Teasers of STI-modified Subaru Forester model leaked online

The photos, which were published on multiple sites, including Top Gear and World Car Fans, bear a striking similarity to the Forester tS concept, which made its debut in August during Round 6 of the Super GT racing series at Suzuka.

Little concrete information is known about the STI-modified Forester, except that it will be unveiled in full on November 25.

Like the earlier tS concept, the production car seems to be cloaked in WR Blue paint, which harks back to the company's glory days competing in the World Rally Championship.

If it hews to the tS formula laid down by the BRZ tS and others before it, sales of the new car will be limited to Japan and while it will sport a range of visual and handling mods from the STI parts catalogue, there will be no extra power on offer.

Changes worn by the new variant include red highlights on the grille, STI badges, forged alloy wheels, uprated brakes and a front splitter.

The tS concept featured BBS alloys clad with 245/45 Bridgestone Turanza ER33 tyres, as well as a larger rear spoiler and rear diffuser-style element.

In Japan the most powerful version of the current-generation Forester has a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine under the bonnet, which pumps out 205kW of power and 350Nm of torque to all four wheels via continuously variable transmission.

CarAdvice has contacted Subaru Australia for more information on the teased Forester, and will update the story when news comes to hand.