Subaru is working on a WRX with a manual gearbox used in the previous-generation WRX STI.
A hot BRZ based on the STI Sport Type RA is also in the works.
The hatchback is intended to serve as an 'affordable base car.'
The manual gearbox may be past its prime, but some automakers are still trying to keep the stick shift alive. It’s not just BMW with the M cars and Mazda with the Miata holding on to the six-speed DIY transmission; Subaru is also investing time and resources in cars with three pedals. The Japanese company held a press conference over the weekend at Fuji Speedway during an endurance race to preview three new manual-equipped cars.
According to local media, Chief Technology Officer Tetsuro Fujinuki said Subaru has pledged: “We aim to create cars that can be enjoyed more casually.” From left to right, a new WRX variant is on the way with a TY85 transmission borrowed from previous STI models. Whether that means a full-blown WRX STI is planned remains unclear, but whatever this model turns out to be, it appears to take inspiration from the WRX STI Sport# Prototype shown earlier this year.
