- What's new: Subaru has a pair of special-edition models coming for 2027, one celebrating 25 years of the WRX and another celebrating 15 years of the BRZ.
- Why it matters: These stylish, limited-production models may not drive any differently from existing models, but they add visual flair that would previously have required going to the aftermarket.
- Edmunds says: If you miss out on these special editions, don't worry too much. You can replicate most of the experience by shopping from the parts bin.
2027 Subaru WRX GD25 and BRZ ZC15 Are Likable Parts Bin Specials
Gold wheels and a big wing do the heavy lifting to make these anniversary cars feel special
Subaru may still be denying us a modern WRX STI or a turbocharged BRZ, but at least we get good special editions every now and then. Case in point: the 2027 WRX GD25 and the 2027 BRZ ZC15. That may sound like a randomized garble of letters and numbers, but what we're actually getting is a pair of familiar but well-done anniversary cars.
I'll start with the WRX. The alphanumeric code name can be deciphered as celebrating the 25th anniversary of the first North American-market WRX, a car that was based on the "GD" chassis code Subaru Impreza. Hardware-wise, it's basically the WRX tS, minus that car's adjustable dampers. You get the same six-piston front and two-piston rear brakes, same Bridgestone Potenza S007 summer tires and same 277-horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four engine.
The big differences here are on the outside. The GD25's most easily identifiable feature is its dramatic carbon-fiber swan-neck rear wing. It's an STI part that isn't currently available for sale in North America. Oh, and the GD25 only comes in a single, excellent spec — World Rally Blue, 19-inch tS wheels in gold, and a six-speed manual transmission.
As for the BRZ, its naming scheme is similar. This special edition celebrates the 15th anniversary of the "ZC" chassis BRZ's arrival back in 2012. Like the WRX, it's mechanically similar to other BRZs, but this time with ZC15-exclusive Ceramic White paint (instead of Crystal White Pearl), bronze wheels, and brake calipers in red instead of the standard bronze. To me, the only exciting bit of this one is the Bordeaux red seat upholstery.
Subaru is only building 350 examples of the WRX GD25s and 300 of the BRZ ZC15. I anticipate pricing won't be far off the WRX tS and BRZ tS, which would position them around $46,000 and $40,000, respectively. If you love the look, were planning on buying one of these cars next year anyway, and don't want to source a wrap and powder-coated wheels from the aftermarket, they're great options. They'll be available next year.






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