The Toyota Sports 800, once affectionately known as the “Yotahachi,” captivated many fans with its compact body and nimble ride. Now, Toyota is developing the new S-FR, which inherits that spirit. Aiming for a release in 2026, the car is generating great anticipation as a modern-day rebirth of the “Yotahachi.”
Toyota’s new S-FR: Summary
About the new S-FR
- A lightweight sports car that inherits the spirit of the Toyota Sports 800 (Yotahachi)
- Developed in collaboration with Daihatsu and Suzuki
- Scheduled for release in 2026
- Affordable pricing for entry-level users
- FR layout, equipped with a 1.3L engine
- Achieves a light and nimble ride
design
- Retro-modern exterior
- Sporty and functional interior
engine
- 1.3L engine (jointly developed with Daihatsu)
- High power output and low fuel consumption
- 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters
Running
- Lightweight vehicle with a target weight of 1000kg or less
- Crisp handling
- Light acceleration
- Easy handling
fuel economy
- WLTC mode fuel economy: around 18km/L
- Consideration for environmental performance
price
- Expected to be around 2.5 million to 2.6 million yen
- Affordable price range for entry-level users
others
- S-FR Racing Concept: Racing specifications with circuit racing in mind
- Through the S-FR, Toyota aims to increase the number of car enthusiasts and contribute to the development of motorsports culture
Toyota Sports 800: The legendary lightweight sports car
The Toyota Sports 800, which debuted in 1965, is a two-seater sports car that combined a lightweight body with an aerodynamic design, achieving astonishingly low fuel consumption for its time. It gained popularity for its charming styling and nimble driving, and is still loved by many fans today.
New S-FR: The modern revival of the “Yotahachi”
Toyota is developing a new S-FR that inherits the spirit of the Sports 800. A concept model was unveiled at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show, and its retro-modern design and compact FR sports concept attracted attention not only from fans of the old model, but also from a new generation of car enthusiasts.
The compact FR “S-FR” was exhibited at the 44th Tokyo Motor Show 2015 (October 30th – November 8th). This is truly a modern version of the “Toyota Sports 800.” It is a car that embodies the “excitement” promoted by President Toyoda , a car that responds to your will and allows you to interact with the car even in everyday use. It is not only targeted at driving enthusiasts, but also at entry-level users by being an affordable model with a low price, and one of the concepts behind this car is to increase the number of car enthusiasts through it.
They have begun developing a new Yotahachi that inherits this concept. The idea is to create a model below the 86 currently on sale. In other words, Toyota wants to line up large, medium and small sports cars in their lineup . Large: Supra Medium: 86 Small: S-FR
The new S-FR is being developed in collaboration with Daihatsu and Suzuki. It shares its fundamentals with the VISION COPEN , a preview concept for the next-generation Copen that Daihatsu unveiled at the JAPAN MOBILITY SHOW 2023. By adopting a FR layout and a 1.3L engine, it is expected to achieve a light and nimble ride.
By setting the new S-FR at a price range that is accessible even to entry-level buyers, Toyota aims to let more people experience the joy of sports cars and expand the car fan base.
Design of the new S-FR: Retro-modern and sporty exterior
The design of the new S-FR features retro-modern styling reminiscent of the Toyota Sports 800. The front mask, featuring the latest headlights and a large grille, gives a sporty impression while also evoking a sense of nostalgia.
The tapered rear design improves aerodynamic performance, suggesting a light and nimble ride. The compact body also contributes to easy maneuverability.
S-FR
New S-FR interior: A high-quality and functional cockpit
The interior of the new S-FR features a two-seater layout, creating a space that allows the driver to concentrate on sporty driving. Equipped with the latest digital meters and infotainment system, the information necessary for the driver is displayed in an easy-to-understand manner.
In addition, the use of high-quality materials not only creates a sporty atmosphere, but also provides a space where you can enjoy a comfortable drive.
New S-FR engine: 1.3L engine that produces a light and nimble ride
The new S-FR is equipped with the latest 1.3L engine, which was jointly developed with Daihatsu and combines high power output with excellent fuel economy.
The transmission is available as a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters, allowing drivers to choose the one that best suits their preferences. Combined with the FR layout, this delivers a light and sporty ride.
About the new S-FR specifications
The compact body has been revolutionarily lightened, aiming for a weight of under 1000 kg, creating a driving experience that is full of agility. Not only is it a sports car, but the simple structure of an entry model brings you closer to the car, realizing the feeling of lightness that can be steered at will and the joy of interacting with the car. The car responds as you expect, and the unique comfort of a front-engine, rear-wheel drive (FR) allows you to feel and control the car’s behavior. This lightness realizes crisp handling and light acceleration, providing the driver with the joy of driving.
