> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://torquecafe.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Toyota to make a new affordable sports car
- URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-toyota-sfr-daihatsu-copen-plans-japan-sports-car/
- Published: 2026-11-13T01:11:59.000Z
- Updated: 2026-11-13T01:11:59.000Z
- Description: Reports from Japan point to Toyota developing a small sports car to sit under the GR86, based on an upcoming Daihatsu design.
- Author: Jordan Mulach
- Tags: News, Performance

Toyota is reportedly not slowing down with its dreams to launch more sports cars, with Japanese media claiming a new, even smaller model is on the way.

As reported by Japan’s [*Response*](https://response.jp/article/2026/11/11/418870.html?ref=torquecafe.com) magazine, the 2015 Toyota S-FR concept car is likely to finally be put into production, though it’ll need help from the car giant’s small-car specialist brand Daihatsu to do so.

According to insiders, the four-seat S-FR concept will be downsized to a two-seater to comply with Japan’s unique kei car regulations, with its exterior dimensions of 3395mm in length, 1475mm in width, and 1230mm in height making it 595mm shorter and 220mm narrower than the 2015 concept car.

![2015 Toyota S-FR concept](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/11/TOYOTA_S-FR_011-1.jpg)

2015 Toyota S-FR concept

Based on these revised dimensions, it’s more likely that the Toyota S-FR will be jointly developed with the next-generation Daihatsu Copen, which was [previewed a year ago with the K-Open](https://torquecafe.com/daihatsu-copen-k-open-concept-jms/), a two-seat, convertible sports car concept.

While previous Copens have exclusively been front-wheel drive, Daihatsu confirmed at the time the K-Open is rear-drive, though stopped short of providing any details about what engine is under the bonnet.

At the reveal of the K-Open, then-Toyota CEO Koji Sato told attendees of the Japanese Mobility Show that Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda will “be driving and breaking the Copen a lot”, suggesting the parent brand wants to keep its finger in the development of it.

[Niche brand teases rear-drive, ‘manual’ sports carDaihatsu is a brand looking to repair its image after a multi-decade safety scandal, and it’s going back to what it’s done best.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/icon/cropped-favicon-3c542cb1-bc3d-46f7-902a-6040861deedc.png)TorquecafeJordan Mulach![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/thumbnail/daihatsu-k-open-copen-concept-4-9e8743a9-37bc-4ad2-a272-97a68dbc101f.jpg)](https://torquecafe.com/daihatsu-copen-k-open-concept-jms/)

In *Response’s* report, the insiders claimed the Toyota S-FR would be powered by a turbocharged 660cc three-cylinder engine to comply with the kei car regulations, while offering a five-speed manual transmission alongside a CVT.

It has been rumoured that the jointly developed sports cars could be split into opening and fixed-roof models, with the S-FR to be a coupe, while the new Copen would continue to be a convertible.

No official confirmations have been made by Toyota or Daihatsu about future product plans for the S-FR concept or the K-Open concept.

Ironically, despite the S-FR concept being revealed 12 years ago, it’s the second time in two years it’s been linked to a revival, after Japanese publication *Best Car* made similar claims two years ago.