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Subaru Doubles Down on Three Pedals: WRX, BRZ, and a Mystery Hatchback Get Manual Transmissions by 2027

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In an era where dual-clutch gearboxes shift faster than any human ever could and electrification continues its relentless march, Subaru has decided to throw enthusiasts a lifeline. Better yet, it’s a lifeline with three pedals attached.

During a media roundtable at Japan’s Fuji 24 Hours race, Subaru confirmed that three new manual-transmission models are headed for showrooms by 2027. The lineup includes a WRX sedan, a hotter BRZ coupe, and perhaps most intriguingly, an all-new five-door hatchback that promises to carve out its own identity within Subaru’s performance family.

It’s the clearest signal yet that Subaru still sees value in driver engagement, even as much of the industry moves in the opposite direction.

The Return of the Manual WRX

For many enthusiasts, the biggest news is the WRX.

While Subaru recently offered a manual-equipped WRX STI Sport♯ in Japan, that model was limited to just 600 examples distributed through a lottery system. Now the manual is set to return permanently to the WRX range, and Subaru isn’t taking shortcuts.

Rather than using the TY75 gearbox found in the current WRX tS and STI Sport♯, the company is resurrecting the tougher TY85 six-speed manual from the previous-generation WRX STI. Subaru says the transmission was chosen specifically for its durability and reliability, suggesting the engineers expect drivers to use it exactly as intended.

The teaser image accompanying the announcement also reveals a familiar hood scoop, strongly hinting that the WRX will continue to rely on Subaru’s turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer four without any form of electrification. For purists worried about hybrid assistance diluting the WRX formula, that’s welcome news.

A New Hot Hatch Emerges

The most fascinating member of the trio isn’t the WRX or the BRZ—it’s the mysterious five-door hatchback.

Subaru confirmed the newcomer will evolve from the Performance-B STI Concept shown at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show, but company executives suggest it won’t simply be a hatchback version of the WRX.

Chief Technology Officer Tetsuro Fujinuki described the project as an “affordable base car” designed to give Subaru’s enthusiast-minded engineers room to experiment while leveraging existing components and technology. Reading between the lines, that sounds like a recipe for something enthusiasts have been requesting for years: an Impreza-sized hatch infused with WRX hardware.

The concept’s proportions, along with the closely related High Performance X Version II race car, point toward a vehicle that could eventually spawn a full-fledged WRX STI flagship. A turbocharged boxer engine, all-wheel drive, sharper suspension tuning, and more aggressive aerodynamics all seem likely ingredients.

Interestingly, the latest teaser image shows a more restrained body shape than the original concept, lacking its exaggerated wide fenders. That could indicate Subaru is positioning the hatchback as a more accessible enthusiast model before potentially expanding the lineup with even hotter variants.

Whatever form it takes, the company insists the hatchback will bring a personality distinct from both the WRX and BRZ.

The BRZ Gets Sharper

The third manual model may be the least surprising, but it could end up being the most rewarding to drive.

Subaru says a new BRZ “Complete Car” is in development, based on the BRZ STI Sport Type RA that debuted in late 2025. The company promises a lighter, more engaging driving experience, which is exactly what BRZ fans want to hear.

The limited-run Type RA already came equipped with aerodynamic enhancements, ZF dampers, and Brembo brakes, creating one of the most focused versions of Subaru’s rear-drive sports coupe. Unlike that 300-unit special edition, however, the new model appears destined to become a permanent member of the lineup.

Don’t expect a dramatic power increase. Subaru has offered no indication that the turbocharged boxer engine from its BRZ race car will make the leap to the street. Instead, the emphasis appears to be on reducing weight, sharpening chassis responses, and enhancing the connection between driver and machine.

Frankly, that’s probably the right approach.

Subaru’s Enthusiast Revival

All three vehicles will be developed under Subaru’s newly created Sports Vehicle Planning Office, a division tasked with translating lessons learned from the company’s motorsports activities into road-going products.

That mission statement may sound familiar, but Subaru’s actions are speaking louder than its press releases. At a time when manual transmissions are disappearing across the industry, the company is investing resources into not one, but three enthusiast-focused models built around driver involvement.

Whether these cars remain exclusive to Japan is the million-dollar question. Subaru has yet to confirm any export plans, leaving enthusiasts in North America and Europe cautiously optimistic.

Still, the message coming from Fuji Speedway is difficult to ignore: Subaru believes there’s still a place for manual gearboxes, turbocharged boxer engines, and cars designed primarily for people who enjoy driving.

And in 2026, that’s becoming an increasingly rare thing.

Source: Subaru

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Nissan Brings Quantum to CFD

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For decades, the quest for better aerodynamics has been a game of tiny gains and massive computing power. Every crease, vent, and contour on a modern vehicle is painstakingly refined through complex simulations that model how air flows around a car at speed. The process works, but it isn’t exactly quick. Now Nissan believes quantum computing could dramatically accelerate that development cycle.

The Japanese automaker announced that it has successfully demonstrated the use of a quantum computing algorithm for vehicle aerodynamic simulations in collaboration with technology company Quemix Inc. According to Nissan, the research marks the world’s first successful application of a quantum algorithm to automotive aerodynamic analysis, opening the door to simulation times measured in minutes rather than days.

That’s a significant claim. Traditional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analyses often require enormous processing resources, with some aerodynamic simulations taking roughly a full day to complete. Nissan’s research suggests that future quantum-enabled systems could reduce that workload to mere minutes, potentially transforming how engineers develop everything from sports cars to EVs.

