Subaru has launched a teaser campaign for a new WRX with a manual transmission, promising to carry the model’s legacy into its next era. The Japanese automaker has released a single image and scheduled the car’s reveal for November, but it has not yet clarified exactly what will change.
Subaru’s New WRX May Keep the Current Design
The teaser image appears to show the current fifth-generation Subaru WRX, which has been on sale since the 2022 model year. Subaru blurred the rear of the car, but its recognizable sedan shape remains visible, offering no clear indication of a return for the long-rumored WRX hatchback.
Instead, the announcement may point to a transmission upgrade for the existing model. In June, Subaru said it planned to introduce a WRX this year equipped with the heavy-duty TY85 six-speed manual transmission from the previous-generation WRX STI.
The TY85 gearbox is expected to provide improved durability and reliability compared with the lighter TY75 manual transmission used in the current car. The change could also create opportunities for higher-performance versions in the future, potentially including a new STI.
Subaru Also Teased a Manual Hatchback
Subaru previously hinted at a manual hatchback, but described it as an “affordable base car” intended to give its engineers a platform for developing their own ideas using existing assets.
That description does not point to a revival of the WRX hatchback. The car teased for November remains officially unclear, leaving the transmission upgrade as a possible explanation for the new WRX announcement.
Next-Generation Subaru WRX May Take Longer
The current WRX remains known for its driving experience, particularly in WRX tS form, but the generation is aging. Subaru has kept output unchanged at 271 horsepower across the lineup throughout the current generation.
Subaru typically gives its models a five-year shelf life, suggesting the WRX would be approaching the point for a new generation or a major refresh. However, the automaker has confirmed that the current model will remain on sale for 2027, with a limited-edition WRX GD25 joining the lineup.
That makes a completely new or heavily updated WRX for 2027 unlikely based on the current plans.
Subaru’s Future Plans Remain in Flux
Subaru’s next-generation WRX plans remain uncertain as the automaker reassesses its future vehicle strategy. The company had been preparing to expand its electric vehicle efforts and confirmed that it was developing an electric sports car intended to carry the STI legacy forward.
However, softer electric vehicle demand, particularly in North America, could encourage Subaru to keep gasoline-powered models in production for longer.
Europe could follow a different path. Tightening emissions standards are expected to push Subaru toward an electric-only lineup in the region, potentially creating different product strategies across markets.
For now, Subaru’s November reveal is expected to clarify what the new manual WRX brings to the lineup, while the timing and direction of the next-generation model remain uncertain.
