Toyota S-FR Concept Approved for Production
Toyota enthusiasts have been eagerly awaiting news on a potential new sports car from the Japanese automaker. Rumors have been swirling for years about a successor to the beloved Toyota MR2, and it seems that the latest reports may finally have some concrete information. According to a recent article in Autoblog, the Toyota S-FR concept has reportedly been given the green light for production.
The S-FR concept, which was first showcased at the 2015 Tokyo Auto Show, is a compact 2+2 sports car that is expected to be positioned as a smaller and lighter alternative to the Toyota GR86. With dimensions of 157.5 inches long, 68 inches wide, and 52 inches high, the S-FR is slightly larger than the Mazda MX-5 Miata but significantly smaller than the old Toyota MR2.
Reports suggest that the production version of the S-FR will feature a front-engine/rear-drive layout, a turbocharged 1.3-liter engine producing around 148 horsepower, and a six-speed manual transmission. The chassis and front suspension will be provided by Toyota, while Suzuki will contribute the engine, and Daihatsu will offer easy-to-swap body panels to create different variations of the vehicle.
While details are still scarce, industry experts believe that the new Toyota sports car could be a joint effort between Toyota, Suzuki, and Daihatsu to create a lightweight and agile vehicle that could potentially compete in rally racing events. The S-FR concept is expected to be a part of Toyota’s broader strategy to expand its lineup of performance-oriented vehicles, which includes the recently unveiled Toyota GR Yaris and the Toyota FT-Se battery-electric concept.
Overall, the approval of the Toyota S-FR concept for production signals an exciting development for sports car enthusiasts who have been eagerly anticipating a new addition to Toyota’s lineup. With its compact size, lightweight design, and impressive performance potential, the S-FR could be a worthy successor to the iconic Toyota MR2 and a promising addition to the world of affordable sports cars.