Subaru is bringing the heavy-duty TY85 six-speed manual transmission back to its mass-produced WRX lineup in Japan. The company confirmed that this gearbox, previously used in the discontinued WRX STI, will be integrated into a new permanent model variant. Development began in early 2025 after engineers discovered that production lines for the TY85 were still operational at a partner facility.
A dedicated skunkworks team completed the project in one year using a motorsport-inspired development approach. The new WRX variant features engine control mapping derived from Subaru race cars, designed to provide the 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer engine with the throttle response of a naturally aspirated unit. The vehicle is scheduled to debut in the Japanese market in November 2026.
The introduction of this manual WRX will lead to the discontinuation of the current CVT-equipped WRX S4 STI Sport grades in Japan. This model is one of three manual vehicles Subaru plans to launch by 2027, alongside a lightweight BRZ coupe and a new five-door hatchback. While international availability remains unconfirmed, the company has announced a limited 350-unit run of the 2027 WRX GD25 for the US market.
