Subaru WRX will Keep a Manual Transmission

The company Subaru gradually excludes manual gearboxes from the design of new models, replacing them with CVTs. This trend became clear after the recent release of the 5-th generation Subaru Forester, which has only one modification with the 2,5 liter opposed engine and CVT (Lineartronic). However, Tom Doll, the head of the North American Subaru branch, recently has assured journalists that the next generation of the popular Subaru WRX will keep a manual gearbox.

CVT Lineartronic

With the evolution of high-tech transmission technologies, most carmakers prefer automatic gearboxes or CVTs to manual options. Subaru also recognizes undeniable advantages of gear shifting automation and step-by-step reduces the quantity of car models with manual gearboxes, but the company doesn’t plan to abandon manual gearboxes altogether.

The exclusion of the manual gearbox variant in Subaru Forester is caused not only by the fact that sales of older Forester model with the manual gearbox amounted only to 3-5% of total sales. Subaru experts assume that the Lineartronic CVT is more suitable for Forester in the context of dynamics. Moreover, the manual gearbox does not allow exploiting the whole potential of the security system EyeSight.

Learn more about the new Subaru Forester

As for the new generation of Subaru WRX, in addition to the manual gearbox option and 2-liter eco-friendly engine, this model will be based on modular SGP architecture that will reduce the total weight of the car. Previously, Subaru specialists reported that the WRX model will be offered with a hybrid powertrain and all-wheel drive system. The release date of the new generation Subaru WRX is still unknown – the prototype will probably be presented nearer to 2020.

ABOUT LINEARTRONIC

The Lineatronic is the first AWD chain drive transmission (CVT) with the longitudinal positioning, which is applied in production vehicles. The use of a chain instead of a belt allowed engineers to expand the range of gear ratios. This solution helped to improve the dynamics, reduce fuel consumption and improve responsiveness to the accelerator pedal. In addition, more compact design of the transmission helped to free space for the feet of the driver and front passenger. The Lineartronic transmission provides an optimal mode for engine operation. Subaru applies Lineartronic on all cars, which were previously equipped with automatic gearboxes – XV, Forester, Outback, and Legacy. Since 2014, special version CVT-Sport Lineartronic with the manual gear shifting mode, designed for high engine torque, has been applied in Subaru WRX.