Three pedals stay central. The 2027 Subaru WRX GD25 and 2027 Subaru BRZ ZC15 celebrate 25 and 15 years of U.S. availability with 650 cars combined, chassis accessories, and anniversary colors. Subaru introduced both at Boxerfest in Pennsylvania.
WRX vs. BRZ: Confirmed Specifications
The driving brief separates them. The WRX channels turbocharged power through all-wheel drive, while the BRZ pairs a naturally aspirated engine with rear-wheel drive. For buyers, that means choosing between a traction-focused sedan and a compact coupe that assigns steering and propulsion to different axles.
| Specification | WRX GD25 | BRZ ZC15 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.4-liter turbo boxer-four | 2.4-liter naturally aspirated boxer-four |
| Output | 271 hp | 228 hp |
| Transmission | Six-speed manual | Six-speed manual |
| Shifter | STI short-throw | STI short-throw |
| U.S. production | 350 cars | 300 cars |
| Delivery target | Summer 2027 | Early 2027 |
The WRX produces 43 more horsepower, roughly 19% above the BRZ. That gap alone tells you little about acceleration: vehicle mass, gearing, tire grip, and launch conditions also shape the result.
Chassis Hardware Drives the Changes
The WRX adds stiffer springs, revised damping, and Bridgestone Potenza S007 tires. Specifically, springs resist suspension movement while dampers control its speed. My engineering take: Subaru targets tighter body control during rapid direction changes.
| Equipment | WRX GD25 | BRZ ZC15 |
|---|---|---|
| Paint | Rally blue | Ceramic White |
| Wheels | Gold, 19-inch diameter (482.6 mm) | Matte bronze |
| Brake calipers | Gold Brembo | Gold Brembo |
| Chassis bracing | Flexible strut-tower bar | Flexible V-bar |
| Rear aero | STI dry-carbon swan-neck wing | Black trunk-lid spoiler |
| Cabin | Recaro seats; Ultrasuede inserts | Leather upholstery; Bordeaux red inserts |
Subaru fits the same wing to Travis Pastrana's ARA25L rally car. The BRZ's white-and-bronze combination recalls the 2020 BRZ tS.
Which Subaru Should You Buy?
Start with your weekly driving needs.
- Choose the WRX if rear-seat access, commuting, and four-door practicality carry as much weight as weekend driving.
- Choose the BRZ if you prioritize rear-drive cornering technique and a compact coupe over passenger convenience.
My buying take: test the WRX on patched pavement before assigning value to its firmer suspension. On either car, check seating comfort and clutch operation during a realistic commute.
Pro-Tip: Ask a Subaru retailer about allocation and deposit terms, then request an itemized quote when pricing arrives. Compare the premium with a regular tS and set a price ceiling before chasing exclusivity.
Subaru plans reservations during 2026 and will announce pricing and detailed specifications closer to launch.
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