OYAMA, SHIZUOKA PREFECTURE, November 15, 2026 — Subaru Corp. has unveiled the WRX STI Sport R, a Japan-exclusive sedan that reintroduces a manual transmission to the WRX lineup for the first time since 2019. The model pairs the existing turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer engine with a heavy-duty TY85 six-speed manual gearbox sourced from the discontinued WRX STI, revised to reduce shift play by 60 percent.
STI Transmission Revived From Existing Production Line
The project originated when Subaru discovered the production line for the VA-generation WRX STI’s TY85 gearbox remained functional, according to industry reports. A small development team was tasked with adapting the transmission for the current VB-generation chassis. The resulting unit is stronger than the TY75 manual fitted to the previous limited-run WRX STI Sport# and the US-market WRX tS. Subaru test drivers have stated the heavier-duty gearbox makes a discernible difference in the driving experience.
The transmission also features Rev Sync rev-matching technology, a system inspired by Subaru’s participation in the Super Taikyu endurance racing series. The engine control mapping has been recalibrated using data from the company’s race cars to sharpen throttle response, though peak output remains unchanged at 271 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.
Chassis Upgrades Mirror US-Spec WRX tS
The Sport R adopts the high-grade Brembo braking system used on the WRX tS, including six-piston front calipers, twin-piston rear calipers, and larger cross-drilled ventilated rotors. Electronically adjustable ZF dampers and 19-inch matte gray alloy wheels wrapped in Bridgestone Potenza S007 tires complete the running gear package. The curb weight is listed at 1,560 kg (3,439 lbs), matching the limited-edition STI Sport# and sitting 50 kg (110 lbs) below the CVT-equipped STI Sport variant.
Subaru has also adapted its EyeSight driver-assist suite for manual transmission operation, a feature the company says improves comfort by shortening the response time between pedal input and acceleration. Inside, the cabin receives Ultrasuede upholstery with red stitching, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and an 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen. STI-branded Recaro front seats and a Harman Kardon audio system remain optional extras.
Japan-Only Strategy Targets 330 Units Monthly
The suggested retail price is set at 5.48 million yen (tax included), approximately $34,300 at current exchange rates. That figure undercuts the US-market WRX tS, which starts at $44,995 before destination charges. Subaru has set a monthly sales target of 330 units for the domestic market. Orders open on November 19.
The automaker has confirmed the model is not planned for the US market or other regions. The previous manual WRX offered in Japan was the WRX STI Sport#, a 600-unit lottery allocation that marked the end of three-pedal WRX availability in the country until this reveal.
Sources
- Subaru Unveils New Manual WRX With STI Genetics, But There's One Big Caveat
- Subaru revives new manual transmission model of WRX after seven years
- Subaru reveals manual WRX for 34 grand, orders from Nov 19 – The Supercar Blog
- New Subaru WRX STI Sport R Brings Back The Real STI Manual, Just Not In America – CarScoops
- Subaru Unveils New Manual Transmission Model of WRX
Photo: Elise240SX (CC BY-SA 4.0)
