Toyota Rumored To Revive S-FR As A Tiny RWD Turbo Terror

Supercars are nice and all, but but for many gearheads worldwide, the idea of an affordable and reliable ICE-powered sports car from Japan holds greater allure. Thankfully, recent rumors hint that the previously overlooked 2015 Toyota S-FR concept might just evolve into a production model.

The Toyota S-FR concept was thought to be nearing production status when it premiered at the 2015 Tokyo Auto Salon, followed by the track-focused S-FR Racing concept in 2016. However, as years elapsed without updates from Toyota, speculation arose that the project had been shelved.

More: This Toyota S-FR Roadster Is Actually A Mazda MX-5 In Disguise

Now, there’s a glimmer of hope. Japan’s Best Car, citing inside sources, reports that the S-FR could come to fruition through a collaborative effort involving Toyota, Daihatsu, and Suzuki.

A recent report about the potential revival of the Toyota Starlet hatch has further fueled speculation surrounding a production version of the S-FR. Both models could share the same turbocharged 1.3-liter three-cylinder engine, expected to deliver at least 150 horsepower (112 kW / 152 PS).

This strategy would enable Toyota to rationalize the research and development costs for a detuned variant of the 1.6-liter engine featured in the GR Yaris and GR Corolla hot hatchbacks.

While all rumors should be taken with a pinch of salt, the prospect of a collaborative development project with Toyota’s partner companies appears feasible, especially in light of Daihatsu’s rear-wheel drive Vision Copen concept at the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon.

This model, purported to preview a rival to the Mazda MX-5, shares strikingly similar proportions, footprint, and styling cues with the 2015 Toyota S-FR concept. Furthermore, it features a 1.3-liter powertrain, although Daihatsu has not provided detailed specifications.

2015 Toyota S-FR Concept

2016 Toyota S-FR Racing Concept

Suzuki could also find value in this collaboration by introducing a new roadster that may revive the Cappuccino moniker from the ’90s. Given Toyota and Suzuki’s track record of successfully rebadging each other’s models in different markets worldwide, they could seamlessly incorporate a fun-to-drive offering into their lineup.

If the report proves accurate, expect the trio of sportscars to have a compact footprint, positioning them comfortably below the 4,265 mm (167.9 inches) length of the Toyota GR86. For comparison, the 2024 Daihatsu Vision Copen measured 3,835 mm (151 inches) long with a wheelbase of 2,415 mm (95.1 inches). The 2015 Toyota S-FR shared a similar width but was slightly longer at 3,990 mm (157.1 inches), with a wheelbase of 2,480 mm (97.6 inches).

In terms of styling, Toyota designers are likely to refresh elements of the S-FR concept to match their latest offerings. Nevertheless, the production model may preserve some of the concept’s unique characteristics, as indicated by our speculative rendering.

Pricing and launch

While nothing is official yet, the report suggests that the baby Toyota rear-wheel-drive sports car could arrive as early as 2026 or 2027. It also indicates that the S-FR, or whatever else Toyota names it (potentially after the GR division), could be priced at around 3.5 million yen ($22,500) in Japan.

Of course, this is just Best Car’s estimate. However, unless Toyota plans to discontinue the GR86 or elevate the next generation in terms of pricing and performance, it wouldn’t make much sense for Toyota to offer the S-FR at this price range. After all, the GR 86 starts from as low as 3.15 million yen ($20,100) in Japan.

Illustration: Thanos Pappas for CarScoops

2024 Daihatsu Vision Copen Concept