Next Scion FR-S Could Use Mazda MX-5 Platform
The 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata platform could spawn the next-generation Scion FR-S.
With the announcement of Mazda’s partnership with Toyota, Motoring reports that Toyota could turn to the new MX-5 Miata’s underpinnings for the successor of the Toyota GT86. The speculation follows rumors that Toyota has tested the MX-5’s chassis, which is also underpinning the upcoming Fiat 124 Spider.
Currently, Toyota is collaborating with BMW on a new sports car platform that is expected to form the basis for the Supra successor and next Z4.
SEE ALSO: Top 10 Best Mazda MX-5 Miata Models of All Time
It is believed that the next-generation GT86 will use a smaller, lighter rear-wheel drive platform and could be powered by a turbocharged gasoline engine. The big question is what will be the fate of the Subaru BRZ and whether Subaru will have the model live on. The first-generation GT86 was a collaboration with Subaru, but it appears that Toyota is looking towards other options for the successor of its rear-wheel drive sports car.
Although sales of the Scion FR-S has been slowing down in the U.S., Toyota has been adamant on building a next-generation model, a project that has been backed by president Akio Toyoda.
[Source: Motoring]
Discuss this story at our Scion FR-S Forum
Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
More by Jason Siu
Comments
Join the conversation
Gotta love when the car makers keep giving you more reasons to search for that perfect S2000.
Toyota should just dust off the old AE86 tooling and slap the AE86 body on the ND chassis. Throw a small turbo engine in it and rake in the money. That would never happen though. If they updated the AE86 design I think they would have a lightweight winner. I would buy it in a heartbeat.