USA - The US gets a limited 500 units each of the Subaru WRX STI Type RA & BRZ tS

Subaru of America, Inc. has announced two new performance models: the 2018 Subaru WRX STI Type RA and 2018 Subaru BRZ tS. Both are performance focused derivatives engineered by Subaru Tecnica International, Inc. specifically for driving enthusiasts. Each vehicle is limited to 500 units and vehicles will arrive at Subaru retailers in early 2018.

WRX STI Type RA

The RA designation stands for “Record Attempt” and has been applied to various Subaru performance models. The original venture took place in 1989 when a competition version Subaru Legacy broke the FIA World Speed Endurance Record by clocking over 62,000 miles in 18 days and set a top speed record of 138 mph. Furthering this spirit of endeavor, a special race model WRX STI Type RA NBR Special will attempt a Nürburgring speed record this summer.

In keeping with this tradition, the 2018 WRX STI Type RA delivers increased performance through weight reduction, suspension and engine upgrades. The new, numbered limited edition model comes standard with a carbon fiber roof panel, the removal of the spare tire, a carbon fiber pedestal wing and lightweight BBS® 19-in. forged alloy wheels shod with 245/35R19 Yokohama Advan Sports tires.

Powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged BOXER engine, the limited edition WRX STI Type RA increases horsepower to an estimated 310hp with the help of an STI-specified new cold air intake and high flow performance exhaust. A retuned ECU and stronger pistons also contribute to the increased engine performance. The six-speed transmission features a revised 3rd gear ratio paired with a short throw shifter. The weight reduction, additional horsepower and revised gearing all contribute to faster acceleration.

Handling has been upgraded with inverted front struts and rear double wishbone suspension all with Bilstein® dampers. A modified multi-mode VDC gives the car better stability control to keep it on its intended path. The Brembo® brake system, with monoblock 6-piston front calipers and dual-piston rear calipers, features an exclusive silver finish and is paired with cross-drilled rotors for better heat dissipation.

The WRX STI Type RA is immediately identified by an exclusive Cherry Blossom Red accent around both the front mesh grille and new rear bumper cover. An STI front underspoiler has also been added for better stability at high speeds. The exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals, a roof-mounted shark fin antenna and STI fender badges now come in a black finish. The rear deck lid displays the WRX STI Type RA badge.

In addition to the eye-catching exterior, the WRX STI Type RA cabin features Recaro® performance design front seats with red bolsters and stitching as well as an embossed STI logo on the head restraints. The signature red stitching and accent trim is visible throughout the cabin. The steering wheel is wrapped in Ultrasuede® for better grip and has a black gloss-finish center spoke insert with STI logo. Push-button start with Keyless Access is also standard equipment. Each of the 500 WRX STI Type RA produced for retail sale has been individually numbered with a plaque mounted on the center console.

BRZ tS

The 2018 BRZ tS (tuned by STI) delivers the highest level of “fun to drive” and “pure handling delight” through greater flexibility, better control and stability.

BRZ is renowned for its ultra-low center of gravity and precision handling, and the new BRZ tS adds STI-tuned front and rear SACHS® dampers and coil springs as well as flexible V-braces in the engine compartment. New draw stiffeners are added to the chassis and sub-frame to improve steering response. 

The BRZ tS is also equipped with 18-in. lightweight STI wheels (the first time that a BRZ has been offered with 18-inch wheels) mounted with 215/40 R 18 Michelin Pilot® Sport 4 tires for superior grip and quicker turn-in. Brembo® brakes at all four corners round-out the package.

The exterior also adds a more aggressive look with an exclusive STI rear carbon fiber spoiler. The spoiler is manually adjustable to fine-tune rear downforce. The addition of STI front, rear and side underspoilers helps control airflow for better traction and stability.

The BRZ tS is also adorned with an exclusive Cherry Blossom Red accent around the front grille and unique rear bumper cover. The rear hatch displays the official BRZ tS badge. The exterior foldable mirrors, roof-mounted shark fin antenna, BRZ and SUBARU badging all have a black finish. Also, the fog lights have been removed and replaced with STI fog light covers.

The cabin features black leather and Alcantara® upholstery with contrasting red stitching and accents throughout the interior, including steering wheel, door and dash panels, knee pads, shifter and emergency brake boots. front seats have red leather bolsters and the seatbacks are embroidered with the tS logo. 

The visor over the gauge cluster is unique to this model, as is the interior door trim. The center console has been updated to a cast black finish. The BRZ tS also comes standard with red front seat belts and a frameless interior rear view mirror.

