Subaru Canada has announced a special limited edition of its WRX model will be offered in Canada next year – the first special edition WRX seen here in 15 years. The Raiu, as it’s called, will differ from the other WRX versions in terms of its esthetics as well as its upgraded performance capabilities.
The word Raiu, in case you’re wondering, is Japanese for thunderstorm - a way for the automaker to make the model’s character and strengths as clear as possible.
Speaking of strengths, the Raiu will benefit from 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque courtesy of the 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo engine under the hood and the 6-speed manual transmission (the only gearbox available, and we’d have been disappointed to see anything else on the menu).
A first look at the 2019 WRX Raiu brings to mind an STI version of the model. The two do share the same front air duct (as well as the same (gear shifter). Black trims both inside and out, grey 18-inch alloy wheels and grey exterior paint scheme are all exclusive to this edition.
The elements come on top of the equipment found in the RS Sport-tech, for example Recaro seats and ultra-suede upholstery all around. Also included are a 7-inch multimedia touchscreen as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and a 9-speaker harmon/kardon audio system.
The front and rear brake calipers are in red.
If you’re a WRX fan and are salivating at ther thought of getting your hands on a Raiu, you had better move fast; only 100 units of the special edition are being made available in Canada. Starting price for the WRX Raiu will be $40,995, and dealerships are expecting it in stock very shortly.