Limited-Edition 2019 Subaru WRX Raiu Edition Brings the Thunder to Canada

The special-edition WRX has a name derived from the Japanese word for thunderstorm and is powered by a familiar 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that sends power to all four corners. While you may not get the STi's bangin' output of 310 horses, you do get 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of twist at the crank. This Subaru boxer engine is mated exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission.

Besides all the features that the rally-inspired WRX gets, the Raiu Edition sports several exclusive upgrades to enhance its guise. Based on the WRX Sport-tech RS, the Raiu has dynamic visual and performance enhancements like an STi-branded front lip, side sill, and rear side spoilers, as well as a special short-throw shifter.

Completing the upgrades are interior and exterior accents in black, 18-inch alloy wheels painted in a gunmetal finish, and an exclusive Cool Grey Khaki paint job.

It also gets the Sport-tech RS trim's existing features, including Recaro front seats with "Ultrasuede" upholstery for both the front and rear, a seven-inch touchscreen multimedia system with navigation and smartphone mirroring technology such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a nine-speaker Harman Kardon stereo system. On the outside, Jurid front brake pads and red-painted brake calipers help spruce it up a bit to further separate the Raiu Edition from run-of-the-mill Subies.

The 2019 Subaru WRX Raiu Edition is a limited production model as only 100 units will be made, all of which are headed for Canada. Prices start at $40,995 CAD, that’s $31,150 USD roughly, and will be available at Subaru dealers across the northern country soon.