Attention WRX fans, New Zealand is in for a rare, red-hot Subaru WRX special edition release, with 10 models of the 2.4T AKAs available from late May 2023.

This version of Subaru’s much-loved performance model takes its name from the Japanese word for red - AKA – and it is only available to the New Zealand market.

Subaru of New Zealand has a limited number of WRXs, with five of the WRX 2.4T AKAs will have a 6-speed manual transmission and the other five will have the Subaru Performance Transmission (automatic).

The WRX 2.4T AKA is an exciting opportunity for performance car enthusiasts, and considering the way the automotive market is changing, these may be some of the last manuals available in New Zealand.

The brand’s New Zealand Managing Director Wallis Dumper says this WRX will represent iconic Subaru history.

“Just like the Saigo (which translates from Japanese as the last) WRX, and Saigo STI limited edition models released in 2020 and 2021 respectively, these AKA WRXs won’t be made again. We only have ten limited edition models, which means they will be solely available to those who act fast.”

The Subaru WRX 2.4T AKA has a Recommended Retail Price (RRP) of $59,990.

Dumper believes the special edition WRX models’ popularity is based on these rally-bred Subarus being so well ingrained in the brand’s performance history. First launched in 1994, the WRX STI brought rally-proven technology to the masses, with the turbocharged Subaru Boxer engine coupled with the Driver Controlled Centre Differential (DCCD) and Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive engineering prowess.

The WRX became a popular rally car of choice both here and overseas, with a Subaru WRX STI winning the New Zealand Rally Championship in 2019, and a Subaru Impreza WRX winning it in 2011, 2012, 2014 and 2015.

The latest generation WRX features the new aggressively aerodynamic design, new driver and front passenger bucket seats, and an 11.6” infotainment centre. Its safety credentials include the fourth generation EyeSight® clever crash avoidance technology in Subaru Performance Transmission models - all of which can be found in the WRX AKA limited edition model.