Subaru Has More Than One Surprise Up Its Sleeve
Japan’s Super Taikyu Fuji 24-Hour Race had its share of surprises. While Akio Toyoda rolled out some wild Toyota Camry concepts, Subaru quietly used the event to hint at several new performance projects of its own.
Subaru kept the cars themselves under wraps, but confirmed that three new manual-transmission models are in the works. The most intriguing is a five-door hatchback that could end up being the brand’s most interesting enthusiast car in a long time.
Subaru announced during a media roundtable at the race, laying out a new strategy to bring its motorsport know-how closer to its production cars. That’s where the new Sports Vehicle Planning Office comes in – a division designed to ensure future Subarus keep their enthusiast edge.
2026年6月6日のスーパー耐久シリーズ2026第3戦 にて
「現在3つのMTモデルを開発中」であることを発表しました！いずれもモータースポーツ活動で培った技術と知見を織り込み、
「もっと気軽に走りを愉しめるクルマ」としてお届けする予定です。続報にどうぞご期待ください！#SUBARU… pic.twitter.com/r8A2f1uVPT
— 株式会社ＳＵＢＡＲＵ (@SUBARU_CORP) June 6, 2026
Three New Manual Cars Are On The Way
According to a report from Kuruma News, the first model on the left is a WRX fitted with a revived TY85 manual gearbox. Subaru explained that the transmission had previously been discontinued but has now been brought back for future applications. The second vehicle in the middle is a Subaru BRZ equipped with a manual transmission, maintaining the coupe shape enthusiasts already know.
The third car is the real wildcard – according to Subaru, it’s an affordable five-door hatchback aimed at giving enthusiasts a practical entry point. Subaru isn’t saying much more for now, so there’s plenty to guess about what it could be.
This teaser comes as Subaru launches its Sports Vehicle Planning Office, which started up in April 2026. CTO Tetsuo Fujinuki pointed out that car development has become so specialized that departments sometimes end up working in silos. The new group is meant to get motorsport and production engineers working more closely together.
That thinking goes beyond just planning new cars. Subaru says lessons from rallying, endurance racing, and the Nürburgring 24 Hours are now shaping how it develops its road cars.
Subaru
Racing Tech Could Shape Subaru’s Future Road Cars
Subaru also gave an update on its Super Taikyu race car program. The HiPerfX platform is moving to a new Ver.II spec for 2026, with a 375-horsepower FA24 turbo boxer making 387 lb-ftof torque. Engineers have worked on making the gearbox tougher, fine-tuned the AWD system, and even tried out plant-based engine oils.
What stands out is the direction Subaru is taking. While most of the industry is chasing electrification and high-tech automatics, Subaru is doubling down on manuals and cars built for enthusiasts. Whether this mystery hatchback turns out to be a nod to the old STI hatches or something completely new, it’s a move worth watching.
Jacob Oliva/Autoblog
