Subaru has given WRX loyalists something genuinely worth watching with the reveal of the WRX STI Sport R.
The headline is simple and effective. This is a WRX with a six-speed manual gearbox, a more focused setup and the kind of visual attitude that still matters to the nameplate.
The catch is just as important. For now, this manual version is exclusive to Japan and isn’t planned for the US market.
At a glance
- Subaru has revealed the WRX STI Sport R with a six-speed manual gearbox for Japan.
- It uses the TY85 heavy-duty transmission and revised engine control mapping for a sharper driving feel.
- Pricing is 5,480,000 yen including tax, roughly $34,300, with orders opening on November 19.
A manual WRX for Japan
The WRX STI Sport R marks the return of a manual gearbox to this version of Subaru’s performance sedan, following what Subaru describes as strong customer demand.
Its six-speed transmission is the TY85 unit, a heavy-duty gearbox previously used in the WRX STI.
Subaru says shift play has been reduced by up to 60 percent compared with the earlier setup, which should matter to drivers who care as much about feel as outright pace.
That detail is important because the appeal here isn’t simply nostalgia for a third pedal.
It’s the idea of restoring some mechanical connection to a car that sits in one of the most enthusiast-heavy corners of Subaru’s lineup.
Sharper mapping for the 2.4-litre boxer
The manual gearbox isn’t the only change in the package.
Subaru says the engine control mapping software is derived from its race cars and is designed to sharpen throttle response from the turbocharged 2.4-litre boxer engine.
No additional output figures have been confirmed in the supplied details, so the story here is calibration rather than a claimed power increase.
That distinction matters. A sharper throttle and cleaner shift action can change how a car feels long before the spec sheet changes.
Blue paint, black accents and classic WRX attitude
A social media video shared by @lovecars_jp shows the covers coming off the car in a familiar Subaru blue, with black exterior highlights and a set of alloy wheels.
The WRX STI Sport R also wears a prominent bonnet scoop and a large rear spoiler, two design cues that keep it firmly in WRX territory.
It’s not a subtle look, and it isn’t trying to be.
For buyers in Japan, that combination of manual gearbox, turbo boxer engine and rally-bred visual language is likely the point.
Details & Specifications
| Brand | Subaru |
|---|---|
| Model | WRX STI Sport R |
| Market | Japan |
| Transmission | TY85 six-speed manual |
| Engine | Turbocharged 2.4-litre boxer engine |
| Exterior details | Subaru blue finish, black highlights, bonnet scoop, large rear spoiler, alloy wheels |
| Price | 5,480,000 yen including tax, approximately $34,300 |
| Orders | Open November 19 |
| US availability | Not planned |
The WRX STI Sport R won’t satisfy American buyers hoping for a local manual revival, but for Japan it looks like a clear response to the people who still want their performance sedans with a clutch pedal, a bonnet scoop and a bit of old-school Subaru intent.
