In our latest test drive on the Nissan Skyline 350GT (sedan version) we told you about how manufacturers can change their cars from one model to another and use feedback to improve their cars every time. Today we have another good surprise to share with you.
Remember back in december 2006 we tested for you the Subaru Impreza WRX STI
A-Line, a car targeting the gentlemen drivers worrying about their image as well as the performances of their vehicle.
To be honest with you we simply fell in love with the design of the A-Line(no enormous rear wing)but we were quite disappointed by some sort of general smoothness, unusual on a WRX. Of course Subaru did not shut down its famous engine but worked on enhancing the overall quality feel away from pure performance matters, therefore the car was more comfortable and designed for a "normal" use rather than going for the scratch on a rally stage or on mountain roads. To know more about the A-Line we invite you to browse our website and
check the article dedicated to it.
Ok so despite disappointing performances the A-Line was still a good car...a couple weeks ago Subaru invited us to test drive yet another Impreza version, extremely limited and exclusive...interesting.Then we had to wait 7 days before turning this intriguing invitation into reality and meeting the all new Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C Type RA-R (wow effect inside).
Shame on us for not precising its arrival on Nihoncar.com...actually the only thing that caught my attention was its limited number of 300 cars.
Subaru WRX Type RA-R Test Drive, HDTV
(WMV9HD 720p Direct Download "Right click, Save as…")
Subaru WRX Type RA-R Test Drive, HDTV
(WMV9HD 720p Torrent "Right click, Save as…")
One week later, David (our photographer) and I were "en route" to get one of these jewels made by Subaru. So here we are with the friendly Subaru Team in charge of press relations. They kindly proposed us a little introduction about the RA-R, instead of a very detailled and possibly boring explanation of every bit of the car we'll try to tell you about the philosophy surrounding the machine in a couple words...ok sentences.
This, ladies and gentlemen, is the first affordable race car at its finest(unless a Lotus Exige is what you would consider affordable)it is !
Actually Subaru offers the RA-R as a basis for any driver willing to make a step further into the racing world.Now we are all different and have various needs, Subaru answers with a great customization of its car which is very easy and straight forward making it fit YOUR needs. Thus it has to be said that the "stock" version comes with about anything you would possibly need when you look for performance!
After such a speech my interest in this Impreza RA-R grew up higher than ever and I couldn't wait to step inside, for David it was another story...after all HE would have to hold the camera and DSLR while I would probably be delighted to make my right foot heavy as a brick on the mountain roads of the Izu Skyline !
Who said life was fair ?
Finally getting closer to the Subaru parking lot, right in the middle of Shinjuku ! Finally we will be able to see and enjoy the beauty...and the beast.
From a strictly aesthetic point of view it is almost impossible to distinguish it from an A-Line when you're 20 metres away, both cars are very similar. Once you get close enough the differences start to appear especially the wheels, they give the RA-R a sportier look thanks to some 18 inches rims with POTENZA 235/40R18 RE070. Now we are right next to it, the racing yellow color makes a couple changes stand out, the most noticeable would be the roof scoop and the surprising roof antenna...this one looks as old as old can be, back when the power windows were an option.
Every minute of our contemplation leads to a discovery like for example the total lack of comfort, the most basic trunk ever and the scary noise that the power windows make, like it's about to blow up !
But Subaru warned us, the RA-R wasn't built for cruising, it is a street legal race car in which every element has been prepared or modified to fight against the enemy of the performance : the weight.
The result of this diet is 70kg less than the A-Line and a total weight of 1.390Kg (3.060Lbs).
Once "confortably" seated inside it's time to "enjoy" the 350km to reach our destination, we spare you the details of the japanese highways limited to 70 or 80kmh and the fact that the road was flooded by motorcycles that day.
So, after many hours of speed limit torture we made it to the japanese heaven for the RA-R: the narrow mountain roads of Izu and the Izu Skyline !
Ok, ok ! Enough talk...actually the truth is that I lack words to explain how insane the car is and the sensations felt inside, no, this RA-R is not human, it's a beast and every action on the gas pedal instantly turns into a highly addictive adrenaline boost, the super short gear ratios are butter smooth and work flawlessly like a swiss clock with the little "click" sound that comes with ! The handling is simply outstanding, the car is GLUED to the tarmac and reaching its limits is almost impossible, it would actually require professionnal driver's skills...The machine response is devilish, braking, steering...in reality it is not surprising when you know the quality of the materials and equipments used for this almighty Impreza RA-R.
As usual there comes a time when we have to talk about technical details and specifications but this time we'll be short on the numbers...If you're familiar with the Subaru WRX you know that it comes with 280 nice horses, here we get 320 racing horses out of the legendary EJ20 Boxter motor (2.0L DOHC) offering 432Nm of juicy torque.
280...320...for many of you this does not sound like a big difference but these are the type of numbers that just don't reflect the reality of the RA-R which, in our mind, means much much more.
Finally...all the good things have to end right ? So it's time to finish our story about this Subaru.To be honest, at the question "Would Nihoncar buy this car?" the answer is, despite a bit expensive price for Japan (4 million Yens, 33.550USD, 17.200GBP, 25.550EUR)YES! YES! YES and YES! OF COURSE WE WOULD !
And of course this is not a family car, the AMAZING sound that it makes would scare the kids and have the whole neighborhood hating you and that oil smell when the engine is well warmed up reminds you of recent track days but won't please your wife...no it's not a car to take the family from the kindergarden to Disneyland, it's not comfortable...but for anything else, if you are a car and motorsport enthusiast, the Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C Type RA-R is THE car you need.
Photo By David MICHAUD
Posted on 16/02/07 By G-A.G
