Subaru previews three new manual-transmission models: the WRX STI, BRZ, and Impreza hatch.
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Subaru has long appealed to outdoor adventurers with its SUVs and driving enthusiasts with its sporty offerings, frequently embracing outdoorsy and motorsport-inspired special editions. During the Fuji 24 Hours race in Japan, the manufacturer unveiled plans for three upcoming models that will feature manual transmissions, including a hatchback. However, there’s a caveat.
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As initially reported by Carscoops, the three covered vehicles are scheduled for 2027, and all three will indeed come with a manual gearbox. Their silhouettes strongly indicate the WRX sedan, BRZ sports car, and Impreza five-door. Subaru states the trio is designed to make “driving more enjoyable and accessible.” Development will be overseen by the Sports Vehicle Planning Office, which was created in March.
The WRX STI last offered a manual in the extremely limited Sport Sharp for Japan, restricted to 600 units. This time, the new manual STI appears less exclusive and will utilize the TY85 six-speed gearbox from the previous-generation WRX STI. That’s welcome news, as it’s a robust transmission Subaru describes as having “high durability and reliability.”
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The BRZ already offers a manual option, but this version is more intriguing than simply keeping the stick shift alive. It will be based on the STI Sport Type RA introduced last November, which incorporated components developed through Subaru’s Super Taikyu racing efforts, including ZF dampers, Brembo brakes, and enhanced aerodynamics. It also featured a highly tuned FA24 2.4-liter flat-four and was limited to 300 units, with 200 sold with a wing and 100 sold with a simpler decklid spoiler. This new iteration will likely adopt some of those parts, though the engine should remain the standard production unit.
The five-door Impreza is the least thrilling of the three. Rather than a hot hatch Impreza STI, Subaru appears to be aiming for a more affordable, entry-level trim. Still, it should attract Subaru enthusiasts by providing an alternative to the Lineartronic CVT.
We contacted Subaru of America to inquire if these models will reach the U.S. The company’s response: “We’re unable to comment on any potential future vehicles at this time.” That’s not a denial, so hope remains alive.
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Having experience in many forms of the automotive industry, Justin Banner has done more than just write about cars. For more than 15 years, he's had experience working as an automotive service technician—including a stint as a Virginia State Inspector—service advisor, parts sales, and aftermarket parts technical advisor (a fancy way of saying he helped you on the phone when you had trouble fitting your brakes over your aftermarket wheels and the like).
Prior to his tenure as a full-time editor, Justin worked as a freelance writer and photographer for various publications and as an automotive content creator on YouTube. He’s also covered multiple forms of motorsports ranging from Formula Drift, drag racing, and time attack, to NASCAR, short course off-roading, and open desert racing. He's best known for breaking down complex technical concepts so a layperson can more easily understand why technologies, repairs, and parts should matter to them. At MotorTrend, Justin is part of the news team covering breaking news and topics while also working as a judge for MotorTrend Of the Year events and other major comparison tests.
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