The Subaru WRX is bringing a manual transmission back to Japan as a regular production option, giving enthusiasts another chance to buy the sport sedan without entering a lottery. Scheduled to go on sale in November, the new model will retain the engine’s existing output while introducing a stronger six-speed manual transmission that could offer greater tuning potential.
Subaru WRX Manual Returns to the Japanese Market
Japan has long received performance vehicles and special editions that are unavailable in many other markets, including high-performance wagons, rally homologation models, kei cars and minivans. However, the current-generation Subaru WRX has been sold without a manual transmission in its home market.
That changed with the introduction of the STI Sport#, a special-edition WRX that paired a manual gearbox with STI equipment. The model attracted strong interest from Japanese customers who had gone a long time without a manual WRX.
Subaru limited production of the STI Sport# to just 500 units. Buyers had to enter a lottery for a chance to purchase one, and the limited run sold out quickly.
With all 500 examples accounted for, most Japanese customers were left with the continuously variable transmission (CVT) as their only option. Subaru is now preparing to make the manual transmission available on regular WRX models, removing the lottery requirement and the strict production limit.
New Subaru WRX Manual Expected in November
Subaru has announced plans to sell mass-produced WRX models equipped with a manual transmission in Japan, with sales scheduled to begin sometime in November.
The model may be called the WRX STI Sport R. Subaru has described it as a “mass-produced manual transmission model,” indicating that it will become a regular part of the Japanese-market lineup rather than another limited-edition release.
The move follows the strong reception of the STI Sport# and gives customers who missed the opportunity to buy one another way to get a manual-equipped WRX.
Subaru WRX Gets a Stronger TY85 Transmission
The most significant difference between the Japanese-market WRX and models offered elsewhere is not additional engine power. The new version will continue to use the 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer engine, producing 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.
Instead, the key upgrade is the six-speed manual transmission. While the WRX’s standard six-speed manual is known as the TY75, the Japanese version will use the TY85, an older STI transmission designed to withstand higher power outputs.
Subaru has restarted production of the TY85 specifically for this WRX version. Even the limited-edition STI Sport# used the TY75 transmission rather than the stronger TY85.
Stronger Gearbox Could Expand Tuning Potential
The TY85 transmission could make the Japanese-market WRX particularly appealing to tuners. Its greater strength should help enthusiasts pursue higher engine outputs with less concern about whether the gearbox can handle the additional power.
The more robust transmission could also address a limitation associated with the CVT-equipped WRX, giving owners a stronger foundation for engine modifications.
Although the engine’s factory output remains unchanged at 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, the transmission upgrade distinguishes this version from the manual WRX offered in other markets.
Will the Stronger Manual Transmission Reach Other Markets?
The return of the manual WRX to Japan marks a significant change for customers who have had only a CVT option for nearly five years. The new model will restore the choice of a traditional manual transmission while adding the stronger TY85 gearbox.
However, Subaru has not announced whether the TY85 transmission will eventually be offered in WRX models outside Japan. For now, the stronger manual gearbox is a key feature of the Japanese-market version, which is scheduled to begin sales in November.
