Toyota MR2 could be revived as hybrid sports activities motor vehicle

Rumors out of Japan say that Toyota and some of its partnered businesses are functioning on a lightweight, mid-engined, hybrid sports automobile. That, moreover the point that in 2021 Toyota confirmed a purported electric midship sporting activities car thought, has the gossip mill swirling. Definitely, a smaller midship runabout conjures illustrations or photos of the dearly departed MR2.

The grapevine originates from Japan’s Best Auto magazine, which states it is a triple-collab involving Toyota, Suzuki and Daihatsu. Toyota owns Daihatsu outright and has a 5% stake in Suzuki.

The rumors have it participating in out like this: Toyota materials the chassis, applying the front suspension of the Yaris. Suzuki gives the motor, a 1.-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder currently located in the Swift, fantastic for 118 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. It’d be mated to a 5-horsepower delicate hybrid electric powered motor and both a 6-pace guide or six-speed automatic. Daihatsu contributes its panel-swapping engineering located on its Copen roadster, allowing each individual marque’s variant to activity a distinctive physique.

Best Automobile suggests the wheelbase will be about 100 inches long, about 5 more time than the MR2 Spyder. Proportions are spec’ed at 165 inches extended, 68 inches vast 48 inches large. That is about a foot lengthier, an inch wider, and an inch shorter than the MR2 Spyder. Suppress fat is qualified at a feathery 2200 lbs ..

Very, Most effective Automobile suggests the cost will occur in in between ¥2.2 million and 2.8 million. Usually that would translate to about $22,000-$28,000, but at present-day exchange costs really favorable to the U.S. dollar, it truly is equal to an even extra unbelievable $16,400 to $21,000. 

If legitimate, this would keep on Toyota’s tradition of partnering with other firms to create very low-volume sporting activities cars and trucks: Obligatory mentions to the Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ, Supra and BMW Z4.

Even if this motor vehicle is developed, we think it really is not likely that it will make it to U.S. shores. That would be a disgrace, even though, as the MR2 is now a bona fide and beloved common, and it would be terrific to see its spirit stay on in a fourth technology.