The Toybaru BR86 has quickly risen to well-deserved cult status amongst petrol heads the world over. It’s the latest move by the Subaru BRZ sibling of the twin-pairing, however, that’s going to entrench the cult status even further. Subaru are releasing a RA Racing (racing specification) edition that they will produce straight from the BRZ assembly line in Japan. The only catch is that it’s a JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) only offering and it won’t be sold anywhere else except in the land of oversteer and the rising sun.
Don’t shed too many tears though, because we can see that the modifications which Subaru apply to their own RA Racing edition BRZ, you could probably undertake in your own shed for half the price. Here’s what Subaru think needs doing to make the ultimate trackday car out of a Subaru BRZ.
The Subaru BRZ RA is given added brake ducts beneath the front fascia, for improved brake cooling (they’re visible just under the front lip); it receives a removable tow hook for when it needs to be towed out of the under growth after you’ve overcooked things; there’s an extra oil cooler behind the grille (on the right-hand side in the above picture) for dealing with the extra heat generated on the track; as well as a Torsen limited-slip differential.
On the inside, the car is given a factory fitted 6-point roll cage and an FIA-approved four-point safety harness for the driver. There’s no radio and manual air conditioning is standard. As you can see, it rolls on 16-inch steel wheels, the presumption from Subaru being that you’ll have dedicated trackday wheels and rubber. We think it’ll be fun to throw the BRZ around on those little steelies as well.
The entire cost of all these racing add-ons increases the BRZ’s price by the equivalent of around R3 000, or US$350. That scuppers the Porsche GT3 idea that lightweight and stripped out has to come at an expensive premium. Although keep in mind that buyers will still need to supply their own wheels and tyres. The Subaru BRZ RA is also designated for a one-make race series in Japan, which will offer an affordable and fun form of motorsport for everyday petrol heads and will go under the banner of the ‘GAZOO Racing 86/BRZ Race Series’.
