Subaru Gives Stick Shift Fans Three Reasons to Watch 2027

Manual transmission fans got a rare bit of good news from Subaru. During the Fuji 24 Hours race in Japan, the automaker previewed three upcoming cars due in 2027, and the covered shapes point to a WRX STI, a BRZ, and an Impreza hatchback.

• Subaru previewed three future models that will offer manual transmissions.
• The covered vehicles suggest a WRX sedan, BRZ sports car, and Impreza five door.
• Subaru of America has not confirmed whether any of them will come to the United States.

A Teaser Built Around the Stick Shift

Subaru has long served two kinds of fans. Some like its SUVs and outdoor friendly image. Others come for sporty models with motorsports flavor. This latest teaser speaks straight to the second group.

MotorTrend reports that Subaru revealed plans for three new models during the Fuji 24 Hours race in Japan. The cars are due in 2027, and all three will offer a manual gearbox. Their shapes suggest the WRX sedan, BRZ sports car, and Impreza five door.

Subaru says the trio is meant to make “driving more enjoyable and accessible.” Development will be handled by the Sports Vehicle Planning Office, which was established in March. That gives these 2027 Subaru manual models a clear enthusiast angle, even though many details are still under wraps.

The WRX STI Draws the Loudest Buzz

The biggest name in the teaser is the WRX STI. According to MotorTrend, the WRX STI most recently offered a manual in the Sport Sharp for Japan. That model was capped at 600 units, making it ultra limited.

This new manual STI appears to be less exclusive than that Japan model. MotorTrend also reports that it will use the TY85 six speed manual from the previous generation WRX STI. Subaru says that gearbox offers “high durability and reliability.”

Subaru has not shared output, chassis tuning, pricing, production numbers, or market plans in the source report. So the safe read is simple: Subaru is preparing a manual WRX STI for 2027, and it plans to use a known six speed gearbox from the prior STI generation.

The BRZ Gets a Race Influenced Preview

The BRZ already offers a manual transmission, so its role in this teaser is a little different. This preview is tied to a version based on the STI Sport Type RA, which Subaru introduced last November.

MotorTrend says that earlier STI Sport Type RA featured parts developed through Subaru’s Super Taikyu racing efforts. Those parts included ZF dampers, Brembo brakes, and improved aerodynamics. It also used a highly tuned FA24 2.4 liter flat four engine.

That Type RA was limited to 300 units. Of those, 200 were sold with a wing, while 100 were sold with a simpler decklid spoiler. MotorTrend reports that the new BRZ version will likely borrow some of those parts, though the engine should remain the standard production unit.

That points to a BRZ with a manual transmission and influence from a limited STI Sport Type RA. Full details are still missing, so it is best to wait for Subaru’s next update before assuming the full equipment list.

The Impreza Hatch Brings the Everyday Angle

The third model may be the least dramatic, but it could still matter to Subaru fans. The covered shape points to an Impreza five door, and MotorTrend says Subaru appears to be targeting a cheaper, more accessible trim instead of a hot hatch Impreza STI.

That would give the Impreza a manual alternative to the Lineartronic CVT. For drivers who like a practical hatchback but still want a hands on driving feel, that is the appeal.

Subaru’s “driving more enjoyable and accessible” message fits this model well. The WRX STI and BRZ bring the performance energy, while the Impreza hints at a simpler way to keep three pedal driving in the mix.

Keep an Eye on Subaru’s Next Clues

The big open question is U.S. availability. MotorTrend reached out to Subaru of America, and the company replied, “We’re unable to comment on any potential future vehicles at this time.” That response does not confirm a U.S. launch.

For now, the verified news is that Subaru has teased three manual models due in 2027. The shapes point to a WRX STI, a BRZ, and an Impreza five door. The WRX STI is expected to use the TY85 six speed manual, the BRZ is tied to the STI Sport Type RA, and the Impreza appears aimed at a cheaper, more accessible trim.

There is still plenty Subaru has not said. Specs, pricing, production numbers, and U.S. plans remain unconfirmed based on the source report. Even so, this teaser gives stick shift fans a real reason to watch Subaru closely as 2027 gets nearer.