Toyota Gets Sporty with New Concept

Toyota Motor Corp. has released images and details about its new S-FR sports coupe concept that will be publicly unveiled later this month at the Tokyo auto show. The carmaker describes the concept as a responsive, fun-to-drive lightweight sports car.

Toyota S-FR concept

Measuring 157 inches long, 66 inches wide and 51 inches tall, the S-FR is about the size of Toyota's Yaris subcompact hatchback. Its front mid-engine layout, rear-wheel drive and fully independent suspension enhance driving dynamics.

The car's styling is inspired by the 1960s-era Sports 800, which was Toyota's first sports car. The near-production-ready design is highlighted by a long hood, massive grille, short rear, wide stance and rounded edges.

Inside, the car has 2+2 seating and a Spartan design. The center console is stripped to the bare essentials including a few buttons for the climate control system without touchscreens or a traditional infotainment system. Instead, all car-related information is integrated into a digital instrument cluster.

A short gear knob controls the 6-speed manual transmission. No information about the engine was provided.

Previous reports have suggested that Toyota plans to launch an entry-level sports car like the S-FR within the next three years. Such a vehicle would be slotted below the Toyota GT 86, which is sold as the Scion FR-S in the U.S. The vehicle is expected to weigh less than 2,200 lbs and be powered by a 130-hp, 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, according to the reports.