New Toyota Supra, Corolla hot hatch set for 2017 debut

Three sporty Toyota models may break cover this year.

30 January 2017 Drive Staff

The 2014 Toyota FT-1 concept hints at the long-awaited Supra replacement. Photo: Supplied

The 2017 Tokyo motor show promises to be a huge event for Toyota if rumours surrounding show debuts solidify.

The highly anticipated Supra successor, co-developed with BMW, is set to take centre stage according to Japan's Best Car magazine.

The rear-wheel drive coupe is expected to run the new twin-turbo V6 engine seen in the recently revealed Lexus LS 500, and should be mated to an eight-speed automatic. A V6 hybrid powertrain seen in the Lexus LC 500h is also a possibility.

Toyota is also reported to be preparing a high-powered hot hatch as a preview to the all-new 12th generation Corolla range. The new Corolla will be built on the modular Toyota New Global Architecture platform that underpins the Prius and 2018 Camry.

As well as weight savings linked to the new platform the front-wheel drive Corolla hot hatch will feature a sports-tuned suspension set-up with lowered ride height and large wheels with performance brake hardware to match.

Final specifications are still to be confirmed but power is expected to come from a modified version of the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine from the Lexus NX.

A fast Corolla marks a return to the hot hatch market for Toyota, which last offered a hot hatch in Australia three generations ago with the Corolla Sportivo. However, Japanese buyers have since been offered the V6-powered Blade Master G as a makeshift Golf R rival.

Rounding out Toyota's sports car revival is a production preview of the S-FR II Coupe, following on from the original S-FR concept of 2015, which will show Toyota's aspirations to tackle the low end of the sports car market.

The showroom ready S-FR is expected to be low on creature comforts but high on enthusiast appeal with a choice of a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder or turbocharged 1.2-litre four-cylinder - from the upcoming C-HR city SUV - paired with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic driving the rear-wheels.

Firmer details of Toyota's performance trio will filter through in the lead-up to October's Tokyo motor show.

For all the latest information visit our Toyota showroom.

Drive Comments

3 Comments

Selector 2 | 2017-01-30 04:08:29

This concept car has been around for 5 years...I ain't holdin' my breath.

Mr Majestyk | 2017-01-30 05:04:12

Based on that hideous design they'll need another 5 years to come up with something a lot better. The PS4 generation will probably love it.

Circling Buzzard | 2017-01-30 05:22:32

The pic gives the impression it could have been designed by an Alfa Romeo studio.. Not like Toyota to be so adventurous although the LFA was certainly a step away from the usual fare. Anyway now we can watch the Toyota haters vent their spleens on its looks or anything else they don't like about the worlds biggest selling manufacturer.( who hasn't been caught cheating on emission figures)???