Subaru WRX Club Spec Inspiration Lives On: New Manual WRX tS on the Horizon

Subaru enthusiasts, rejoice! The beloved WRX Club Spec's legacy seems poised for a permanent revival with a new manual variant of the flagship WRX tS trim. This exciting development blends the performance and styling upgrades of the iconic Club Spec with the flagship features of the tS, creating a thrilling addition to the WRX lineup.

Club Spec Meets the tS

The new manual WRX tS draws inspiration from the limited-edition Club Spec, which featured STI-inspired design elements and performance enhancements. Australian homologation documents reveal that this upcoming variant will share key upgrades with the Club Spec, including:

• 19-inch alloy wheels with 245/35 tyres.
• Enhanced braking system: Six-piston front and two-piston rear Brembo calipers paired with larger discs (340x30mm front, 326x30mm rear).
• Tall rear spoiler: A nod to the WRX STI's iconic design, previously seen on the Club Spec.

These changes elevate the tS manual beyond the RS trim while maintaining a focus on driving dynamics and bold aesthetics.

What to Expect Under the Hood

Like its automatic counterpart, the manual tS will be powered by Subaru’s 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder ‘boxer’ engine, delivering 202kW and 350Nm through the brand’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. However, the manual variant will forego the adaptive dampers and drive modes (Comfort, Normal, Sport, Sport+, and Individual) available in the automatic tS.

Despite this, the manual tS is designed to appeal to purists who value a hands-on driving experience over electronic aids.

Premium Features and Pricing

As a flagship model, the tS manual is expected to include a host of convenience features, such as:

• Power-adjustable heated front seats.
• Sunroof.
• Satellite navigation.
• Ambient lighting.
• Front and side parking cameras.
• Rear USB ports.

These amenities distinguish the tS manual from the entry-level Club Spec while delivering a more refined experience.

Pricing and Availability

Although Subaru Australia has yet to confirm official details, pricing for the manual WRX tS is expected to start around $60,590 plus on-road costs. This would make it the second-most expensive WRX ever sold in Australia, trailing only the WRX STI EJ25 Final Edition at $62,440 plus on-roads.

What’s Next?

While Subaru remains tight-lipped, the addition of a manual tS variant signals a commitment to catering to enthusiasts who value both performance and practicality. If the WRX Club Spec is anything to go by, the manual tS promises to deliver thrilling driving dynamics, striking looks, and everyday usability.

Stay tuned for official announcements from Tynan Subaru as we await confirmation of this exciting new chapter in the WRX story.

Credit: Drive.com.au