Tokyo

Toyota S-FR Concept mixes 2000GT and Frog-Eye Sprite

Toyota S-FR Concept: Tokyo 2015
Toyota S-FR Concept: Tokyo 2015 / Image Credit: Copyright 2015 Sebastian Blanco / AOL
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Well, aren't you just precious!? That seems like the appropriate reaction to the new Toyota S-FR Concept. This adorable, bug-eyed sports car that hit the show stand in Tokyo today (or yesterday, or tomorrow... this International Date Line is a real pain).

The teeny, tiny S-FR, as we explained in our original post earlier this month, is significantly smaller than a Scion FR-S, but not so compact as to qualify as a kei car. The closest alternative here in the US is the three-door Mini Hardtop, which is actually about 2.4 inches shorter than this concept. Unlike the Mini, of course, this car follows in its big brothers footsteps, sending its power to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. That, friends, makes this tiny Toyota sound like a real riot.

We're less sure about some other things about it, though. For example, that plunging roofline and short overall length make us question Toyota's decision to add seating for four. We can't help but feel that the S-FR might make more sense as a proper two-seater.

We've got some live images from the S-FR's full debut in Tokyo today, alongside the new Prius and the C-HR Concept from Geneva.
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Toyota S-FR (world premiere)

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.

Compact and Simple
The concept's compact body is incredibly light, yet offers a smooth driving style. Not just a sports car, it pairs the simplicity of an entry-level model with an intimacy that brings human and machine closer together.

Fun to Drive
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.

Sporty design
The concept's long nose and wide stance make for an archetypal sports car profile, while the familiar roundness of its frame inspires a feeling of closeness. The simple and modern finish of the interior rounds off a design that stresses approachable simplicity while conveying the vehicle's performance and sporty spirit.

The full-fledged FR layout gives the engine a front midship location. Optimal weight distribution and independent suspension make for outstanding cornering performance.

A six-speed manual transmission offers smooth acceleration, adding to the car's fun, responsive drive.
The Toyota S-FR was conceptualized as the kind of vehicle that attracts its own die-hard fan base, whose members love driving and customizing it.

Toyota Information

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