Subaru Impreza WRX Type RA GC8
The Subaru Impreza WRX Type RA, built on the first-generation GC8 platform from 1992 to 2000, was the essential Subaru for enthusiasts who prioritized driving purity over comfort. The 'RA' designation stood for 'Record Attempt,' reflecting the car's competition-oriented philosophy and its role as the basis for Subaru's Group A and later Group N rally cars.
The Type RA was stripped of non-essential equipment to reduce weight. Air conditioning, power windows, electric mirrors, and sound insulation were deleted, while lighter glass and a smaller battery further contributed to a significant weight reduction over the standard WRX. The result was a car that weighed approximately 1,200 kg — over 100 kg less than a fully equipped WRX — and this weight difference was immediately felt in every aspect of the driving experience.
The EJ20G turbocharged flat-four engine produced 280 horsepower (again, the Japanese gentleman's agreement figure that was widely believed to understate actual output). In the lighter Type RA body, the engine felt noticeably more urgent than in the standard WRX, with sharper throttle response and stronger acceleration. The close-ratio 5-speed manual gearbox was shared with the STI variant and provided more precise shifting and better spacing between ratios.
The Type RA's AWD system used a viscous coupling center differential that provided straightforward, predictable power distribution. While lacking the sophistication of the STI's DCCD, the viscous system was lighter, simpler, and entirely adequate for the Type RA's intended use as both a road car and a competition platform. Many club-level rally and circuit competitors chose the Type RA over the STI for its lower weight and less complex drivetrain.
The GC8 chassis was compact, light, and remarkably effective. The relatively short wheelbase made the car agile in tight corners, while the flat-four engine's low center of gravity provided a stability advantage over competitors with taller engine configurations. The MacPherson strut front and semi-trailing arm rear suspension was simple but well-tuned, providing good compliance over rough surfaces while maintaining precise control at the limit.
The Type RA's spartan interior was part of its charm. The absence of luxury features meant less to go wrong, less weight to carry, and a more direct connection between driver and machine. The driving experience was raw and unfiltered — road surface imperfections, engine vibrations, and exhaust notes were all transmitted clearly to the driver, creating an involving experience that more insulated cars couldn't match.
The first-generation WRX Type RA represents the beginning of Subaru's performance legend. It was cars like this that Colin McRae drove to victory in the 1995 WRC season, and the connection between the road car and the rally car was closer than in virtually any other manufacturer's lineup.
First-generation GC8 WRX Type RAs are now 25+ years old and subject to the 25-year import rule in the US. Verify the specification through the chassis plate — Type RA should show appropriate trim code. The EJ20G engine is robust but check for turbo wear, head gasket condition, and bottom end bearing health. Rust is the single biggest concern — the GC8 was not well-protected from corrosion, and sills, rear arches, and floor pans are all vulnerable. The lightweight glass and simpler trim mean fewer comfort features to go wrong, but parts for the Type RA-specific items (close-ratio gearbox, lightweight components) are increasingly scarce. Accident history is critical — the light body structure is difficult to repair properly. Unmodified examples command a significant premium.
Built at Subaru's Gunma facility as a lightweight variant of the standard WRX. The Type RA was produced throughout the first-generation Impreza's lifecycle, with 'Version' updates (I through VI) bringing incremental improvements roughly annually. The GC8 chassis was used for Subaru's WRC Group A and later WRC car, with the Type RA serving as the closest road-going equivalent. Japan-market only for the Type RA variant, though standard WRX models were exported to some markets.