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

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.