Toyota Plans to Take on the Mazda Miata Directly With Its S-FR Sports Car: Report

According to Best Car Magazine, which usually releases print exclusives before online publication, Forbes reports that the S-FR is set to debut in late 2026 or early 2027. It’s said to be a collaboration between Toyota, Daihatsu, and Suzuki, who were previously rumored to be working together on a small, mid-engined model. This project has apparently transformed into a more traditional front-engined, rear-wheel-drive coupe that will be the S-FR, featuring a larger and more powerful engine.

Reportedly, the S-FR will be equipped with a three-cylinder turbocharged engine producing approximately 150 horsepower to drive the rear wheels. Interestingly, there are rumors of a revived Toyota Starlet featuring a GR performance variant with a similar engine as well; 150 hp from a downsized 1.3-liter engine borrowed from the GR Corolla. This aligns with the engine specifications of the Daihatsu Vision Copen concept from October, hinting at the direction of Toyota’s forthcoming sports car. Or possibly Daihatsu’s version of it.

It is said that the design of the S-FR will be revised for production, featuring a smaller grille and modified headlights. It is unclear whether the S-FR Racing concept showcased earlier, with its aggressive rear wing, canards, splitter, and diffuser, will be integrated. These elements could potentially be offered as add-ons or even exclusive features on a hypothetical GR model. However, this is purely speculative at this point.

Allegedly, Toyota aims to price the S-FR at around $22,700. This not only positions it $6,000 below the Mazda MX-5 but also as one of the most affordable new cars in the U.S., if it arrives stateside. Toyota is reportedly contemplating whether to sell the S-FR in the U.S., where the similar GR86 is already available. Introducing both models could lead to internal competition, potentially impacting the market share of Mazda’s offerings.

Another factor to consider is how the S-FR would align with the rumored Celica revival, which might result in an economical, enjoyable, rear-wheel-drive coupe to challenge the Honda Prelude. This could create overlap in the target market for the S-FR and GR86, potentially diluting the appeal for both models. If the S-FR sees the light of day, it’s possible it may not make it to the U.S., similar to the intent for the Starlet. With Mazda dominating the small sports car segment and the GR86 addressing a different sector, the necessity of introducing the S-FR may be questioned.

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