Subaru WRX GD25 (2027): A 25-Year Rally Tribute

A Quarter Century of WRX Heritage

Few names carry as much weight in Subaru’s performance history as the WRX, a model whose identity has been shaped by rally competition, all-wheel-drive traction and a devoted enthusiast following. For 2027, Subaru is celebrating 25 years of the WRX in the North American market with the limited-production WRX GD25, an anniversary edition that deliberately looks back to the chassis code of the first-generation model introduced there in 2002. Rather than attempting to reinvent the WRX, Subaru has focused on strengthening its connection with the brand’s rally heritage through distinctive styling, chassis enhancements and components sourced from Subaru Tecnica International. Production will be restricted to just 350 examples, making the GD25 one of the more exclusive modern WRX variants.

Classic WRX Colours Meet Modern Aerodynamics

Visually, the WRX GD25 embraces one of the most recognisable combinations in Subaru history: World Rally Blue paint contrasted with gold wheels. Every example will be finished exclusively in World Rally Blue and fitted with gold-finish 19-inch alloy wheels, giving the sedan an unmistakable rally-inspired appearance. The defining feature, however, is the large STI-designed dry carbon-fibre swan-neck rear wing. The component is derived from the wing used on Travis Pastrana’s championship-winning Subaru WRX ARA25L rally car, bringing a direct motorsport connection to the road-going anniversary model. Subaru says the aerodynamic development is intended to provide additional downforce and stability, while a front strut tower bar further increases rigidity at the front of the chassis.

Turbocharged Boxer Power and Symmetrical AWD

Underneath the heritage-inspired bodywork, the GD25 retains the WRX’s familiar 2.4-litre turbocharged SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder engine, producing 271 horsepower and sending its output through Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. There is no additional power increase over the standard WRX, but the GD25 instead concentrates on how that power is delivered to the road. Its six-speed manual transmission is paired exclusively with an STI short-shifter, reinforcing the enthusiast-focused character of the anniversary model. Subaru has also fitted a performance-tuned suspension with stiffer springs and revised damping calibration, while the car rides on Bridgestone Potenza S007 high-performance tyres.

Serious Hardware Beneath the Gold Finish

The braking system receives an equally significant upgrade, with Brembo performance brakes featuring gold-painted calipers and hardware derived from the WRX tS. The combination of larger performance brakes, high-grip Bridgestone tyres, additional chassis bracing and revised suspension gives the GD25 a more focused setup than a conventional WRX, particularly when driven hard through corners. Inside, the anniversary theme continues with performance-design Recaro seats featuring black Ultrasuede inserts and red accent stitching, complemented by an STI shift knob and additional red detailing. The result is a cabin that remains recognisably WRX while giving this limited edition a more special and driver-focused atmosphere.

More Than Just a Cosmetic Special Edition

What makes the WRX GD25 interesting is that Subaru has resisted simply turning it into a cosmetic anniversary package. Although the 271-horsepower engine remains unchanged, the combination of STI-developed aerodynamic hardware, suspension revisions, stronger chassis bracing, performance brakes, dedicated tyres and a manual-only configuration gives the GD25 a clear enthusiast focus. It also occupies an interesting position in the current WRX range: the existing tS already represents the sharper end of the lineup, while the GD25 adds a more distinctive motorsport-inspired identity and a level of exclusivity that cannot be replicated simply by choosing another trim.

Limited Numbers, Stronger Heritage

With only 350 units scheduled for production, the WRX GD25 is clearly intended to appeal to collectors and long-time Subaru enthusiasts as much as drivers looking for outright performance. Its name deliberately references the GD chassis of the original U.S.-market WRX, while the World Rally Blue and gold colour combination recalls the visual identity that helped establish Subaru as one of the defining performance brands of the rally era. Reservations are expected to begin during 2026, with deliveries scheduled for summer 2027. Subaru has not yet announced official pricing, but the GD25 is expected to sit toward the upper end of the WRX range.

Final Thoughts

The 2027 Subaru WRX GD25 may not deliver the dramatic power increase that some enthusiasts have long hoped would accompany a new WRX special edition, but its appeal lies elsewhere. By combining the modern WRX platform with a six-speed manual gearbox, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Brembo brakes, Bridgestone Potenza S007 tyres, STI chassis components and an unmistakable dry carbon-fibre rally-style wing, Subaru has created a limited edition that directly celebrates where the WRX came from. With just 350 examples available and every car finished in World Rally Blue, the GD25 could become a particularly desirable modern chapter in the WRX story.

SOURCE: SUBARU OF AMERICA MEDIA CENTER OFFICIAL WEBSITE

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