860 for destination and delivery. The new limited edition model comes standard with a carbon fiber roof panel, the removal of the spare tire, a carbon fiber pedestal wing and lightweight BBS® 19-inch forged alloy wheels.
Powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged BOXER engine, the WRX STI Type RA increases horsepower to 310 with the help of a new cold air intake and high flow performance exhaust. A retuned ECU and stronger pistons also contribute to the increased engine performance. The 6-speed manual transmission features a revised 3rd gear ratio and a short-throw shifter. The weight reduction, additional horsepower and revised gearing all contribute to faster acceleration.
Handling for the WRX STI Type RA is upgraded with Bilstein® STI sport-tuned suspension featuring special Bilstein dampers for the inverted-strut front suspension and double wishbone rear suspension. A modified Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system gives the performance sedan enhanced stability control to keep it on its intended path.
The WRX STI Type RA shares Active Torque Vectoring with the other WRX STI models, and all WRX STI models gain a major brake system upgrade for 2018. The Brembo® performance brakes now feature stronger monoblock 6-piston calipers in front, monoblock 2-piston calipers in the rear and larger, cross-drilled rotors all around for better heat dissipation. New brake pads provide greater surface area for improved braking feel and fade resistance. The calipers feature an exclusive silver finish on the WRX STI Type RA.
New for 2018, all WRX STIs feature a revised version of Driver Controlled Center Differential All-Wheel Drive. The DCCD system, which previously used a combination of mechanical and electronic center limited slip differential control, now exclusively uses electronic control for quicker and smoother response.
WRX STI Type RA is immediately identified by an exclusive Cherry Blossom Red accent around both the front mesh grille and new rear bumper cover along with BBS 19-inch forged alloy wheels in gold finish. An STI front underspoiler has also been added for better stability at high speeds. The exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals, a roof-mounted shark fin antenna and STI fender badges now come in a black finish. The rear deck lid displays the Type RA badge. The WRX STI Type RA will be available in WR Blue Pearl, Crystal Black Silica and Crystal White Pearl.
In addition to the eye-catching exterior, the WRX STI Type RA cabin features Recaro® performance design front seats with red bolsters and stitching as well as an embossed STI logo on the head restraints. The signature red stitching and accent trim is visible throughout the cabin. The steering wheel is wrapped in Ultrasuede® for better grip and has a black gloss-finish center spoke insert with STI logo. Push-button start with Keyless Access is also standard equipment. Each of the 500 WRX STI Type RA produced for retail sale has been individually numbered with a plaque mounted on the center console.
The WRX STI Type RA comes standard with the SUBARU STARLINK™ 7.0" Multimedia Plus System that features smartphone integration, Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming as well as an extensive list of STARLINK cloud apps. Also included is SiriusXM® All Access Radio and SiriusXM Travel Link® (subscription required).
Introductory Video:
Highlights:

- Revised front styling for a more aggressive look
- Suspension optimized for better handling and ride comfort
- New 19-inch wheels, upgraded Brembo® brakes and revised DCCD All-Wheel Drive
- New available Recaro® power seats
- Performance Package option for WRX models
- New EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology safety features
- Upgraded interior materials and quieter cabin
- Optional steering responsive headlights
- Output from award-winning engines remains the sameÂ
- WRX and STi available as sedan only...no hatchback available
 ![]() | A new optional Performance Package for the WRX Premium features Recaro 8-way power seats, red-painted brake calipers and upgraded JURID brake pads, and deletes the moonroof to reduce weight. |
 ![]() | The WRX features new front and rear suspension tuning for improved
steering stability and ride comfort, while retaining the car's high
cornering performance capability. Subaru significantly enhanced shifter
feel for the 6-speed manual transmission, with a new synchro design and
reduced friction, along with smoother clutch take-up. The WRX electric
power steering (EPS) was revised to provide an even smoother, more
natural feel, while integrating the steering motor and electronic
control unit reduces weight.  The standard 18-inch
wheels feature a bold new double-spoke design. |
 ![]() | With its 268-hp, 2.0-liter direct injection turbocharged BOXER engine, Symmetrical All Wheel Drive and Active Torque Vectoring, the rally-bred WRX is a performance and value benchmark in the high-performance AWD sport-compact segment. The WRX comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission and offers an optional performance automatic transmission, the Sport Lineartronic® CVT with manual mode. |