Rather than relying solely on a quantum computer, Nissan and Quemix developed a hybrid architecture that combines quantum and classical computing. In this setup, the quantum computer handles the most computationally demanding calculations while a conventional computer performs supporting tasks. The result is a system designed to leverage the strengths of both technologies while minimizing their respective weaknesses.

To validate the concept, the companies conducted aerodynamic simulations involving complex vehicle geometries using a quantum computer simulator. The results reportedly reproduced airflow behavior with a level of accuracy comparable to existing classical computing methods.

The breakthrough addresses a longstanding challenge in the field. Modern aerodynamic analysis frequently relies on techniques such as the Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM), a proven but computationally intensive approach. Previous attempts to apply quantum computing to fluid dynamics have been limited by technical barriers and the difficulty of adapting existing algorithms to quantum hardware. Nissan says its newly developed hybrid method provides a practical pathway around those obstacles.

The implications extend well beyond drag coefficients and wind tunnels. Faster simulations could allow engineers to evaluate more design variations in less time, accelerating development cycles and potentially leading to more efficient vehicles. For electric vehicles in particular, where aerodynamic efficiency directly affects driving range, even small improvements can have a meaningful impact.

The project also reflects Nissan’s broader push toward digital engineering. The company is already investigating quantum computing applications in material science, mobility services, and energy management systems for electric vehicles. Aerodynamic analysis now joins that growing list of potential use cases.

Nissan and Quemix have jointly filed a patent covering the technology, and both companies say they intend to continue developing the system toward real-world implementation. While quantum-powered vehicle design remains some distance from everyday engineering practice, the latest results suggest the technology may be moving from theoretical promise to practical tool.

The next generation of Nissan models probably won’t come with a quantum processor under the hood. But if this research reaches production-level application, the shape of those vehicles may very well have been perfected by one.

Source: Nissan

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Nissan’s New Global Play Starts in China with a Hybrid Pickup and an Electric Sedan

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The Navara Pro Plug-in Hybrid and Primera EV signal a new export strategy as Nissan turns China into a launchpad for its next generation of global products.

For decades, Japanese automakers exported vehicles from home markets to the rest of the world. Nissan is now turning that formula on its head.

At the 10th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS), Nissan officially launched its new “From China” export strategy, revealing two all-new models destined for markets beyond China: the Navara Pro Plug-in Hybrid pickup and the Primera EV sedan. While full technical specifications remain under wraps, the significance of these vehicles extends far beyond their individual product stories.

The unveiling marks the first visible step in Nissan’s plan to leverage China not only as one of the world’s largest automotive markets, but also as a critical development and export hub for future global products.

A New Electrified Chapter for the Navara

Leading the charge is the all-new Navara Pro Plug-in Hybrid, a pickup that aims to blend Nissan’s long-established off-road credentials with electrified performance.

From the first images, the truck adopts a muscular, upright stance that leaves little doubt about its intended mission. The styling is unapologetically tough, with bold surfacing and a commanding presence designed to appeal equally to commercial users and lifestyle-focused buyers.

More importantly, the introduction of a plug-in hybrid powertrain represents a major shift for Nissan’s pickup lineup. As emissions regulations tighten and consumer expectations evolve, electrification is increasingly making its way into segments once considered immune to the trend. The Navara Pro appears to be Nissan’s answer to that reality.

Although power, battery capacity, and electric range figures have yet to be announced, Nissan describes the model as combining its 4×4 heritage with electrified capability—suggesting that efficiency gains won’t come at the expense of utility.

The Primera Name Returns—This Time as an EV

Sharing the spotlight was the all-new Primera EV, reviving one of Nissan’s most recognizable passenger-car nameplates for the electric era.

Gone is the practical family sedan of the 1990s and early 2000s. In its place is a sleek, technology-focused electric sedan designed to compete in a rapidly expanding segment where connectivity and digital experiences are becoming as important as horsepower and handling.

Nissan says the Primera EV emphasizes premium comfort, advanced cabin technology, and enhanced connectivity. The exterior follows contemporary EV design trends, featuring clean surfaces and a streamlined silhouette aimed at maximizing both aerodynamic efficiency and visual sophistication.

While details regarding battery size, driving range, and performance remain undisclosed, the Primera’s positioning suggests Nissan sees it as more than a mainstream commuter. Instead, it appears intended to showcase the company’s next-generation approach to premium electric mobility.

Why China Matters

The real story behind both vehicles may be where they come from.

Nissan confirmed earlier this year that China would play a central role in its future product strategy, serving as both a development center and an export base for vehicles destined for international markets. The Navara Pro Plug-in Hybrid and Primera EV are the first tangible evidence of that plan.

The move reflects the growing influence of China’s automotive industry, which has rapidly become one of the world’s leading sources of EV technology, battery development, software integration, and manufacturing efficiency. For global manufacturers, leveraging those strengths has become increasingly important in the race to remain competitive.

“As a lead market, China plays a dual role for Nissan, both as a strong market in its own right and a critical source of global competitiveness,” said Guillaume Cartier, Nissan’s chief performance officer. “This unveiling signals the beginning of our ‘From China’ export strategy.”

Nissan isn’t simply introducing two new vehicles. It’s introducing a new way of building and exporting them.

The Navara Pro Plug-in Hybrid demonstrates how electrification is reaching even traditionally conservative vehicle categories, while the Primera EV signals Nissan’s intent to compete more aggressively in the global electric sedan market. Together, they represent the opening chapter of a broader product offensive that will see China-developed vehicles reaching customers far beyond Chinese borders.

For Nissan, success will ultimately depend on how competitive these models prove once the specifications are revealed and the vehicles reach showrooms. But one thing is already clear: the company’s next generation of global products won’t necessarily be engineered in Japan first.

Increasingly, they’ll be born in China and exported to the world.

Source: Nissan

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