Could Next Gen Scion FR-S Use Mazda Miata Engine And Chassis?

According to the Telegraaf on their explorative piece earlier today (June. 23, 2015) there’s a very good possibility that the next generation Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ/Toyota GT-86 could go for an MX-5 chassis and engine underneath. It’s not new news, but Toyota and Mazda recently signed up as partners together in the name of safety and fuel efficiency and Toyota was subsequently impressed with Mazda’s Skyactiv engine technology.

2015.6.23 Scion (1) /

2015.6.23 Scion (2) /

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The 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata just hit the market worldwide, and so far journalists and early customers are raving about how well it handles and performs. Surprisingly, some journalists preferred the smaller 1.5 liter engine over the more powerful 2.0 engine. If this rumor is true, this all bodes well for the Scion FR-S which has been lambasted for not having enough power. Instead of throwing more power at it, they just might underpin a Miata chassis underneath and solve that power problem quick handily.

This isn’t the first time a car maker has utilized that Mazda chassis. It’s no secret that the next generation Fiat 124 Spider will be basically a Mazda Miata underneath. Everything is exactly the same expect Fiat will be in charge of all new sheet metal and adding their own design language.

It may seem like the Scion FR-S just hit the market, but it’s been three full years since it was introduced and hasn’t received any major upgrade since then. There are rumors that if Toyota doesn’t underpin a Mazda chassis underneath, they will use another rear wheel drive platform that they have in development along with five percent more power all around. No official word from Toyota on what exactly this next generation Scion FR-S will entail, but the larger automotive community awaits with bated breath. Check out this exclusive footage of Miata assembly below.

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