Toyota
S-FR Concept
Toyota
is keen to inject some fun into its lineup and will attempt this with some new
sports cars, one positioned above the GT 86 and likely to revive the Supra name
and another positioned below it and previewed today in the form of the S-FR
concept car.
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.
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. The
engine is positioned close to the cabin to create a front midship setup, and
with optimal weight distribution and fully independent suspension the car
should be fun to drive, even if power figures are on the low side.
While
few specs have been released, it’s previously been reported that Toyota’s
entry-level sports car will pack a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine rated at
roughly 130 horsepower. While this might not sound like much the car’s curb
weight is expected to come in at around 2,160 pounds. A six-speed manual transmission
offers smooth acceleration, adding to the car's fun, responsive drive.
Butting
getting back to the S-FR, the concept features classic sports car proportions
but with some soft curves thrown in to help inspire a feeling of closeness for
the driver. Inspiration for the design came from the Toyota Sports 800 of the
1960s, and in terms of size the S-FR sits somewhere between the Mazda MX-5
Miata and the Scion FR-S.