Both the 2018 WRX STI Type RA and BRZ tS will be available in WR Blue Pearl, Crystal Black Silica and Crystal White Pearl. Both models will be distributed throughout Subaru’s retailer network beginning in the first quarter of 2018.

Exact specifications and pricing will be announced later this year.

Revised Mazda CX-3 range now comes with a better selection of engines and models.

• Revised 13-model Mazda CX-3 range starts from £18,495.
• Limited to 500 cars the 120ps 2WD GT Sport features extra equipment and unique styling additions.
• Updates across the range include Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control technology and improved refinement.

Mazda has announced a flagship GT Sport special edition and technology updates for its successful CX-3 compact SUV. Launched in June 2015, the Mazda CX-3 bought new levels of sophistication, style, driving pleasure and equipment to the growing small SUV market.

The updated Mazda CX-3 builds on this with technology upgrades to both Mazda’s i-ACTIVSENSE safety systems and the SKYACTIV-D diesel engine, while across the board the CX-3 benefits from the introduction of G-Vectoring Control (GVC), subtle suspension revisions and increased sound insulation to ensure improved cabin refinement.

The revised 13-model Mazda CX-3 range features eight 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G petrol models and five SKYACTIV-D 105ps diesels. Offered with either 120ps or 150ps, the 2.0-litre petrol engine accounts for 80 per cent of UK sales. Available in all trims, with both SKYACTIV-MT manual and SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmissions, the 120ps engine with front-wheel drive makes up the bulk of the line-up, while the 150ps engine is matched exclusively to all-wheel drive (AWD).

Joining the 120ps SKYACTIV-G petrol line up, the GT Sport is offered with manual or automatic gearbox and costs £22,895 and £24,095 respectively. Limited to just 500 cars, the GT Sport features the same generous standard equipment tally as the Sport Nav, but adds to the CX-3’s appeal with unique styling cues and high-class interior trim.

With a stand-out aero kit designed to enhance the CX-3’s coupe-like profile and sharp lines, the Mazda CX-3 GT Sport’s front, side and rear skirts with silver inserts, black rear roof spoiler and 18-inch silver alloy wheels give it a uniquely high-end and sporty look. This is complemented by a choice of free-of-charge Ceramic Metallic or Meteor Grey Mica paint, while the premium feel continues inside with Nappa leather and unique GT-Line floor mats.

As before, the SKYACTIV-D 1.5-litre diesel engine completes the engine line up, as with petrol versions, front-wheel drive models make up the majority of the range, although the 105ps SKYACTIV-D Sport Nav AWD is offered with both manual and automatic transmissions. With emissions of just 105g/km the front-wheel drive SKYACTIV-D has an official combined economy of 70.6mpg.

Mazda’s smooth and efficient 1.5-litre SKYACTIV-D engine now features Transient Control, which ensures a more positive throttle response by reducing turbo lag and boosting torque to deliver a petrol-like engine feel. The engine has also benefited from the introduction of Mazda’s Natural Sound

Smoother (NSS) technology, which thanks to a dynamic damper inside the piston pin suppresses resonance from the piston and connecting rod to reduce knock noise during starting and low-speed acceleration.

All models in the revised Mazda CX-3 range feature a new steering wheel, while enhanced cabin refinement across the range is achieved thanks to the adoption of extra sound absorbing material in key areas like the dashboard, tailgate, transmission tunnel and boot. In addition, petrol models now feature a re-tuned engine mounts that reduce resonance entering the cabin.

This improvement in refinement is matched to subtle enhancements to the Mazda CX-3’s already driver-focused dynamics. Slightly altered front and rear damper specifications and new front lower arm rear side bushings improve ride quality, while recalibration of the electric power steering has improved precision and linearity of the steering. Overall, controllability during cornering and straight-line stability has been improved, while at the same time better ride quality and reduced cabin noise have enhanced occupant comfort.

Adding to this dynamic improvement is the introduction of G-Vectoring Control (GVC). Having made its debut on the 2017 Mazda3, GVC is now standard across the Mazda CX-3 range. The first of Mazda’s SKYACTIV-VEHICLE DYNAMICS technologies, GVC varies engine torque to optimise loading on the wheels when cornering to indiscernibly provide more precise handling and improve comfort.

Standard from SE-L Nav trim onwards, Mazda Advanced Smart City Brake Support has been upgraded to include pedestrian detection. With the previous system, obstructions were detected using infrared sensors, however it now uses a forward facing camera so can also detect obstacles. In addition, the upper limit at which the system operates is improved from approximately 19mph to 50mph, and the vehicle collision avoidance speed limit from approximately 12mph to 31mph.

