SUBARU UNVEILS TRACK-READY BRZ RA RACING

Subaru's Japanese division has lifted the veil off of the 2013 BRZ RA Racing, a track-ready variant of the boxer-engined sports car.

Visually, the RA Racing model looks essentially the same as a regular BRZ but it comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels and black door handles.  A look under the front bumper reveals that the car is fitted with two air ducts that cool the front brakes, a feature that is not offered on regular BRZ coupes. 

The last race-specific exterior add-on is a set of removable tow hooks which make loading and unloading the car onto a trailer a breeze.

Inside, the RA Racing gains a six-point roll cage with door guards, new floor mats and a FIA-approved four-point harness.  It loses the passenger sun visor.

Subaru has not increased the engine's power output but it has fitted it with an oil cooler that is mounted behind the front air dam.   Likewise, the suspension setup remains untouched.

The RA package adds 31,500 yen to the BRZ's price, a sum that converts to about $350.  At the time of writing Subaru does not plan on offering the BRZ RA in the United States or in Europe.