Subaru marks WRX and BRZ anniversaries with two true enthusiast editions
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Subaru is marking 25 years of the WRX and 15 years of the BRZ in the US with two limited special editions. The WRX GD25 and BRZ ZC15 gain no extra power, but Subaru has spent money where driving enthusiasts value it most: the suspension, brakes, tyres and manual transmissions. Just 650 cars will be built in total.
Subaru of America unveiled the 2027 model-year special editions at Boxerfest in Pennsylvania. GD25 and ZC15 refer to the body codes of the first WRX and BRZ models sold in the US. The WRX arrived there in 2002 and the BRZ in 2012. Subaru will build 350 examples of the WRX GD25 and 300 of the BRZ ZC15.
WRX gets carbon wing from rally car
The WRX GD25 is available exclusively in World Rally Blue, with gold 19-inch wheels. Larger Brembo brakes, Bridgestone Potenza S007 tyres, stiffer springs and revised damper settings make it more than a sticker package.
The most dramatic detail is the STI carbon-fibre swan-neck rear wing, also used by Travis Pastrana's WRX ARA25L rally car. Subaru has added a flexible strut-tower brace to the engine bay. Inside, there are Recaro seats and an STI short-throw shifter.
The 2.4-litre turbocharged boxer engine remains standard, producing 202 kW. All-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission are part of the sole configuration. The lack of a power increase may disappoint on paper, but Subaru has at least improved the components that really matter on a winding road. The regular US WRX uses the same 202 kW engine.
BRZ ZC15 keeps the old-school formula
The BRZ ZC15 takes a more restrained approach to the anniversary. Its Ceramic White bodywork, matte bronze 18-inch wheels and red Brembo brake calipers recall the earlier BRZ tS. The coupe also gets a black rear spoiler, a V-shaped engine-bay brace and STI-tuned suspension.
The naturally aspirated 2.4-litre boxer produces 170 kW and drives the rear wheels only. Subaru offers the ZC15 exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission. That is the same output as the standard BRZ, so the special model focuses on handling and mechanical feel rather than straight-line performance figures.
Europe misses out
Both anniversary editions were created for the US market, and Subaru has not announced European sales. The WRX GD25 will reach customers in summer 2027, while the BRZ ZC15 will arrive early in the year. Subaru will announce prices later.
From a European perspective, the pair is more likely to inspire envy. Subaru's core European range is currently moving towards the Forester, Crosstrek and electric models, while sports cars with a simple powertrain and manual transmission are becoming increasingly rare here. Subaru did bring the second-generation BRZ back to Germany in limited numbers, priced from €38,990, but based on current information the GD25 and ZC15 will not arrive here.
