Toyota’s New Budget Sports Car Is Still in Development, Despite Rumors Saying Otherwise

Back in 2015, Toyota unveiled the S-FR concept sports car at the Tokyo Motor Show, sparking excitement among enthusiasts. In the past couple of years, speculation about reviving the production version has resurfaced once again.

According to Best Car, Toyota’s budget sports car project has not been canceled, despite ongoing rumors suggesting the opposite. That said, the automaker has yet to release any official details. Previous leaks have loosely linked the model to upcoming compact sports cars from Daihatsu and Suzuki.

Reports have suggested that all three vehicles could share a turbocharged 1.3-liter three-cylinder G16E-GTS engine, the same family found in the GR Corolla. Output is expected to land around 150 horsepower, with peak torque estimated at approximately 162 lb-ft. Like classic lightweight sports cars, the setup would reportedly feature rear-wheel drive only.

The original Toyota S-FR concept, revealed over a decade ago, measured about 157.1 inches long, 66.7 inches wide, and 52.0 inches tall, with a wheelbase of 97.6 inches. These compact dimensions are expected to carry over largely unchanged into the production model.

The debut of this affordable Toyota sports car—along with its potential Daihatsu and Suzuki counterparts—could take place before the end of 2027.