Photo: Toyota
Remember when we told you Toyota trademarked the S-FR nameplate a couple of months ago? Well, the rumor mill turned once more, but this time word on the street has something to do with an FR Concept.
The latest round of speculation regarding a new Toyota model comes from Motoring, who claim Toyota wants to capture the public's attention in October, during the Tokyo Motor Show with a bunch of new models, but they mentioned a so-called FR Concept, and that's what caught our eye.
FR should stand for "front engine, rear drive" and the model wearing this badge is a new two-door compact vehicle. What's so special about it that, according to the same publication, Toyota is working on the car with their World Rally Championship team boss and four-times WRC champion Tommi Makinen.
If that's true, then Toyota might have a winning card up their sleeve as the driver's expertise will help engineers fine-tune the car's powertrain.
Speaking of which, the FR Concept could be powered by a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated mill that puts around 130 horsepower on the asphalt via the rear axle, along with 145 Nm (107 lb-ft) of torque.
In Toyota's range, the production model spawned by this concept should be positioned under the GT86. Therefore, we're talking about an entry-level sportscar that should tip the scales at just under 1,000 kilos (2,200 lbs).
In terms of price tag, the new sportscar is expected to remove as much as $20,000 from the pockets of those willing to own one, but it's too early to talk about such aspects.
Last month, Tommi Makinen was appointed Team Principal for Toyota Gazoo Racing’s World Rally Championship campaign, and we call it an invaluable addition. Why? Well, ask yourselves this: who is better at deciphering motorsport and who knows its twisted ways better than someone whose blood is mixed with gasoline?
FR should stand for "front engine, rear drive" and the model wearing this badge is a new two-door compact vehicle. What's so special about it that, according to the same publication, Toyota is working on the car with their World Rally Championship team boss and four-times WRC champion Tommi Makinen.
If that's true, then Toyota might have a winning card up their sleeve as the driver's expertise will help engineers fine-tune the car's powertrain.
Speaking of which, the FR Concept could be powered by a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated mill that puts around 130 horsepower on the asphalt via the rear axle, along with 145 Nm (107 lb-ft) of torque.
In Toyota's range, the production model spawned by this concept should be positioned under the GT86. Therefore, we're talking about an entry-level sportscar that should tip the scales at just under 1,000 kilos (2,200 lbs).
In terms of price tag, the new sportscar is expected to remove as much as $20,000 from the pockets of those willing to own one, but it's too early to talk about such aspects.
Last month, Tommi Makinen was appointed Team Principal for Toyota Gazoo Racing’s World Rally Championship campaign, and we call it an invaluable addition. Why? Well, ask yourselves this: who is better at deciphering motorsport and who knows its twisted ways better than someone whose blood is mixed with gasoline?
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