Subaru has begun teasing a lighter, track-tuned version of the Subaru WRX STI, the Type RA. So far, we can see that the new variant boasts a carbon-fiber roof and rear spoiler, but we’re most geeked about one other feature: The gold BBS wheels have returned.
The Type RA will sport 19-inch forged wheels in the proper Colin McRae shade. That size is an inch larger than the last STI with gold wheels, the one-and-done 2015 Launch Edition (pictured below).

The Type RA moniker dates back to the first WRX in 1993. Since then, the Japan-spec Rally Applicant has been a hard-core street model intended as a base for racing mods. If the new Type RA is anything like the 2003 model we tested, it’ll be louder. Since Subaru isn’t one for massive power gains, we’ll bet the Type RA will be more of a handling upgrade than an all-out BMW M3 killer.
2018 Subaru WRX and WRX STI: The Rally Warriors Soldier on with Minor Updates
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Short-Take Road Test: 2003 Subaru Impreza WRX STi Type RA Spec C

The video below of a race-prepped Type RA NBR (for Nürburgring) Special splashing through the rain indicates where a production version might head. Subaru is shooting to break the four-door-sedan lap record on the ?Ring this summer.
We won’t know much more until the curtain drops on June 8, but picture an STI with gold wheels, and you’re probably 80 percent of the way there.

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