 ![]() |  A restyled front fascia WRX and WRX STI shows a sportier attitude, highlighted by a more pronounced grille design, along with a larger lower grille opening. The WRX Limited and all STI feature redesigned LED Steering Responsive Headlights that help illuminate curves in nighttime driving. For greater versatility, all WRX and STI models now feature new roof rack mounting brackets. |
 ![]()  | The everyday usability that has contributed to WRX and STI popularity
gets even better for 2018. All models feature upgraded interior
materials, rear seat armrest with cup holders, redesigned interior door
grips and faster remote trunk opening. Â New measures that reduce unwanted noise include thicker door glass, revised door sealing and a foam-filled windshield header beam. WRX Limited models feature power driver's seat lumbar adjustment. The standard WRX adds heated exterior mirrors (already standard on others), while the WRX Premium upgrades to a SUBARU STARLINKâ„¢ 7.0" multimedia unit from the previous STARLINK 6.2" unit. |
 ![]() | The STi's DCCD system, which previously used a combination of mechanical and electronic center limited slip differential control, now uses electronic control for quicker and smoother response. |
 ![]() | 2018 STi Interior shown. Powered by a 305-hp 2.5-liter turbocharged BOXER engine, the WRX STI brings rally-bred performance technology to the road with Multi-Mode Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Standard handling technologies include Active Torque Vectoring and Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control. |
 ![]() | A comprehensive handling enhancement for the 2018 STI includes the revised suspension tuning as featured on the WRX, plus a revised DCCD AWD system, significantly upgraded brakes and this model's first-ever 19-inch wheels. The 19-inch alloy wheels feature a striking Y-shaped spoke design and carry 245/35R19 tires that help raise cornering performance while giving the STI an even more aggressive stance. The yellow-painted brake calipers identify a significantly upgraded Brembo Performance Brake System that now uses stronger monoblock 6-piston calipers in front, monoblock 2-piston calipers in the rear and larger, drilled rotors all around for better heat dissipation. New brake pads provide significantly greater surface area for improved braking feel and fade resistance. |
 ![]() | A new, larger high-definition multi-function display (5.9-inch vs. 4.3-inch before) makes it easier to see vehicle functions at a glance. |
 ![]() | Subaru revised the front structure of the WRX and WRX STI for enhanced frontal collision performance. The WRX Limited, when equipped with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology now features Vehicle Hold (AVH), and a new EyeSight Assist Monitor (EAM). The EAM uses LED indicators to display EyeSight status and alerts on the windshield, allowing the driver to see them without diverting eyes from the road ahead. The AVH feature replaces the Hill Holder and Hill Start Assist functions and offers greater functionality, holding the vehicle on all road grades, not only inclines. For example, AVH can help reduce driver fatigue by holding the car at traffic lights, and then can seamlessly transition to acceleration. |
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Take a deep dive into the 2018 WRX and STi:
With its 268-hp, 2.0-liter direct injection turbocharged BOXER engine, Symmetrical All Wheel Drive and Active Torque Vectoring, the rally-bred WRX is a performance and value benchmark in the high-performance AWD sport-compact segment. The WRX comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission and offers an optional performance automatic transmission, the Sport Lineartronic® CVT with manual mode. Standard trim 2018 WRX models begin at $26,995.
The 2018 WRX debuts a more aggressive front-end design with a larger lower grille opening. The WRX features new front and rear suspension tuning for improved steering stability and ride comfort, while retaining the car's high cornering performance capability. Subaru significantly enhanced shifter feel for the 6-speed manual transmission, with a new synchro design and reduced friction, along with smoother clutch take-up. The WRX electric power steering (EPS) was revised to provide an even smoother, more natural feel, while integrating the steering motor and electronic control unit reduces weight.
New measures that reduce unwanted noise include thicker door glass, revised door sealing and a foam-filled windshield header beam. A new, larger high-definition multi-function display (5.9-inch vs. 4.3-inch before) makes it easier to see vehicle functions at a glance. The standard WRX adds heated exterior mirrors (already standard on others), while the WRX Premium upgrades to a SUBARU STARLINKâ„¢ 7.0" multimedia audio unit from the previous STARLINK 6.2" unit.
Additional upgrades on all models are a new sport design instrument cluster with color LCD display, power window with off delay on front driver and passenger windows, and dual rear seat armrest cupholders. Premium trim WRX models receive new 18-inch alloy wheels. The Premium trim models are well-priced from $29,295.
