The Subaru WRX has long been more than just a car. It’s a rolling testament to automotive passion, a machine that has captured the hearts of driving enthusiasts worldwide and defined an entire generation of performance vehicles. From its humble beginnings as a rally-bred special to its current status as a sophisticated performance machine, the WRX has consistently pushed boundaries and exceeded expectations. The current generation, launched in Australia in 2022, marked the end of the full-fat STI variant and the legendary ‘EJ’ engine – a moment that sent shockwaves through the automotive community and left many wondering about the future of Subaru’s performance lineup.
The Context of Change
In 2025, Subaru Australia is set to introduce the WRX AWD tS Spec B, a model designed to “captivate both driving purists and enthusiasts” by taking the WRX to “new heights”. This isn’t just another trim level – it’s a carefully crafted love letter to performance driving, representing Subaru’s commitment to maintaining its performance heritage while embracing modern automotive demands. The Spec B designation, historically reserved for Subaru’s most focused models, signals a return to form for the brand and a renewed emphasis on driver engagement.
Technical Specifications: The Heart of the Beast
Powertrain Fundamentals
The Spec B retains the familiar 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine, producing:
- Power: 202kW of responsive, linear power delivery across the rev range
- Torque: 350Nm of robust, usable torque for real-world performance
- Drivetrain: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with advanced torque vectoring
The boxer engine configuration, a Subaru hallmark, continues to provide a low center of gravity and excellent balance, while the latest turbocharging technology ensures minimal lag and improved efficiency without sacrificing the characteristic Subaru rumble.
The Manual Transmission Comeback
In a historic first, Subaru is pairing a six-speed manual gearbox with the top-spec tS Sport WRX – a variant that was previously only available with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This move speaks directly to the hearts of driving purists who have long mourned the decline of manual transmissions in performance vehicles. The six-speed manual has been specifically tuned for the Spec B, featuring revised gear ratios, a shorter throw, and improved shift feel for more engaging and precise gear changes.
Design and Performance Enhancements
Exterior Highlights
The Spec B brings back several iconic design elements:
- 19-inch matte grey alloy wheels with enhanced structural rigidity and reduced unsprung weight
- STI rear wing, carefully engineered for optimal downforce without excessive drag
- Iconic WR Blue paint job, now with improved depth and durability
- Gold-coloured Brembo brake calipers with upgraded pad compounds and larger rotors
The exterior design strikes a perfect balance between aggressive styling and functional aerodynamics, with each element serving a purpose beyond mere aesthetics. The wider stance and muscular fenders hint at the performance capabilities that lie beneath.
Interior Refinements
Recaro racing seats up front promise to hold enthusiasts firmly in place during spirited driving. It’s a clear signal that this is a car meant to be driven, not just admired. The seats feature enhanced bolstering, premium materials, and manual adjustments to save weight while maintaining comfort for daily use. The cockpit has been thoughtfully designed around the driver, with a performance-oriented layout that puts essential controls within easy reach and provides clear visibility of crucial instrumentation.
Market Positioning and Pricing
Competitive Landscape
The performance car market has evolved significantly, with many manufacturers moving towards electrification and automated driving aids. The WRX TS Spec B stands as a refreshing counterpoint, offering a pure driving experience that emphasizes driver involvement and mechanical connection. This positioning allows it to occupy a unique niche in the market, appealing to both traditional enthusiasts and newer drivers seeking an authentic performance car experience.
The current WRX lineup showcases a carefully structured pricing strategy that reflects the various trim levels and performance capabilities:
- Base manual: $47,490 (before on-roads) – offering exceptional value with core WRX performance features
- Most expensive manual (RS): $52,990 (before on-roads) – delivering enhanced specifications for discerning enthusiasts
Industry analysts anticipate the Spec B to command a notable premium above the current range-topping tS automatic variant, which sits at $59,790 before on-roads. This positioning reflects the model’s exclusive nature and comprehensive performance upgrades.
The Broader Significance
A Nod to Enthusiast Heritage
The discontinuation of the STI in 2022 left an undeniable void in Subaru’s performance lineup, with the top-spec tS sedan emerging as the spiritual successor to the legendary variant. While the tS maintained the WRX’s impressive capabilities, its identical power outputs to standard WRX models and CVT-only configuration left some enthusiasts yearning for more. The introduction of the Spec B represents Subaru’s conscious effort to bridge this gap, offering a more focused driving experience that pays homage to the brand’s performance heritage while embracing modern engineering advances.
Optional Performance Additions
Subaru’s commitment to personalization and performance enhancement is further demonstrated through their offering of STI Performance Mufflers. This approximately $2,500 optional upgrade, available across the entire WRX range, allows owners to customize their driving experience with enhanced acoustics and subtle performance benefits. The carefully engineered exhaust system not only delivers a more aggressive sound signature but also optimizes back pressure for improved engine response.
Unique Market Positioning
A Global Context
The Spec B’s relationship with the New Zealand market’s WRX Todoroki limited edition provides fascinating insight into Subaru’s global performance strategy. These variants share nearly identical specifications and performance enhancements, differing only in their brake caliper coloring – red for one market and gold for another. This approach demonstrates Subaru’s ability to fine-tune their offerings for specific markets while maintaining consistent performance standards across regions.
More Than Just a Car
The 2025 Subaru WRX TS Spec B transcends its role as merely another model variant. It represents a carefully orchestrated fusion of Subaru’s rich performance heritage with contemporary automotive excellence. This special edition serves as a testament to the brand’s unwavering commitment to driving enthusiasm, offering a thoroughly modern interpretation of the classic WRX formula that has captivated drivers for generations.
For the true driving enthusiast, the spirit of performance never dies.
Quick Facts
The essential specifications that define the WRX TS Spec B include:
- Engine: 2.4-litre turbocharged boxer – engineered for optimal power delivery and characteristic Subaru performance
- Transmission: 6-speed manual – precisely tuned for engaging driver interaction
- Power: 202kW – delivering robust, usable performance across the rev range
- Torque: 350Nm – ensuring strong acceleration and responsive driving dynamics
- Unique Features: Brembo brakes for superior stopping power, Recaro seats for optimal driver support, and STI-tuned suspension for enhanced handling precision