Toyota is kicking ass. This will start a revolution just like the miata did. World wide kei cars kinda stuff. Fantastic antidote to the ugly stupid suv trend
Man, that S-FR is really not it. I know the Miata isn't much of a looker, but it makes up for it's bland looks with fantastic driveability. The S-FR will need to be absolutely insanely amazing to drive to offset those looks.
If I could talk to the Toyota execs in charge of this program, here's what I would say: While I'd love to see a true competitor to the Miata in the North American market, it must be designed as a convertible - not "offered" as a convertible. Engine up front, powering the rear wheels. I know this concept design is now several years old, but it doesn't quite work. The profile is wonky, with the rear being too rounded. Only the crease of the spoiler breaks up a continuous arc from the windshield all the way to the lower rear valance. That big arc makes it look heavy. Heavy is not what you want in a "Miata fighter" (just look at the grief Mazda had to face over the fender flares on the NC) The "C" pillars are too wide because of the sweep up of the rear quarter window. The design cue is reminiscent of the Alfa Romeo 4C. The Alfa had air intakes back there, though, and the window shape followed those air intakes. The sweep had a purpose. On this S-FR concept, the sweep serves no purpose. It's just there...making the C pillar too fat. The deck lid (if it even has one) is too small, but this would be resolved by chopping off the top. The grill opening needs to be reduced in size, and the front end needs to look "friendly". No need to go all "cutesy" like VW did with the New Beetle in 1997, but it cannot be angry. This concept looks like a Super Mario Brothers villain or an angry Pokemon. After you get the recipe just right and establish a loyal fan base, you can make it look like a catfish and people will still buy it. The shape and color of the rear valance matches the grill, making the car look like it has two front ends. Ditch the picnic-table wing, front splitters, and diffusers. Simplicity is a big part of what makes the Miata popular. Sure, offer a S-FR "Type-R" version through TRD if you want, but the first model to market should be a soft top, naturally aspirated inline four with a 6-speed manual transmission.
Form follows function. When you get this small of a vehicle, it's not going to have the dimensions and proportions of a supercar. Most people interested in this car don't want a convertible or they'd simply get a Miata since they are amazing vehicles. Some of us want a shooting brake design with a functional hatchback.
is the 86/BRZ not already a direct competitor to Miata??
too heavy to compete with the nimble ~2400 pound Miata
Toyota is kicking ass. This will start a revolution just like the miata did. World wide kei cars kinda stuff. Fantastic antidote to the ugly stupid suv trend
I’ll be surprised if this gets launched. Sports car sales have been tanking for years.
Man, that S-FR is really not it. I know the Miata isn't much of a looker, but it makes up for it's bland looks with fantastic driveability. The S-FR will need to be absolutely insanely amazing to drive to offset those looks.
If I could talk to the Toyota execs in charge of this program, here's what I would say:
While I'd love to see a true competitor to the Miata in the North American market, it must be designed as a convertible - not "offered" as a convertible. Engine up front, powering the rear wheels.
I know this concept design is now several years old, but it doesn't quite work. The profile is wonky, with the rear being too rounded. Only the crease of the spoiler breaks up a continuous arc from the windshield all the way to the lower rear valance. That big arc makes it look heavy. Heavy is not what you want in a "Miata fighter" (just look at the grief Mazda had to face over the fender flares on the NC)
The "C" pillars are too wide because of the sweep up of the rear quarter window. The design cue is reminiscent of the Alfa Romeo 4C. The Alfa had air intakes back there, though, and the window shape followed those air intakes. The sweep had a purpose. On this S-FR concept, the sweep serves no purpose. It's just there...making the C pillar too fat.
The deck lid (if it even has one) is too small, but this would be resolved by chopping off the top.
The grill opening needs to be reduced in size, and the front end needs to look "friendly". No need to go all "cutesy" like VW did with the New Beetle in 1997, but it cannot be angry. This concept looks like a Super Mario Brothers villain or an angry Pokemon. After you get the recipe just right and establish a loyal fan base, you can make it look like a catfish and people will still buy it.
The shape and color of the rear valance matches the grill, making the car look like it has two front ends.
Ditch the picnic-table wing, front splitters, and diffusers. Simplicity is a big part of what makes the Miata popular. Sure, offer a S-FR "Type-R" version through TRD if you want, but the first model to market should be a soft top, naturally aspirated inline four with a 6-speed manual transmission.
Well said and thanks for watching!!
Form follows function. When you get this small of a vehicle, it's not going to have the dimensions and proportions of a supercar. Most people interested in this car don't want a convertible or they'd simply get a Miata since they are amazing vehicles. Some of us want a shooting brake design with a functional hatchback.
😂 dream on toyota. Its a suzuki swift we know it.