The Anticipated Revival of the Toyota S-FR
Does the Mazda MX-5 Miata need a sporty, compact convertible rival? If Japan’s Best Car can be believed, Toyota thinks so, and it’s dusted off the circa 2015 Toyota S-FR concept for production with the help of Daihatsu and Suzuki—two small car specialists, the former of which is a Toyota subsidiary. Do we want to believe?
Understanding the Enthusiast Appeal
Of course, we love the MX-5; we are enthusiasts who appreciate sporty cars, and Toyota is no stranger to this segment. The last car it built in this class was the MR-2 Spyder, a nominal Miata competitor that appealed to the quirkier and more hardcore enthusiasts. It had less curb appeal and more “budget Elise” mojo. However, the S-FR (well, the concept, which is old) has one thing the MR2 Spyder doesn’t: undeniable cuteness. Rather than an amphibian shape made out of Duplos, the S-FR is funky and organic—more Kermit and less Kerbal.
Exploring the Development Potential
Forbes’ Japan-based reporter put hands on the exclusive Best Car report, from which we understand that the appeal of shared development costs and partner automakers makes the revival feasible. However, the evidence is thin, to be clear. The Daihatsu Vision Copen apparently previews the bones of a future S-FR and seems an appropriate basis; the windshield surround and the doors look very S-FR. It’s rounded and cute. Toyota-izing it would be a simple task.
After all, if Daihatsu is making a small convertible, it wouldn’t be difficult for Toyota to create a larger, more powerful version at a different price point. Moreover, integrating Suzuki’s small engine expertise would help reduce costs as well. Consider the BMW underpinnings of the latest Supra and the co-development of the GR86 and the Subaru BRZ; Toyota has indicated it won’t build a sports car without leveraging some existing components.
Expected Features and Market Outlook
Best Car anticipates the upcoming S-FR to debut in 2026 or 2027 with tweaked styling but a similar overall vibe to the 2015 S-FR concept, and a 150-hp 1.3-liter turbo I-3 engine under the hood.
Plausible? Maybe. Probable? That’s another story entirely. Consequently, as for the U.S. market, don’t expect a Daihatsu-based model to make it here; besides, Toyota has the GR86 already, which is essentially a roofed Miata fighter.
