Subaru has confirmed three new manual models arriving by 2027, including a WRX sedan, a special BRZ coupe, and a new five-door hatchback. The reveal came during a media roundtable at the Fuji 24 Hours Race, the third round of the Super Taikyu Series in Japan.
The trio will incorporate the technology and knowledge cultivated through Subaru's motorsports activities, promising to make driving more enjoyable and accessible.
Subaru has handed driving purists in Japan a fresh reason to celebrate with the new manual models. The company's newly established Sports Vehicle Planning Office will develop all three models.
A new five-door hatchback is set to be the production version of the Performance-B STI Concept from the 2025 Japan Mobility Show. Subaru describes the newcomer as an 'affordable base car', one being developed to let car-loving engineers bring their own ideas to life while making use of existing assets.
The WRX sedan will revive the TY85 gearbox of the previous-generation WRX STI, which promises to deliver a more engaging driving experience for enthusiasts. This manual transmission is a nod to Subaru's motorsports heritage and will be used in conjunction with other performance upgrades.
Subaru has confirmed that the new hatchback will have a 'new personality that is different from the WRX and the BRZ'. The company's Chief Technology Officer, Tetsuro Fujinuki, described the upcoming manual hatchback as an 'affordable base car', one being developed to let car-loving engineers bring their own ideas to life.
The new manual transmission will be used in conjunction with other performance upgrades, including a non-electrified boxer engine and upgraded aero. This combination promises to deliver a more engaging driving experience for enthusiasts.
Subaru's return to manual transmissions is a significant development for the brand, offering more control and connection with the vehicle for driving enthusiasts. The company's commitment to performance and driving enjoyment will be evident in these new models.
The return of manual transmissions in Subaru's lineup is a boon for driving enthusiasts, offering more control and connection with the vehicle.
