subaru confirms it s keeping the manual alive with three new models At a time when manual transmissions are disappearing from showroom floors across the industry, Subaru is moving in the opposite direction. The Japanese automaker has confirmed plans to launch a trio of three-pedal performance cars by 2027, including a WRX sedan, a lightweight BRZ variant, and an all-new hatchback. The announcement was made during a media briefing at the Fuji 24 Hours endurance race in Japan, where Subaru stressed its commited to still building cars that prioritize driver engagement. The three models will be developed by Subaru's newly established Sports Vehicle Planning Office and will draw from the company's racing experiences and lengthy motorspot heritage. subaru confirms it s keeping the manual alive with three new models Perhaps the most interesting of the three upcoming vehicles is a new five-door hatchback. Subaru confirmed the model will be based on the Performance-B STI Concept shown at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show, but stopped short of calling it a WRX STI hatchback. Instead, executives described the car as a new performance-oriented model with its own identity, separate from both the WRX and BRZ. The company views the hatch as an "affordable base car" that will allow Subaru's engineers greater freedom to experiment while leveraging existing components and technologies. Subaru could theoretically combine elements of the Impreza and WRX into a more accessible enthusiast-focused hatchback. Hyundai Boulder Concept: All The Details subaru confirms it s keeping the manual alive with three new models Subaru is also preparing a more serious WRX sedan for enthusiasts who still insist on rowing for themselves. The automaker will replace the WRX's current TY75 transmission with the heavier-duty TY85 gearbox from the previous-generation WRX STI. The stronger transmission has long been loved by enthusiasts, particularly for its integration with Subaru's Driver Controlled Center Differential. The WRX hasn't used DCCD since the STI went out of production, and this could be one of the strongest indications the WRX STI is coming back for 2027. According to Japanese sources, Subaru atually shutdown the production line for the transmission but it has since refurbished the line and reactivated it. Development of the electronically controlled center differential has been pushed back after a critical circuit board went out of production. Subaru's team is in the process of redesigning it and the software it runs. subaru confirms it s keeping the manual alive with three new models The third member of Subaru's enthusiast trio is a new BRZ designed to make the coupe even more enjoyable to drive. Subaru says the model will succeed the limited-production BRZ STI Sport Type RA introduced in Japan last year. That car featured upgraded dampers, Brembo brakes, and aerodynamic enhancements designed to improve handling performance. Subaru hasn't indicated whether the naturally aspirated 2.4-liter boxer engine will receive any extra horsepower, but it's probably unlikely. Enthusiasts hoping for the turbocharged powerplant found in some of Subaru's racing programs may want to calm down. For now, the focus appears to be on reducing weight and sharpening the driving experience. Manual transmissions are becoming increasingly rare, even among performance cars. Most manufacturers are trending towards phasing them out entirely, while the few remaining holdouts warn that tightening emissions regulations and shrinking demand make future development difficult to justify. Whether these models eventually make their way to North America remains unclear. 2026 BMW M2 CS: All the Details
+64 others
