Subaru has confirmed three new manual transmission models arriving by 2027 for Japanese enthusiasts. The lineup features a refreshed WRX sedan, a lightweight BRZ coupe, and a new five door hatchback. The announcement was made during a media roundtable at the Fuji 24 Hours Race in the Super Taikyu Series.

These vehicles will incorporate technology from the brand’s motorsports efforts to enhance driving enjoyment and accessibility. All three are being developed by Subaru’s new Sports Vehicle Planning Office.

The standout is the affordable five door hatchback, evolving from the Performance B STI Concept at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show. It will offer a distinct character separate from the WRX and BRZ. Chief Technology Officer Tetsuro Fujinuki described it as an affordable base car for engineers to explore ideas using existing platforms. It blends Impreza hatch elements with WRX performance and may underpin a future WRX STI with a non electrified turbocharged boxer engine and enhanced chassis.

The WRX sedan sees the manual gearbox return permanently in 2027, equipped with the robust TY85 transmission from the previous STI generation for superior durability and reliability, instead of the TY75. It is expected to retain the non electrified turbocharged 2.4 litre boxer engine.

The lightweight BRZ complete car builds on the limited STI Sport TYPE RA edition. It promises to be lighter and more enjoyable while becoming a regular offering in the Japanese market, with similar performance upgrades and weight saving measures but no mentioned power increase.

Subaru will announce exact debut timings soon, with initial focus on Japan though global availability is possible.