Other new equipment highlights on the upgraded Mazda CX-3 include heated, auto-power folding door mirrors across the range, and on Sport Nav models a heated steering wheel and a colour head-up display. In addition a power adjustment and memory function has been added to the optional half stone leather/half black LUX SUEDE® seats.

“The Mazda CX-3 was the fifth model in our new-generation lineup. We wanted to make a compact crossover SUV that would support customers’ creative lifestyles. The model has been very popular thanks to its unique and stylish design and it was a top-three finalist for the 2016 World Car Design of the Year award. Many people tell us that they bought the CX-3 after falling in love with it at first sight. This update marks ensures the CX-3 will continue to resonate with cutting-edge customers who feel strongly about their cars, as a result we redoubled our efforts to enhance the quality feel of the CX-3”, commented Michio Tomiyama Mazda CX-3 Program Manager.

Mazda CX-3 - Pricing and Specification

Specification

	SE Nav	SE-L Nav
	All Mazda CX-3 models feature the following standard equipment:	SE-L Nav grade adds the following in addition to SE Nav:
Fuel saving technology	i-stop (idling stop start system) Gear shift indicator (manual transmission only)	Drive mode selection (Petrol Auto only)
Exterior	16" Alloy wheels Heated auto power-folding door mirrors with integrated indicator light Halogen daytime running lights Halogen headlights Coming home / leaving home lights	LED front fog lights Rear parking sensors Dusk-sensing lights Privacy glass (rear & rear side windows)
Interior	Black cloth seat trim with grey piping Leather-wrapped steering wheel & gear knob Trip computer Height adjustable driver & passenger seat 60:40 rear split seats Tonneau cover Flexible cargo floor board	Heated front seats
Comfort	Engine start / stop button Front & rear electric windows Cruise control Manual air-conditioning	Rain-sensing front wipers Climate control air-conditioning
Audio	Single CD player with 6 speakers DAB digital radio Steering wheel mounted audio controls Integrated Bluetooth® 7" Colour touch-screen display with MZD-Connect infotainment system Multimedia Commander including separate volume dial Integrated navigation system with 3-years free European map updates USB Connectivity (2 inputs) and Auxiliary (AUX)
Safety	Hill Hold Assist G-Vectoring Control Tyre Pressure Monitoring System Thatcham Cat.1 Alarm & Immobiliser DSC, TCS & Emergency Stop Signalling Front, side & curtain airbags	Advanced Smart City Brake Support Lane Departure Warning System
Options	Mica/Metallic/Pearlescent Paint Soul Red Metallic paint	Mica/Metallic/Pearlescent Paint Soul Red Metallic paint

	Sport Nav	GT Sport
	Sport Nav grade adds the following in addition to SE-L Nav (90ps):	GT Grade adds the following in addition to Sport Nav
Fuel saving technology	i-ELOOP (Brake regeneration system) (AWD Petrol models only)
Exterior	18" Gunmetal machined alloy wheels LED headlights & rear signature lights LED daytime running lights Adaptive Front lighting system Chrome accent for door sills Reversing camera	18" Silver alloy wheels Full aero kit (front, side and rear skirts with silver inserts) Brilliant Black rear roof spoiler
Interior	Half black leatherette seat trim Steering wheel heater	Nappa leather trim
Comfort	Smart keyless entry Colour head-up display Paddle shift (Auto models only)
Audio	Premium Bose® surround sound system 7 Bose® speakers
Safety
Options	Mica/Metallic/Pearlescent Paint Soul Red Metallic paint Half Stone Leather/Half black LUX SUEDE® seat trim with driver power & memory seat* Safety Pack (Adaptive LED headlights, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Smart City Brake Support with Driver Attention Alert, Traffic Sign Recognition)*

*Only available on Petrol Sport Nav models.

Pricing

SKYACTIV-G Petrol	SE Nav			SE-L Nav			Sport Nav			GT Sport
	OTR	CO2	mpg	OTR	CO2	mpg	OTR	CO2	mpg	OTR	CO2	mpg
2.0 120ps 2WD	£18,495	137	47.9	£19,895	137	47.9	£20,895	137	47.9	£22,895	137	47.9
2.0 120ps Auto 2WD				£21,095	136	48.7	£22,095	136	48.7	£24,095	136	48.7
2.0 150ps AWD							£22,895	150	44.1
SKYACTIV-D Diesel	SE Nav			SE-L Nav			Sport Nav			GT Sport
	OTR	CO2	mpg	OTR	CO2	mpg	OTR	CO2	mpg	OTR	CO2	mpg
1.5 105ps 2WD	£19,995	105	70.6	£21,395	105	70.6	£23,395	105	70.6
1.5 105ps AWD							£23,895	123	60.1
1.5 105ps Auto AWD							£25,195	136	54.3