Subaru has reignited hopes of a return to its high-performance roots after previewing three new petrol-powered performance models that could mark the beginning of an STI revival.

A teaser image shown during Japan’s Super Taikyu endurance racing series reveals three vehicles hidden beneath covers, with Subaru confirming they are part of a renewed focus on enthusiast models expected to emerge from 2027.

The move signals a shift in direction for the Japanese brand, which in recent years has concentrated on SUVs and electrified vehicles such as the Solterra and newly revealed Uncharted. Those low-emissions models may also be helping make the performance cars possible, with stricter fleet emissions targets increasingly influencing manufacturers’ product plans.

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Industry reports from Japan suggest Subaru has established a dedicated performance development team at its Tokyo headquarters to oversee the new generation of enthusiast-focused vehicles.

Two of the three mystery models are widely expected to be new interpretations of the WRX, with one appearing to be a traditional sedan and the other a taller, more upright hatchback. Both feature prominent bonnet scoops – a Subaru performance hallmark since the late 1980s – indicating turbocharged boxer engines with top-mounted intercoolers.

Although largely concealed, the teaser image also points to more aggressive styling than today’s WRX, with flared wheel arches, pronounced body creases and squarer proportions hinting at a design inspired by Subaru’s rally-bred heritage.

The sedan shown in the image does not feature the large rear wing traditionally associated with STI models, although that may simply be absent from the teaser.

The hatchback appears taller than the sedan and could take inspiration from performance-oriented crossover models rather than the Impreza hatchbacks of the past.

While the WRX continues to be sold in Australia, Japan and the United States, its formula has changed little in recent years. Reports from Japan indicate Subaru will retain its turbocharged 2.4-litre horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine but increase outputs to beyond 224kW and more than 400Nm. A strengthened six-speed manual transmission and Subaru’s trademark symmetrical all-wheel-drive system are also expected to feature.

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The third vehicle is believed to preview a next-generation BRZ sports coupe (above), again developed alongside Toyota’s successor to the GR86. While the new Toyota is expected to move closer to the broader GR sports car family, reports suggest the Subaru version could also undergo significant mechanical changes, although it is still expected to retain its lightweight, rear-wheel-drive character.

Subaru’s renewed emphasis on performance comes as traditional Japanese brands face growing competition from Chinese manufacturers, with halo models expected to play an increasingly important role in reinforcing brand identity and motorsport heritage. Australian availability has yet to be confirmed, but the prospect of new manual, turbocharged Subaru performance cars is likely to excite enthusiasts who have long hoped for a return of the STI spirit.