Image Credit: Subaru.Subaru has just made one of its biggest commitments to performance cars in years. The automaker has established a new Sports Vehicle Planning Office dedicated solely to developing enthusiast-focused models, signaling that manual transmissions and turbocharged engines will remain part of its future despite the industry's shift toward electrification.The announcement came during an interview with Subaru Chief Technical Officer Tetsuro Fujinuki, who outlined the company's newly created Product Innovation Division. The new structure is designed to speed up development while giving performance vehicles their own dedicated planning team.Subaru also revealed the silhouettes of three upcoming sports models, all expected to offer manual transmissions. While the company hasn't officially identified them, the teaser strongly suggests a sedan, a coupe, and a five-door hatchback are in development.AdvertisementAdvertisementFor enthusiasts concerned that tightening emissions regulations would end Subaru's performance legacy, the latest comments suggest the opposite. Thanks to growing hybrid and EV sales, Subaru believes it has greater flexibility to continue building exciting gasoline-powered cars.A New Division Focused Entirely on PerformanceThe biggest news isn't a single new model, but rather how Subaru plans to build them. The newly formed Sports Vehicle Planning Office sits within Subaru's broader Product Innovation Division and is responsible for developing the company's enthusiast-oriented vehicles.According to Fujinuki, the goal is to move away from slower development methods and create cars more efficiently using digital engineering tools."We decided to abandon the old way of doing things," Fujinuki explained during the interview. He said Subaru has significantly accelerated development by relying more heavily on digital processes, allowing engineers to pursue more ambitious projects.AdvertisementAdvertisementThat streamlined approach appears to have helped bring multiple performance vehicles to life simultaneously rather than introducing them one at a time.Three Manual Sports Cars Are on the WayImage Credit: Subaru.Subaru surprised fans by teasing the silhouettes of three upcoming performance models during a Super Taikyu event in Japan. Although the company stopped short of confirming their identities, Fujinuki hinted that the lineup consists of a sedan, a coupe, and a five-door hatchback. Industry speculation points toward a more powerful WRX variant, a hotter BRZ, and a performance-oriented Impreza hatchback.Subaru also confirmed that all three models will offer manual transmissions, reinforcing its commitment to enthusiast drivers at a time when many competitors continue abandoning three-pedal sports cars.The company hasn't announced launch dates or specifications, though the teaser alone represents one of Subaru's most significant performance announcements in recent memory.Bigger Power Could Be Back on the TableSubaru also suggested that future performance models could become considerably more powerful. Fujinuki explained that stricter corporate fuel economy requirements had previously limited how aggressively Subaru could develop high-output turbocharged engines.AdvertisementAdvertisementStrong sales of the company's hybrid and electric vehicles have now helped improve its overall fleet efficiency, creating additional room for enthusiast-focused models.The executive also revealed that Subaru still possesses the manufacturing equipment needed to build its robust TY85 manual transmission. Previously used in high-performance WRX STI models, the gearbox is capable of handling substantially more torque than the company's current CVT.Subaru stopped well short of promising a 400-horsepower road car. However, Fujinuki noted that the company's racing version of the FA24 2.4-liter turbocharged engine already produces well over 350 horsepower, highlighting the engine's performance potential.Performance Will Continue Alongside ElectrificationSubaru isn't abandoning its push toward hybrids and electric vehicles. Instead, the company believes those models can help fund and justify continued investment in enthusiast cars.AdvertisementAdvertisementHybrid models have performed strongly for Subaru, while updated electric vehicles have also exceeded expectations in several markets. According to Fujinuki, that success gives Subaru greater flexibility to continue producing niche performance vehicles without compromising broader emissions targets.The company has also acknowledged that electrified performance vehicles remain part of its long-term plans, although it hasn't shared details about when those models could arrive.For now, Subaru appears focused on keeping internal-combustion performance alive while it still can. With a dedicated performance division, three manual-transmission sports cars already teased, and renewed confidence in its turbocharged engines, the brand is sending a clear message that driving enjoyment will continue to play a central role in its future.If you want more stories like this, follow Guessing Headlights on Yahoo so you don't miss what's coming next.