Subaru Teases Three New Manual Models for 2027, Including New WRX STI
Subaru previews three new cars with manual transmissions: the WRX STI, BRZ, and Impreza hatch.
Subaru has long catered to outdoor enthusiasts with its SUVs and driving enthusiasts with its sporty models, often leaning into outdoorsy and motorsports-inspired special models. During the Fuji 24 Hours race in Japan, the automaker revealed plans for three new models set to offer manual transmissions, including one hatchback. There is a catch, though.
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As first reported by Carscoops, the three covered vehicles are due in 2027, and all three will indeed offer a manual gearbox. Their shapes clearly suggest the WRX sedan, BRZ sports car, and Impreza five-door. Subaru says the trio is meant to make “driving more enjoyable and accessible.” Development will be handled by the Sports Vehicle Planning Office, established in March.
The WRX STI most recently offered a manual in the ultra-limited Sport Sharp for Japan, capped at 600 units. This time, the new manual STI appears less exclusive and will use the TY85 six-speed from the previous-generation WRX STI. That is good news, as it’s a heavy-duty gearbox Subaru says offers “high durability and reliability.”
The BRZ already offers the choice of a manual, but this version is more interesting than simply keeping the stick shift alive. It will be based on the STI Sport Type RA introduced last November, which featured parts developed through Subaru’s Super Taikyu racing efforts, including ZF dampers, Brembo brakes, and improved aerodynamics. It also used 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 version will likely borrow some of those parts, though the engine should remain the standard production unit.
The five-door Impreza is the least exciting of the three. Rather than a hot hatch Impreza STI, Subaru appears to be targeting a cheaper, more accessible trim. Still, it should appeal to Subaru fans by offering an alternative to the Lineartronic CVT.
We reached out to Subaru of America to ask if these models will come to the U.S. The company’s reply: “We’re unable to comment on any potential future vehicles at this time.” That’s not a no, so hope springs eternal.
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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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