Subaru Teases A New Manual WRX, But Only For Japan

It's the first of three new cars coming with a clutch pedal.

Subaru WRX manual teaser

Photo by: Subaru

Adrian Padeanu

By: Adrian Padeanu

Oct 23, at 2:32am ET

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Praise be: the stick ain’t dead just yet. Subaru is giving driving enthusiasts a reason to celebrate by bringing back a manual transmission from the previous-generation WRX STI. The Japanese automaker has teased a new version of its sports sedan equipped with the heavy-duty TY85 six-speed gearbox, confirming that the three-pedal WRX will join the regular production lineup in Japan next month.

The announcement matters because Japanese buyers have largely been limited to the WRX S4 with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Subaru recently offered the limited-production WRX STI Sport♯ with a six-speed manual, but only 600 examples were available, and buyers had to win the lottery first to earn the right to buy one.

The upcoming model appears to make the manual transmission a permanent fixture of the Japanese WRX lineup rather than a limited-run special edition. Better yet, Subaru isn't simply bringing back the familiar gearbox found in other versions of the car. It's reviving the more robust TY85 transmission previously used in the old WRX STI.

Subaru Saved The TY85 Manual At The Last Minute

The announcement is accompanied by a development documentary explaining how the company brought the transmission back into production. Interestingly, the TY85 was about to be retired as manufacturers phased out manual gearbox lines amid the industry's shift toward electrification.

The project gained momentum after Subaru discovered that a supplier from a partner factory still had an operational transmission production line. Subaru swiftly assembled a small engineering team in early 2025 and gave it an ambitious deadline: develop the new model in about one year.

Beyond the manual gearbox itself, Subaru also revised the engine control software to sharpen throttle response, aiming to make the turbocharged engine feel more like a naturally aspirated unit. Engineers drew on knowledge from the company's racing programs. At the same time, development drivers reported that the manual gearbox, combined with the current WRX's stiffer chassis, delivers a noticeably different driving experience.

Photo by: Brian Silvestro / Motor1

The 2.4-Liter Boxer Stays

Under the hood, the TY85-equipped WRX is expected to retain Subaru's turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine. The company hasn't confirmed whether the revised engine management adds horsepower or torque, so don't take a power increase for granted.

The current U.S.-spec WRX produces 271 horsepower from its boxer engine, but the Japanese-market version's final specifications remain under wraps. The more immediate draw is the promise of sharper throttle response and a more engaging connection between driver and powertrain.

The automaker hasn't yet revealed the new WRX's full specifications, pricing, or whether it will receive additional suspension, brake, or styling upgrades. For now, the focus is firmly on the gearbox and the effort required to bring it back.

Subaru BRZ STI Sport Type RA

Subaru BRZ STI Sport Type RA

Photos by: Subaru

Subaru Performance-B STI Concept

Subaru Performance-B STI Concept

Photos by: Subaru

Two More Manual Cars Planned

The manual WRX isn't the only new three-pedal Subaru in the pipeline. The Japanese automaker has pledged to launch three manual-equipped models by the end of 2027, with a new BRZ derivative joining the WRX and an affordable five-door hatchback completing the trio. The BRZ will build on last year's limited-run STI Sport Type RA, focusing on weight savings and sharper handling rather than outright power.

Meanwhile, the mysterious hatchback could evolve from the Performance-B STI Concept unveiled in 2025. However, Subaru has described it as an affordable entry-level model and hasn't confirmed it will be a hot hatch.

All three cars are part of the company's effort to make driving more engaging, but it's unclear whether Subaru will offer any outside Japan. Let's hope they plan to bring some of them to the U.S.

Subaru Goes Electric In Europe

Although the boxer engine and even the manual gearbox are alive and well at Subaru, there's a rather ironic twist to this story. Even as the company goes out of its way to keep the three-pedal driving experience alive at home, it's moving in the opposite direction in Europe, where it's transitioning to an electric lineup from 2028.

What do you think?

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Comments

It's a strange contrast for a brand built on horizontally opposed engines and rally-bred performance, but emissions regulations and market realities are forcing its hand.

Enjoy the stick shift while you can, wherever you can, because the future looks very different depending on which side of the world you're on.