Subaru WRX Club Spec upgrades tipped to return on permanent variant, STI rear wing and all
01/12/2025 02:00 PM
The bigger brakes, stiffer suspension and STI-inspired looks of the WRX Club Spec are poised to return on a new manual version of the flagship tS trim, seemingly without a limited-edition badge.
The most recent Subaru WRX Club Spec – a 150-example special edition with the rear wing of the iconic WRX STI – looks set to inspire a new, permanent member of the model range.
Australian government homologation documents for the Subaru WRX seen by Drive have been updated to list a new six-speed manual version of the tS grade, the top-of-the-range variant that has until now been automatic-only locally.
But rather than simply bolting in a manual, it appears to bolster the tS automatic’s equipment list with the suspension, brakes, wheels and styling upgrades of the most recent Club Spec edition.
Subaru Australia is yet to confirm plans for the manual WRX tS, but the use of a familiar model name suggest it could become a permanent part of the line-up.
MORE: 2024 Subaru WRX price and specs – Club Spec returns
Compared to the RS below it – and in line with the Club Spec – the tS manual adds 19-inch wheels with 245/35 tyres, six-piston front and two-piston red Brembo brake calipers, and enlarged 340x30mm front and 326x30mm rear discs (up from 316x28mm front and 290x18mm rear).
The homologation documents show the tS manual with the same photo previously used to depict the Club Spec, including its tall rear spoiler inspired by the defunct WRX STI.
It means the manual tS will miss out on the automatic version’s adaptive dampers which – with the exception of the US-market WRX tS – have been limited to latest-generation WRX sedans with the continously-variable transmission (CVT).
Also included with the automatic WRX tS are five drive modes: Comfort, Normal, Sport, Sport+ and Individual. It’s yet to be confirmed if these will be offered with the manual version.
MORE: 2022 Subaru WRX tS sedan video review
There will continue to be no upgrades for the 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder ‘boxer’ engine, which sends 202kW and 350Nm to the road through a symmetrical all-wheel-drive system.
The documents list the tS manual as 1kg heavier than the RS manual – weighing 1522kg – likely due to the weight of its larger wheels and/or rear spoiler.
Where the WRX tS is likely to differ from the Club Spec is in convenience equipment, as whereas the latter is based on the entry-level WRX, the former is a flagship model.
It means features such as power-adjustable heated front seats, a sunroof, satellite navigation, ambient lighting, front and side parking cameras, and rear USB ports.
MORE: Subaru WRX STI revival coming – report
Prices are yet to be confirmed for the manual WRX tS, but the upgrades are expected to come at a cost.
Given the tS automatic starts from $57,990 plus on-road costs, there is a $2500 difference between manual and auto WRX sedans, and the Club Spec was $5100 dearer than the base manual, the WRX tS manual may start from $60,590 before on-roads.
It would make the new variant the second-most expensive WRX ever sold in Australia, behind only the final version of the WRX STI, the EJ25 Final Edition, which was listed for $62,440 plus on-roads.
A Subaru Australia spokesperson told Drive they are “unable to comment on speculation”, and said “any official product announcements will be shared … when available.”
The post Subaru WRX Club Spec upgrades tipped to return on permanent variant, STI rear wing and all appeared first on Drive.
