Toyota S-FR Concept Receives Go Signal, Ready to Roll for Production: Report

Jun 04, 2024 06:29 AM EDT

MAN IN FRONT OF BLACK TOYOTA ON A DESERT — (Photo : PEXELS/BYB BYB )

As per buzz circulating, a new addition to Toyota's GR series could be the Toyota S-FR. Reports suggest that the upcoming production model of the 2015 Toyota S-FR concept might incorporate a turbocharged 1.3-liter three-cylinder engine similar to the one found in the GR Yaris.

Toyota S-FR Concept to Reality

Debuting in 2015, this concept was a compact sports car. As noted by SlashGear, it was envisioned as an affordable 2+2 sports car positioned beneath the 86 Coupe formerly known as the Scion FR-S in Toyota's lineup, with the GR Supra occupying the top spot after its introduction in 2019.

Drawing inspiration from Toyota's inaugural production sports car, the Toyota Sports 800 manufactured between 1965 and 1969, the S-FR boasted a design influenced by this iconic model. Toyota characterized the S-FR Concept as a "nimble, athletic concept providing an enjoyable and dynamic driving experience."

The moniker "S-FR" signifies its Small, Front-engine, Rear-drive configuration. Sporting a rounded and organic design aesthetic, the S-FR emanates a welcoming and amiable feel, with its front design bearing resemblance to the latest iterations of the MINI Cooper.

Apart from Toyota's confirmation regarding the front-engine, rear-wheel-drive setup, a 6-speed manual gearbox, and its lightweight build, little information was available about the F-RS concept. Speculation suggested the possibility of a 1.5-liter, 130-horsepower naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine as its potential power source.

According to Autoblog, Toyota did not provide specific mechanical specifications; however, the S-FR featured a front-engine/rear-drive configuration with a driveshaft running along the centerline, independent suspension, a six-speed manual gearbox, and emphasized "ideal weight distribution."

Autoblog referenced The Best Car report which delves into the origin of the S-FR, noting it emerged as a byproduct of Toyota and Daihatsu's collaboration on a new subcompact hatchback intended for competition in the Group Rally4 category of the World Rally Championship, drawing comparisons to the likes of the new Lancia Ypsilon Rally4 HF.

Possible Through Collaboration

CarScoops highlighted Japan's Best Car's information, sourced from insiders, indicating that the realization of the S-FR concept might involve a collaborative venture among Toyota, Daihatsu, and Suzuki.

Recent discussions regarding the potential comeback of the Toyota Starlet hatch have added to the speculation surrounding a production iteration of the S-FR. Both vehicles could potentially share a turbocharged 1.3-liter three-cylinder engine, anticipated to deliver a minimum of 150 horsepower (112 kW / 152 PS).

This approach would allow Toyota to streamline the costs associated with research and development by utilizing a detuned version of the 1.6-liter engine found in the GR Yaris and GR Corolla performance hatchbacks.

CarScoops also emphasized that although all speculations should be viewed cautiously, the idea of a joint development initiative with Toyota's affiliated firms seems realistic, particularly considering Daihatsu's unveiling of the rear-wheel-drive Vision Copen concept at the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon.

Regarding pricing details, although no official announcements have been made, the speculation implies that the compact rear-wheel-drive Toyota sports car might debut as soon as 2026 or 2027.

The report further hints that the S-FR, or any alternative name Toyota may choose (potentially linked to the GR division), could be priced approximately at 3.5 million yen ($22,500) in Japan.