Baby FR-S Rumored to be $20,000 Rear-Drive Hatchback

[AutoGuide.com]

Toyota is enjoying plenty of success with its new GT86/Scion FR-S sports car, but that doesn’t mean it’s getting complacent.

In fact, rumor has it that Toyota is working on a little brother to the FR-S in the form of a rear-wheel drive, five-door hatchback. It’ll be positioned as an entry-level sports car with a price tag around $20,000. At that price point, sacrifices have to be made, and in this case, this new hatch will be powered by a 1.5-liter powerplant with around 150 hp.

According to an inside source, this four-door hatch will also feature a lowered ride height and four-wheel independent suspension.

While Toyota has been forthcoming about a future vehicle tie-up between itself and BMW, the assumption was that the co-developed car would be a flagship performance machine. These new rumors suggest the contrary; indicating that this new sub-FR-S may be the love child of the Japanese-German union.

Read more about the Baby FR-S at AutoGuide.com

[Atticus888]

The Baby FR-S has only 150 hp? That makes the current "Adult" FR-S even more desirable.

[shaX 07]

My question is, who on Earth would be interested in buying a RWD five door hatchback with only 150hp for $20k?

It would make sense for them to try and compete against cars such as the GTI, Mazdaspeed 3, Focus ST, Veloster Turbo, but folks looking at those cars likely aren't going to be interested in having RWD, especially with Baby FR-S having less HP than a Scion tC.

Me is confused.