Another appealing feature is the straightforward maneuverability of the FR layout. The linear acceleration response to throttle operation and the cornering performance that can be controlled at will are the true essence of a lightweight sports car.
The new S-FR’s fuel economy: Achieving both driving pleasure and environmental friendliness
The new S-FR prioritizes driving performance while also taking environmental friendliness into consideration. The latest engine and lightweight technology have enabled it to achieve low fuel consumption. WLTC mode fuel economy is expected to be around 18km/L, making it not only an economical but also an environmentally friendly sports car.
Price of the new S-FR: Affordable price range for entry-level users
The new S-FR will be priced at an affordable price range for entry-level buyers, with a starting price of around 2.5 million to 2.6 million yen, allowing many users to experience the joy of a sports car.
New S-FR specs
| Specifications | New S-FR |
|---|---|
| full length | 3,990mm |
| Overall width | 1,695mm |
| Overall height | 1,320mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,480mm |
| engine | 1.2L inline 4 DOHC VVT-iW intercooler turbo |
| Maximum power | 128ps/6,000rpm |
| transmission | 6MT |
| WLTC mode fuel economy | 18.0km/L |
| Vehicle weight | ~1,000kg |
| Passenger capacity | 4 people |
| price | 2.5 million yen |
Release date of the new S-FR: Scheduled for release in 2026
The new S-FR is currently under development, with a target release date of 2026. Toyota hopes to improve its brand image by positioning the new S-FR as a new pillar of its sports car lineup and strengthening its lineup.
S-FR Racing Concept: Racing specifications with circuit racing in mind
The “S-FR Racing Concept,” developed based on the new S-FR, was unveiled at the 2016 Tokyo Auto Salon. Equipped with large overfenders and aero parts, it features an aggressive design with circuit racing in mind.
This concept model hints at a future high-performance S-FR model, and is attracting keen attention from motorsports fans.
Toyota “S-FR Racing Concept”
Toyota has announced that it will unveil the “S-FR Racing Concept,” developed based on the new S-FR Concept, at the “Tokyo Auto Salon 2016,” to be held at Makuhari Messe for three days from January 15th to 17th, 2016.
The TOYOTA S-FR Racing Concept features large CFRP aero parts such as a front under spoiler, canards, and a rear spoiler, in addition to overhanging fenders and an engine hood with bold air outlets. The design was designed to deliver high performance on the circuit. While based on the beloved simple style of the TOYOTA S-FR , it offers a sportier style, proposing a new world view for the TOYOTA S-FR.
The S-FR, measuring 4,100mm in length, 1,735mm in width, 1,270mm in height, and 2,480mm in wheelbase, is rear-engine, rear-wheel drive, and is likely to be powered by a sports version of the 2NR-FKE inline-four 1.5L DOHC engine found in the Corolla or the 8NR-FTS inline-four 1.2L DOHC CVVT-iW intercooled turbo engine found in the Auris, with a target launch price of around 1.5 million yen. It is equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission. The compact body achieves groundbreaking weight reduction, aiming for a weight of under 1,000 kg, creating a nimble and agile ride. Not only is it a sports car, but its simple design, unique to an entry-level model, brings you closer to the car, providing a sense of agility and the joy of interacting with it. It pursues the unique comfort of a front-engine, rear-wheel drive (FR) design, allowing you to feel and control the car’s response exactly as you want it to. It is rumored that the S-FR Concept is already in the process of being mass-produced , and it is expected that the S-FR Racing Concept will be released as a mass-produced model as a G’s model after the release of the S-FR .
Toyota’s new S-FR Racing Concept G’s was unveiled at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2016 in January 2016.
Summary: The new S-FR opens up new possibilities for lightweight sports cars
The new S-FR is a lightweight sports car that has been reborn in the modern era, inheriting the spirit of the Toyota Sports 800. Its compact body and nimble driving feel will provide many drivers with the joy of driving.
Another attractive feature is the affordable price point, making it easy for entry-level users to purchase. The arrival of the new S-FR is expected to invigorate the lightweight sports car market, allowing more people to experience the joy of sports cars.
Toyota hopes to increase the number of car enthusiasts and contribute to the development of motorsports culture through the new S-FR. The arrival of the new S-FR may mark a major turning point for the Japanese automobile industry.
Stay tuned for the latest information!
More information about the new S-FR will likely be revealed in the future. Keep an eye out for the latest information, such as official announcements from Toyota and displays at motor shows.
The new S-FR is a highly anticipated model that will open up new possibilities for lightweight sports cars, and the anticipation for its arrival is growing day by day.
We will let you know as soon as new information becomes available.
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