Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C Type RA-R: The Ultimate Rally

The Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C Type RA-R represents the pinnacle of the rally-replica breed. This 2006 Japanese-market special, limited to just 300 units, was engineered by Subaru's motorsport division to be the sharpest tarmac weapon in the company's history, offering a driving experience that arguably surpasses even the legendary 22B.

The Anatomy of an Ultimate Impreza

To build the RA-R, Subaru Tecnica International started with the lightweight, rally-honed Spec C base. Engineers then added an extra 'R' for 'radical' or 'racy.' The transformation was comprehensive. The standard suspension bushings were replaced with pillow-ball joints throughout, eliminating chassis slack. Reinforced dampers, springs, and stabilizers were fitted, and the ride height was lowered over unique 18-inch wheels. At the front, special six-piston Brembo calipers provided immense stopping power.

The car's aesthetic was deliberately understated. Offered in Pure White, WR Rally Blue Mica, and a run of just 50 in Astral Yellow, the RA-R arrived without the towering rear wing typical of STI models. Hagerty notes this was not an oversight but a reflection of its purpose as a precision instrument built for response and grip, not visual theater.

A Powertrain of Motorsport Intensity

At the heart of the RA-R is a hand-balanced and blueprinted 2.0-liter EJ20 engine derived from the limited S204 model. It uses a larger twin-scroll turbocharger and equal-length exhaust headers, which eliminate the traditional Subaru burble. Instead, the engine produces a hard, metallic scream as it revs to an 8000-rpm redline.

The report states this engine delivers 316 horsepower and 318 pound-feet of torque. Unlike some rivals that require extreme commitment to feel special, the RA-R's powertrain is described as infinitely flexible yet utterly intoxicating when pushed. It provides theater at any pace.

The Ownership Proposition

Acquiring an RA-R presents significant hurdles, as it was never officially sold outside Japan. The primary barrier is the 25-year import rule for the United States, meaning otherwise eligible models won't be legal until 2031. Show-and-display exemptions are a complex possibility. For markets like the U.K., where they are already legal, sourcing requires a reputable importer.

Current market values show the RA-R remains a relative bargain compared to its iconic predecessor. Hagerty cites recent evidence of usable cars selling in the U.K. Condition, mileage, originality, and color heavily influence the price. A sharp example, particularly in the rare Astral Yellow, can command a premium. These figures are roughly a third of the cost of a pristine Subaru 22B, which now sits in the $150,000 to $250,000 valuation area.

The report concludes that for those seeking the zenith of analog, mechanical rally replicas, the RA-R demands no apologies. Its combination of rarity, focused engineering, and accessible performance cements its status for enthusiasts in the know.