Subaru: the Manual WRX Will Live on, But That’s Probably it

Last month, a report surfaced indicating Subaru was looking to get rid of the manual transmission, as its Lineartronic CVT automatic works better with its various EyeSight active safety features.

Subaru is getting rid of the manual in its vehicles, but the automaker has decided to keep a row-your-own gearbox around in the WRX. Speaking to Australia’s Drive, Subaru North America CEO Tom Doll said the manual will stick around in the performance-minded WRX, but would no longer be offered in mass-market family vehicles like the Forester.

So while Subaru is indeed doubling down on CVTs, enthusiasts probably have nothing to worry about. The only car they might want a manual in, the WRX, will keep one around.

The BRZ sports car is another Subaru product with a manual, and also the only Subaru product that uses a traditional automatic in place of a CVT, but because its future is unknown, it’s hard to say what may be in store for it. Rumors surfaced this week that Toyota and Subaru are working on a next-generation 86 and BRZ, so if they turn out to be true, we imagine the new BRZ would also have a manual transmission available.

The CVT transmission may be taking over at Subaru, but WRX fans have nothing to worry about – their third pedal isn’t going anywhere.

[Source: Drive] Discuss this story on our Subaru WRX Forum.