Subaru WRX and BRZ 2027 special editions: debut date and expected changes

© subaru.jp

Subaru has set September 27 for the premiere of two limited 2027-model-year versions of the WRX and BRZ aimed at enthusiasts. So far, there is only one major clue: the WRX teaser shows a large carbon-fiber rear wing. That is why it is still too early to treat the car as the return of a full WRX STI — the manufacturer has not disclosed the output, transmission or the extent of the chassis upgrades.

The current WRX tS already has a serious foundation: a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer engine producing 271 hp and 350 Nm, all-wheel drive, electronically controlled dampers with STI tuning, Brembo brakes and 19-inch wheels. Autoevolution links the new version to the tS, but the image alone does not confirm either a more powerful engine or the use of the stronger TY85 manual transmission.

The BRZ carries a similar mystery. The current BRZ tS keeps its naturally aspirated 2.4-liter engine with 228 hp and 250 Nm, rear-wheel drive and a six-speed manual, while most of the changes focus on the suspension and brakes. Japan already has the more serious BRZ STI Sport Type RA with a specially balanced engine, ZF dampers and STI BBS wheels, but Subaru has not confirmed that these components will be transferred to the U.S. special edition.

That means the important things to watch at the premiere are not the rear wing and badges, but four technical details: whether output changes, whether a different transmission appears, whether the brakes and suspension are upgraded, and how limited the production run will be. If the hardware stays at the level of the current tS models, this will more likely be a rarer factory version focused on chassis tuning and appearance than a full return of the WRX STI.

Both cars will be shown at Boxerfest in York, Pennsylvania, on September 27. Until then, any claims about a new STI or a power increase remain speculation.