The Subaru WRX STI will be offered with a manual transmission option next year. Unfortunately, it will be available only in the Japanese domestic market and won’t be coming to the US.
Earlier, Subaru had introduced the limited-edition WRX STI Sport with a manual gearbox. This time, the manual is here to stay due to popular demand. It will be offered as a standard option.
The 2027 WRX STI will use the TY85 gearbox, a heavy-duty unit from the previous generation WRX STI, which was about to be phased out. According to the company, the integration of the TY85 transmission with the new WRX was completed in just a year.
Subaru engineers have also made a few changes to the TY85 gearbox. The engine control mapping software is derived from Subaru race cars and is said to improve the throttle response of the turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer engine. Together, these upgrades aim to make the car more fun to drive.
The manual WRX STI will go on sale in the Japanese market in November 2026.
