The S-FR concept debuted at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show, and is now destined for the road.
Toyota has been working on a three-pronged rear-wheel-drive sports car lineup for over a decade now and it finally looks like we will see the last piece of the puzzle debut within 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 that upped power to 228-hp.
Then, in 2019 Part Two appeared as the 335-hp GR Supra powered by a turbocharged BMW-sourced straight six—the same engine as that in the Z4—that soon was beefed up to 382-hp. And in 2022, Toyota upped the ante again by surprisingly giving it a 6-speed manual option.
And now, slated for a 2026 release, Toyota is working on Part Three—the baby of the bunch in the form of the ‘S-FR,’ a coupe rumored to be propelled by a 150-hp turbocharged 3-cylinder rear-wheel-drive powertrain. For the record, ‘S-FR’ stands for ‘Small,’ ‘Front-engined,’ ‘ Rear-wheel-drive.’ And one quick check of the Mazda MX-5 Miata dimensions reveals that this tiny coupe is almost identical in size to the world’s No 1 selling roadster.
With all of the emphasis on electrification nowadays, and global carmakers pushing hard to launch as many fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles as quickly as possible, it’s no small wonder that Toyota’s sports car threesome is even making it to fruition. Unlike many other manufacturers, Japan’s No 1 automaker still believes that there’s a strong, niche market out there for rear-wheel-drive sports cars. They feel the passion is still there. And really, who can argue with a juggernaut like Toyota?
The S-FR will feature a redesigned grille and headlights when it lands in showrooms in late … [+]
First launched at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show, the tiny Toyota S-FR concept boasted a 2+2 layout and a rear-drive platform. Very similar to the Toyota Sport 800 from 50 years ago in terms of size and character, the chunky S-FR
But where as Toyota collaborated with Subaru to build the GT86 and GR86 and teamed up with BMW to make the GR Supra, the Nagoya-based firm is now joining forces with the countries two top small car producers in Daihatsu (its subsidiary) and Suzuki to complete the S-FR. Design-wise, we can expect it to employ a smaller, tighter grille and more stylish headlights, according to Japan’s biggest-selling car magazine Best Car.
A side profile of the S-FR from 2015. The new model would not change that much.
The S-FR’s interior boasts strong sporty colors consistent with the body paint.
Best Car says that there is proof that Toyota is working on a new compact sports car, in conjunction with Daihatsu and Suzuki. Best Car says that one dead giveaway was the Daihatsu “Vision Copen” concept that debuted at last October’s Japan Mobility Show. This car boasted similar proportions to the S-FR and was powered by a 1.3-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine channeled through the rear wheels. Sound familiar? That’s exactly what we expect will power the new Toyota sports car.
When the S-FR does appear in late 2026 or early 2027, it will land with a healthy 150-hp driving the back wheels and arrive in showrooms for around 3,500,000 yen or $22,700. We can expect to see the coupe marketed in Europe and Asia but whether Toyota Motor North America will pick up is still being debated. But we don’t see why not as it’s basically the same size as a Mazda MX-5 Miata — and we all know just how popular they have become.