A new optional Performance Package for the WRX Premium features Recaro® performance design 8-way power front driver seat, red-painted front and rear brake calipers with upgraded JURID® brake pads, and deletes the moonroof to reduce weight. The Performance Package is competitively price at $2,050 and offered exclusively on 6-speed manual transmission WRX Premium.
Priced from $31,595, the WRX Limited comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission. A Sport Lineatronic® CVT with steering wheel paddle shift controls is also available. WRX Limited models now feature 10-way power driver seat with power lumbar adjustment. The WRX Limited has redesigned LED Steering Responsive Headlights as well as LED fog lights help improve nighttime visibility. A navigation package including Harman/Kardon® audio and Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert is optional on WRX Limited 6MT models for $2,100.
Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is available on WRX Limited with CVT. Updated for 2018, EyeSight now features Auto Vehicle Hold (AVH), and a new EyeSight Assist Monitor (EAM). The EAM uses LED indicators to display EyeSight status and alerts on the windshield, allowing the driver to see them without diverting eyes from the road. The AVH feature replaces the Hill Holder and Hill Start Assist functions and offers greater functionality, holding the vehicle on all road grades, not only inclines. The suite of EyeSight safety technologies plus navigation is available for $3,300.
In addition to Keyless Access with Push Button Start and Pin Code Access, the Limited offers automatic LED low and high beam height adjustment control and auto on/off windshield wiper operation when headlights are in automatic mode. A new High Beam Assist system automatically switches between high and low beams and is standard with EyeSight.
WRX STI for 2018
Powered by a 305-hp 2.5-liter turbocharged BOXER engine, the WRX STI brings rally-bred performance technology to the road with Multi-Mode Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Standard handling technologies include Active Torque Vectoring and Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control.
Comprehensive handling improvements for the 2018 WRX STI include the revised suspension tuning as featured on the WRX, plus a revised DCCD AWD system, significantly upgraded brakes and this model's first-ever 19-inch wheels. The DCCD system, which previously used a combination of mechanical and electronic center limited slip differential control, now uses electronic control for quicker and smoother response. The 19-inch alloy wheels feature a striking Y-shaped spoke design and carry 245/35R19 tires that help raise cornering performance while giving the WRX STI an even more aggressive stance. The 2018 WRX STI pricing begins at $36,095.
The yellow-painted brake calipers identify a significantly upgraded Brembo® Performance Brake System that now uses stronger monoblock 6-piston calipers in front, monoblock 2-piston calipers in the rear and larger, drilled rotors all around for better heat dissipation. New brake pads provide significantly greater surface area for improved braking feel and fade resistance.
Addiitonal highlights to the updated WRX STI include an STI Sport Design instrument cluster with LCD, Steering Responsive Headlights (SRH), auto on/off windshield wipers and Welcome Lighting. Also, new to WRX STI is auto LED low and high beam height adjustment control.
The everyday usability that has contributed the WRX STI's popularity gets even better for 2018. All models feature upgraded interior materials, rear seat armrest with cup holders, redesigned interior door grips and faster remote trunk opening. The WRX STI also offers Recaro® seats (standard on STI Limited, optional for standard trim). For greater versatility, all WRX and WRX STI models now feature new roof rack mounting brackets.
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2018 SUBARU WRX AND WRX STI |
||||
Model/Trim |
Transmission |
Applicable Option Code |
MSRP |
MSRP + destination and delivery |
WRX MODELS |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Standard WRX |
6MT |
'01 |
$26,995 |
$27,855 |
WRX Premium |
6MT |
11, 12 |
$29,295 |
$30,155 |
WRX Premium |
CVT |
11 |
$30,495 |
$31,355 |
WRX Limited |
6MT |
21, 22 |
$31,595 |
$32,455 |
WRX Limited |
CVT |
21, 23 |
$32,795 |
$33,655 |
WRX STI MODELS |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Standard WRX STI |
6MT |
'02 '03 |
$36,095 |
$36,955 |
WRX STI Limited- Wing |
6MT |
21 |
$40,895 |
$41,755 |
WRX STI- Low Profile Trunk Spoiler |
6MT |
21 |
$40,895 |
$41,755 |
Destination & Delivery is $860 and may vary in the following states: CT, HI, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI and VT. D&D is $1,010 for dealers in Alaska.
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or place a factory order
or place a factory order
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Would
you like to learn about the changes, revisions, improvements and
release date of the 2018 WRX and 2018 STi. For residents of Brockton,
Fall River, Boston, and all over Massachusetts, you've come to the right
place.Â