New Subaru WRX tS Spec B Brings STI Looks And A Manual To Australia For A$62K
The new flagship trim of the WRX is the closest Australians will get to an STI
- The Subaru WRX tS Spec B is a new addition to the Australian lineup for 2025.
- The model features a 6-speed manual transmission and a 2.4-liter turbo flat-4.
- It is the most expensive WRX, priced at AU$ 61,490 (US$ 38,900) plus on-road costs.
Update 3/6: Subaru has confirmed the specifications and pricing, and they've also released new photos of the flagship variant of the series.
Subaru has unveiled a new addition to the WRX lineup for the Australian market, set to top the range for 2025. The WRX tS Spec B brings a sportier design and, most notably, a 6-speed manual transmission, a feature that's bound to catch the attention of driving enthusiasts.
While the US-spec WRX tS comes with a manual transmission, Australian buyers have only had access to a CVT – until now. The introduction of the tS Spec B changes that, with Subaru aiming to attract "driving purists and enthusiasts."
More: Subaru Kills Entry-Level WRX And Hikes Prices For 2025
Under the hood sits the familiar 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-4 engine, paired with Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. This setup delivers the same 271 hp (202 kW / 275 PS) and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) of torque as the regular WRX tS.
The WRX tS Spec B looks very similar to North America's Spec tS with its quad tailpipes, Recaro seats, and 19-inch alloy wheels finished in matte grey. However, it adds a large rear wing, which is also featured in the Japanese-spec STI Sport trim, and Australia's own WRX Club Spec Edition from last year. Another cool touch is the quad STI Performance Mufflers, included as standard.
Inside, there is a pair of power-adjustable Recaro sports buckets, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with the STI emblem, and the new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster which is a first for an AU-spec WRX.
More importantly, the Spec B rides on electronically adjustable dampers which are controlled by the Drive Mode Select system. It is also equipped with Brembo brakes featuring ventilated and drilled discs with gold calipers.
More: How Much Would You Pay For The Ultimate Subaru STI, The Prodrive P25?
The Subaru WRX tS Spec B is priced at AU$ 61,490 (US$ 38,900) before on-road costs, making it the priciest member of the local lineup, and AU$ 3,500 (US$ 2,200) more expensive than the CVT-equipped WRX tS.
The company has already started accepting orders, with the first deliveries scheduled for April 2025. In Australia, the more focused and manually-equipped WRX trim will go against hot hatchbacks like the Toyota GR Corolla and the Honda Civic Type R.
Earlier this year, Subaru introduced the limited-production WRX STI S210 in Japan, featuring a more powerful 2.4-liter engine with 296 hp (221 kW / 300 PS) and a sharper chassis setup. However, despite being the most potent WRX and coming with all the STI goodies, the S210 is exclusively available with a CVT.