Toyota has been strategically developing a trio of rear-wheel-drive sports cars for over a decade, and the final piece of this exciting puzzle is anticipated to debut in the coming years. This strategy underscores Toyota’s commitment to performance and driving enthusiasts, even as the automotive world increasingly focuses on electrification. Let’s delve into the details of this thrilling development and explore what the future holds for Toyota sports cars.
The journey began with Part One: the introduction of the GT86 in 2012, a 200-horsepower sports car powered by a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine. This marked Toyota’s return to the affordable, engaging sports car segment. Its successor, the second-generation GR86, arrived in 2022, boosting power to 228-hp and further refining the formula.
Image alt text: Side view of the Toyota GR86 showcasing its sporty silhouette and aerodynamic design, a testament to Toyota’s commitment to rear-wheel-drive performance.
Part Two of Toyota’s sports car vision emerged in 2019 with the GR Supra. This powerhouse delivered 335-hp from a turbocharged BMW-sourced straight-six engine, later upgraded to 382-hp. Responding to enthusiast demand, Toyota even introduced a 6-speed manual transmission option in 2022, further solidifying the GR Supra’s appeal to purists.
Image alt text: Front angle of the Toyota GR Supra highlighting its aggressive styling and powerful presence, embodying Toyota’s high-performance sports car lineage.
Now, all eyes are on Part Three: the highly anticipated ‘S-FR.’ Expected to be released around 2026, this compact coupe is rumored to be powered by a 150-hp turbocharged 3-cylinder rear-wheel-drive powertrain. The ‘S-FR’ designation itself is an acronym for ‘Small,’ ‘Front-engined,’ ‘Rear-wheel-drive,’ clearly indicating its design and driving philosophy. Interestingly, the dimensions of the S-FR are remarkably similar to the Mazda MX-5 Miata, the world’s best-selling roadster, suggesting Toyota is aiming for a similar blend of agility and driving fun in a compact package.
Despite the automotive industry’s strong push towards electric vehicles and hybrids, Toyota’s dedication to developing this trio of rear-wheel-drive sports cars demonstrates their belief in the enduring appeal of traditional sports car dynamics. Toyota recognizes a passionate niche market that still craves the engaging driving experience offered by rear-wheel-drive platforms. This commitment is significant, especially coming from a global automotive leader like Toyota.
When the S-FR finally arrives in showrooms, anticipated in late 2026 or early 2027, it is expected to feature a redesigned grille and headlights, giving it a fresh and modern look. Initial glimpses of the S-FR concept, first showcased at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show, revealed a 2+2 layout and a rear-drive configuration, reminiscent of the classic Toyota Sport 800 from decades past in its size and character.
Image alt text: Front-quarter view of the Toyota S-FR concept car, showcasing its compact dimensions and sporty design language first revealed at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show.
While Toyota collaborated with Subaru for the GT86/GR86 and BMW for the GR Supra, the S-FR project involves partnerships with Daihatsu (a Toyota subsidiary) and Suzuki, both renowned for their expertise in small car manufacturing. Japanese automotive media, such as Best Car magazine, suggest that the design evolution will include a more compact and refined grille, along with stylishly updated headlights.
Image alt text: Side profile of the Toyota S-FR concept emphasizing its proportions and potential for a nimble and responsive driving experience in a compact sports car format.
Further evidence of Toyota’s commitment to a new compact sports car is seen in the Daihatsu “Vision Copen” concept unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show. The Vision Copen shares similar proportions with the S-FR and is powered by a 1.3-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine driving the rear wheels – a powertrain configuration strongly hinting at what we can expect in the production Toyota sports car.
The Toyota S-FR is projected to launch with a robust 150 horsepower driving the rear wheels, with an estimated price point of around 3,500,000 yen, or approximately $22,700. Market availability is expected to include Europe and Asia, and discussions are ongoing regarding its introduction to North America. Given its size similarity to the highly popular Mazda MX-5 Miata, the S-FR has strong potential to resonate with North American sports car enthusiasts as well.
In conclusion, the upcoming Toyota S-FR represents the exciting culmination of Toyota’s three-part sports car strategy, reinforcing their dedication to offering engaging, rear-wheel-drive vehicles for driving enthusiasts. While the “Toyota Sports Car 2024” might be slightly ahead of the actual release timeline, the anticipation and development leading up to the S-FR’s launch position it as a highly significant model in the sports car landscape, promising to deliver a unique blend of Toyota engineering, compact agility, and driving pleasure.
