Subaru to Offer Six‑Speed Manual WRX in Japan Using STI’s TY85 Gearbox

Subaru's Japanese division has unveiled a teaser for a new WRX that will bring a six‑speed manual gearbox back to the home market for the first time since 2019. The brief website, posted in Japanese, shows only an outline of the car’s front, which matches the current fifth‑generation WRX, and confirms the body remains a sedan, not a hatchback. A 15‑minute video on the page reveals the model will be equipped with Subaru’s TY85 six‑speed manual transmission, the same unit that previously powered the limited‑edition WRX STI. The TY85 is described as more robust and able to handle higher power than the TY75 gearbox used in the U.S. WRX. Subaru had already announced that a WRX with the TY85 would launch later this year, and the Japan teaser suggests the domestic market will receive the upgraded manual before other regions. While the manual has survived in low‑volume models like the BRZ and STI Sport# in Japan, this could mark the return of a mass‑produced manual WRX in the country. Subaru says a full reveal is planned for November, which could hint at a later rollout to the United States if the TY85 proves successful. ## Context Manual transmissions have become rare in Japan due to stricter regulations, making Subaru’s decision to reintroduce a six‑speed manual notable for enthusiasts and for the brand’s performance image.