Toyota S-FR Concept Official Preview!

[Administrator]

Update:

Official specs have been posted @

http://www.sfrforums.com/forums/show...0-HP-2160-lbs)


Here is your first preview of the new Toyota S-FR sports car concept! The S-FR is a small, front-engined, rear-wheel drive coupe that will be positioned under the GT86 in Toyota’s new sports car lineup.

Inspired by the Toyota Sports 800 from the 1960s, the vehicle is expected to be lightweight and nimble, comparing favorably against the Scion FR-S and only slightly larger than the Mazda MX-5 Miata.

Just how small and light will the car be? The vehicle is expected to have a curb weight of only around 2,100 pounds and have excellent weight distribution due to the engine being mounted close to the cabin. This will do wonders for handling, as will the full independent rear suspension.

It should come as no surprise that few specifications are known at this point. However, previous rumors have suggested that the S-FR may come with a 1.5L 4-cylinder capable of approximately 130 horsepower. With a low curb weight and great responsiveness, it should be a blast to drive.

Stay tuned here at SFRforums.com for more details ahead of the vehicle’s expected global debut at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show which kicks off on October 29, 2015.


Updated with press release and dimensions:

Toyota S-FR (world premiere)
The Toyota S-FR is a concept vehicle that continues the proud heritage of Toyota's fun-to-drive lightweight sports cars. Pitched as an entry-level model, the new concept emphasizes responsiveness, and aims to make a whole new generation fall in love with driving.

Compact and Simple
The concept's compact body is incredibly light, yet offers a smooth driving style. Not just a sports car, it pairs the simplicity of an entry-level model with an intimacy that brings human and machine closer together.

Fun to Drive
Benefiting from the unique advantages of a lightweight sports car, the concept offers smooth, responsive and direct handling that gives a real sense of communication between car and driver―one key benefit of the FR (front engine/rear drive) format.

Sporty design
The concept's long nose and wide stance make for an archetypal sports car profile, while the familiar roundness of its frame inspires a feeling of closeness. The simple and modern finish of the interior rounds off a design that stresses approachable simplicity while conveying the vehicle's performance and sporty spirit.

• The full-fledged FR layout gives the engine a front midship location. Optimal weight distribution and independent suspension make for outstanding cornering performance.
• A six-speed manual transmission offers smooth acceleration, adding to the car's fun, responsive drive.
• The Toyota S-FR was conceptualized as the kind of vehicle that attracts its own die-hard fan base, whose members love driving and customizing it.

[Callie]

Most importantly is it coming to US?

All the views look OK except that rear 3/4 view looks kinda toy car.

[Panzer]

Man it's super bubbly. Was hoping it'd be a mini FR-S Only a concept for now though so maybe it'll change?

[Mac]

Not sure about this cutesy styling but I guess if you want headroom in a car this small these proportions are kinda inevitable. Interior is badass though. Love the centerstack column.

[Socalrider]

Man it's super bubbly. Was hoping it'd be a mini FR-S Only a concept for now though so maybe it'll change?

Everyone talking about how it looks... it's just a concept for now anyway. I care more about the specs and how it performs. Finally someone is building the car that nobody else dares to - something to compete against the Miata. While everyone else is building crossovers and larger cars it's refreshing to see Tada and Toyoda come thru on their promise to build sportier cars too.

[Callie]

Everyone talking about how it looks... it's just a concept for now anyway. I care more about the specs and how it performs. Finally someone is building the car that nobody else dares to - something to compete against the Miata. While everyone else is building crossovers and larger cars it's refreshing to see Tada and Toyoda come thru on their promise to build sportier cars too.

Agree somewhat. The weight and weight distribution alone could make this a great handling car against the Miata. Just afraid they keep splitting an already dwindling sports car market of buyers and then the bean counters start pulling the plug on all these projects because they aren't selling enough of them to justify the costs.

[DanJK]

Props to Toyota for having the balls to go after a 3 sports car strategy! I'm more interested in a Supra revival than this type of small coupe but I dig how different this looks. Bet you most ppl expected a small FRS instead of something completely different. That's how you grab people's attention.

[Administrator]

Added the press release and dimensions:

Toyota S-FR (world premiere)
The Toyota S-FR is a concept vehicle that continues the proud heritage of Toyota's fun-to-drive lightweight sports cars. Pitched as an entry-level model, the new concept emphasizes responsiveness, and aims to make a whole new generation fall in love with driving.

Compact and Simple
The concept's compact body is incredibly light, yet offers a smooth driving style. Not just a sports car, it pairs the simplicity of an entry-level model with an intimacy that brings human and machine closer together.

Fun to Drive
Benefiting from the unique advantages of a lightweight sports car, the concept offers smooth, responsive and direct handling that gives a real sense of communication between car and driver―one key benefit of the FR (front engine/rear drive) format.

Sporty design
The concept's long nose and wide stance make for an archetypal sports car profile, while the familiar roundness of its frame inspires a feeling of closeness. The simple and modern finish of the interior rounds off a design that stresses approachable simplicity while conveying the vehicle's performance and sporty spirit.

• The full-fledged FR layout gives the engine a front midship location. Optimal weight distribution and independent suspension make for outstanding cornering performance.
• A six-speed manual transmission offers smooth acceleration, adding to the car's fun, responsive drive.
• The Toyota S-FR was conceptualized as the kind of vehicle that attracts its own die-hard fan base, whose members love driving and customizing it.

[Socalrider]

6 speed manual! Yessss

[Matt W]

This looks really exciting. Hope it's available in the UK!

[PZero]

Coming to U.S. or no?!

Car and Driver says it's set for production in 2016.

I could see it making production just like this. DOesn't have any crazy concept stuff that would make production unlikely.

[shark_bait88]

I have a feeling if it comes to the US it will receive a slightly larger engine, much like the ND went from the European/Asian 1.5L w/ 129hp to a 2.0L w/ 155hp for the US.

If this thing handles 80% as well as an ND and costs less than an FR-S, it will be one hell of a buy. I'm definitely into it. If I'm thinking of giving something else a try in two years, I might just trade in the FR-S for one.

[azian_advanced]

This would compliment my FR-S real nice.
FR-S for summer and the S-FR as a winter beater.

[PZero]

This would compliment my FR-S real nice.
FR-S for summer and the S-FR as a winter beater.

That'd be quite a garage, but crazy tongue twister lol

[Guff]

Man, all this crazy concept interior treatment and yet it still got the Toyota/Subaru parts bin Start Button! :P