Subaru had 9,000 reasons to give the WRX an STI manual gearbox
Subaru has unveiled the new WRX STI Sport R in Japan, combining a 202 kW boxer engine, all-wheel drive and the six-speed manual gearbox familiar from the previous-generation WRX STI. The decision follows exceptional buyer interest: the manual version unveiled in the spring, limited to 600 examples, attracted around 9,000 requests from prospective buyers. Unlike its predecessor, the new STI Sport R will become a permanent part of the range.
The legendary TY85 gearbox returns
According to Subaru’s official press release dated 14 November, the company unveiled the new sports saloon at Fuji Speedway during the final round of the Super Taikyu endurance racing series.
At the heart of the STI Sport R is the six-speed TY85 manual gearbox, which Subaru used in earlier range-topping WRX STI models. Compared with the standard WRX gearbox, the TY85 can withstand greater loads and offers a more direct mechanical feel.
Engineers revised the gearshift mechanism, reducing play in the lever by up to 60% compared with the previous-generation WRX.
The gearbox also gains a Rev Sync system, which automatically matches engine speed to the selected gear on downshifts.
202 kW and race-inspired engine management
Under the bonnet is the familiar 2.4-litre FA24 turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine, developing 202 kW and 375 Nm.
Subaru drew on its experience in the Super Taikyu racing series to refine turbocharger boost control and electronic throttle response. The aim is to maintain better readiness to accelerate under partial load and reduce turbo lag.
Peak engine output remains unchanged from the existing Japanese-market WRX. The STI Sport R is therefore not a direct successor to the classic WRX STI, but a more thoroughly driver-focused version of the WRX.
The all-wheel-drive system uses a centre differential with a viscous coupling. The car has a kerb weight of 1,560 kg and average fuel consumption of 10.0 l/100 km under Japan’s WLTC test cycle.
Brembo brakes and electronically controlled ZF suspension
Subaru has also upgraded the chassis. The STI Sport R uses electronically controlled ZF dampers, with settings that can be adjusted according to the driving mode.
Braking is handled by Brembo six-piston front calipers and two-piston rear calipers, paired with drilled brake discs.
The 19-inch wheels are fitted with 245/35 R19 Bridgestone Potenza S007 tyres.
Standard equipment also includes the EyeSight driver assistance system adapted for a manual car, combining stereo cameras with an additional wide-angle camera.
Buyer interest changed Subaru’s plans
In the spring, Subaru launched the WRX STI Sport# special edition in Japan, limited to just 600 examples. Around 9,000 requests from prospective buyers showed that demand for sporty saloons with manual gearboxes had not disappeared.
Order books for the STI Sport R open in Japan on 19 November. The price is 5.48 million yen, or approximately €30,500. Subaru plans to sell 330 cars a month.
The new model is the first of three manual sports cars Subaru is preparing to unveil. An upgraded BRZ and a five-door sports model based on the Performance-B STI concept are expected next.
Europe misses out on the manual WRX
Subaru has no plans to sell the STI Sport R officially in Europe. The brand’s strategy in the region has shifted towards electric urban SUVs, and the WRX has not been part of its regular range for years.
In Japan, the new model will compete primarily with the Toyota GR Corolla and other driver-focused sports cars. Subaru’s strengths remain its powerful boxer engine, permanent all-wheel drive and now a durable manual gearbox.
The STI Sport R’s most important development is not more power, but the restoration of the mechanical connection between driver and car. Subaru has not built a new 300 kW flagship, but responded to buyers’ desire to bring back something much simpler: a proper manual gearbox.
