The S-FR Concept debuted at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show and is now destined for the road.
Toyota has been working on a range of rear-wheel-drive sports cars for more than a decade now, and it finally looks like we’ll see the final piece of the puzzle debut in two years.
Part one was the 200 hp GT86 powered by a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine that debuted in 2012. This was followed by a second-generation model renamed the GR86 in 2022. which increased the power to 228 hp.
Then, in 2019, part two arrived as the GR Supra with 335bhp, powered by a BMW-sourced turbocharged inline-six – the same engine as the Z4 – which was soon boosted to 382bhp. And in 2022, Toyota upped the ante again by surprisingly giving it the option of a 6-speed manual transmission.
And now, slated for a 2026 launch, Toyota is working on a third installment – the baby of the bunch in the form of the ‘S-FR’, a coupe rumored to be powered by a 150bhp 3-cylinder rear-wheel drive. with – driving power unit. For the record, “S-FR” means “small”, “front engine”, “rear wheel drive”. And a quick check of the Mazda MX-5 Miata’s dimensions reveals that this little coupe is nearly identical in size to the world’s #1 selling roadster.
With all the emphasis on electrification these days and global automakers pushing to launch as many fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles as possible as quickly as possible, it’s little wonder Toyota’s sports car trio is even making it. to be realized. Unlike many other manufacturers, Japan’s No. 1 automaker still believes it has a strong, niche market for rear-wheel drive sports cars. They feel the passion is still there. And really, who can argue with a giant like Toyota?
The S-FR will feature a redesigned grille and headlights when it lands in showrooms later … [+]
First unveiled at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show, the small Toyota S-FR concept boasted a 2+2 layout and a rear-wheel drive platform. Very similar to the Toyota Sport 800 of 50 years ago in terms of size and character, the massive S-FR
But with Toyota collaborating with Subaru to produce the GT86 and GR86 and teaming up with BMW to produce the GR Supra, the Nagoya-based firm now joins forces with the countries’ two top small car makers – Daihatsu (its subsidiary) and Suzuki to complete the S-FR. As for the design, we can expect it to use a smaller, tighter grille and more stylish headlights, according to Japan’s best-selling automotive magazine Best Car.
Side profile of the 2015 S-FR The new model won’t change that much.
The interior of the S-FR boasts strong sports colors to match the body paint.
Best Car says it has proof that Toyota is working on a new compact sports car in collaboration with Daihatsu and Suzuki. Best Car says one dead giveaway is the Daihatsu “Vision Copen” concept that debuted at the Japan Mobility Show last October. This car has similar proportions to the S-FR and is powered by a turbocharged 1.3-liter 3-cylinder engine routed through the rear wheels. Sound familiar? That’s exactly what we expect the new Toyota sports car to power.
When the S-FR arrives in late 2026 or early 2027, it will land with a hefty 150 hp rear-wheel drive and arrive in showrooms for around ¥3,500,000, or $22,700. We can expect to see the coupe on the market in Europe and Asia, but it’s still up for debate whether Toyota Motor North America will pick it up. But we don’t see why not, since it’s roughly the same size as the Mazda MX-5 Miata — and we all know how popular they’ve become.
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