The Subaru WRX GD25 and BRZ ZC15 Are a Pair of Limited-Edition Boxers With Shiny Wheels

Subaru has officially debuted two limited-production vehicles for the 2027 model year: the Subaru WRX GD25 and the Subaru BRZ ZC15. These special anniversary editions were unveiled during Boxerfest 2026, marking a specific celebration of the brand's history in the United States. According to reporting from the Subaru U.S. Media Center, these models are designed as limited-production runs. A primary mechanical feature of both the WRX GD25 and the BRZ ZC15 is that they are manual-only special editions, a detail highlighted by Motor1.com. The WRX GD25 specifically features a large, rally-car style wing, which has been a focal point of the vehicle's aesthetic debut. Coverage of the release is widespread across automotive media.

The Autopian and Jalopnik both emphasize the addition of the giant wing on the WRX, though Jalopnik notes that the anniversary editions have bad names. Autoblog points out a specific limitation of the 2027 WRX, stating that while it receives the rally-car wing, it does not receive any extra power. Other outlets, such as Road & Track and NetCarShow.com, focus on the visual appeal of the cars, describing them as a pair of boxer engines with shiny wheels. CarBuzz and Gear Patrol frame the release as a "heritage" move, with the latter stating the sports cars are designed to throw it back to the beginning of the line. Context provided by caranddriver.com explains that these birthday editions are intended to celebrate the time the WRX and BRZ have spent in America. Specifically, The Autopian notes that the WRX's design changes are intended to celebrate 25 years of the model's presence in the American market. This historical tie-in explains the limited-production nature of the GD25 and ZC15 designations, as Subaru leverages its legacy to appeal to enthusiasts.

The focus on manual transmissions and retro-inspired wings suggests a strategy aimed at traditionalists and long-time fans of the boxer engine platform. Moving forward, the industry will monitor the availability of these limited-production units. Media Center has designated them as limited-run vehicles, the primary focus will be on how many units are produced and their distribution. While Autoblog has already confirmed there is no increase in power for the WRX, future reports may clarify the specific production numbers for the GD25 and ZC15 models. Observers will also be watching for customer reactions to the specific naming conventions that Jalopnik has already criticized. The overall market reception to these manual-only heritage editions will indicate current demand for analog sports cars in the 2027 market.