Thursday, October 8, 2015

The Toyota S-FR Concept Is the Perfect Subcompact Sports Car

Toyota S-FR Concept side

Mother of God. This. This is what I want.  (Well, that and a Suzuki Jimny.) But this—it's a great shape. It's small and likely very flingable. The Toyota S-FR Concept, which is debuting at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show, is a vehicle that Toyota says "continues the proud heritage of Toyota's fun-to-drive lightweight sports cars." Think miniature Scion FR-S or Subaru BRZ. Yes, it's front engine, rear drive. It stresses simplicity. It's got optimal weight distribution. It's got a fully independent suspension. It's got a six-speed manual. It's awesome.

The car measures 157 inches long—one inch longer than the Toyota Yaris. It's got a 97.6-inch wheelbase, 1.2 inches shorter than a Yaris. It's said to weigh a scant 2,160 lbs. Plus Toyota claims "occupancy" for four people. Rumor has it, the S-FR may be powered by a 1.5-liter mill producing something like 130 hp or so. Regardless, this thing is fantastic. Possible Miata fighter?

Toyota claims that this is the kind of vehicle that attracts its own die-hard fan base, whose members love driving and customizing it. Sounds like Scion back in the mid 2000s, no? Hmm ...

Despite me immediately thinking Toyota should throw it in the Scion lineup, I'd be willing to bet you the SF-R will not make it into North American showrooms because of potential FR-S/BRZ cannibalization. But I do bet that it gets released in Japan if not other places.

I truly hope I am wrong. If this comes to the U.S., mark my words, I will own one. For the love of God, Toyota, bring this to the U.S.!

- Andy Lilienthal

Toyota S-FR Concept Front

Toyota S-FR Concept Rear

Toyota S-FR Concept Front 3/4
Toyota S-FR Concept rear 3/4

8 comments:

Pecci said...

Love this. Any word on price?

Socarboy said...

This is EXACTLY the little something something to build interest in the Scion brand. As long as they keep it as an inexpensive sports car it will be a hit much like the original Datsun 240Z in 1971 and Mazda Miata in 1990

Paul said...

He he. I thought I was the only person who wants a Jimny.

Barry Traylor said...

Although I like the concept overall. I can't decide which I hate more, the front or the back. Good Grief, but the front is UGLY.

Ducati Scotty said...

Beautiful! It has the look of those 60's Japanese roadsters. Almost English/European but just a bit different in the details. I'd love to see it here in the states but I'm not holding my breath.

Anime Gee said...

Awe yeah! This is exactly what I want. Something as small as my 1995 Mazda Miata, but in a coupe form! (^o^) <3 The 6-speed manual & independent suspension is already providing excellence & win. If it had a real mechanical slip (i.e.: Torsen or Quife) like my Miata, this would be my dream come true!

Bring it to the USA! If they retuned the 1.5 liter 4 banger & got about +-130 horses like you stated & kept it at $20K for the base model & up to $24k for the fully loaded model, I can guarantee that a good chunk of NA Miata & maybe even NB Miata owners would get one. I know I would. I'm not even talking about the possible Fiesta ST, Miata ND, & Mini Cooper buyers either 'cause Toyota will definitely get a share of those people as well.

Anime Gee said...

By the way, isn't Scion supposed to be targeted to the youngsters? If so, shouldn't their cars be affordable? What's the point of Scion, if their cars are not affordable? Wasn't that the purpose from the get go? They started off great with the first generation Scion xB & xA, but strayed off after.

A lot of their cars are definitely not affordable for the young general public. Most younger people definitely can't afford the FR-S & a lot other Scion vehicles, since the sticker price is kind of hefty. Scion doesn't appeal much to me 'cause I'd rather have the Toyota badge on my car if I'm going to spend a good chunk of money (i.e.: Scion FR-S).

Pecci said...

I read somewhere that the cars cost in Japan would equal something like 12.5G's in the US. We know that's not going to happen. It should be somewhat below the FR-S.
It'll probably be 20G's for us. Not sure I like the idea of paying far more than it's worth in Japan.