Production of MR2 stopped in 2007; new car will be a coupé instead of roadster - Toyota GR86, 86, FR-S and Subaru BRZ Forum & Owners Community

Redline · 10-26-2009, 06:11 PM

Production of MR2 stopped in 2007; new car will be a coupé instead of roadster

The MR2 is making a comeback, Auto Express can reveal. Toyota is developing an exciting performance hybrid which would revive the much loved sports car and rival Honda’s upcoming CR-Z.

It’s set to swap its predecessor’s roadster shape for that of a compact coupé. Under the skin will be a rear-wheel-drive chassis, a paddleshift gearbox and a specially developed version of the Prius’s hybrid powertrain.

The new model will boast an amazing blend of performance, economy and low emissions, all wrapped up in a stunning body. It would be a fitting successor to the MR2, which ceased production in 2007.

Speaking exclusively to Auto Express at the Geneva Motor Show, Toyota executive vice president Masatami Takimoto said: “We are aware of the fondness with which the MR2 is held in the UK and Europe, and are developing a small hybrid sports car.

“We have set a tough price point (expected to be around £20,000), as it will be easier to sell if it is affordable. It has to be fun to drive, too, which means the hybrid set-up must be different to the Prius’s, with greater responsiveness.”

These artist’s impressions give you an idea of how it will look. At the front it mixes cues from Toyota’s FT-HS sports car concept with a deep lower air intake, while the side has a kick up on the door towards the roof. At the rear are lights from the FT-HS and a neat diffuser-style lower bumper.

The key challenge for Toyota will be developing a powertrain that’s sporty to drive. It will have to improve the rate at which the batteries charge and discharge, for razor-sharp responses.

If the company gets it right, the car could do 0-60mph in seven seconds, yet return 60mpg and emit less than 100g/km of CO2. A new MR2 would be a desirable addition to the range, but Toyota is concentrating more on family hybrids at the moment, with 10 being launched over the next 12 months.

What do you guys think?

S2KtoFT86 · 10-26-2009, 06:27 PM

Sounds interesting, but why don't they take some cues from Tesla's roadster in how to make a properly fun RWD hybrid/electric? Or is it too difficult/expensive?

DanZilla · 10-26-2009, 06:44 PM

Interesting...

scape · 10-26-2009, 06:49 PM

good thing that's WAY outta my pricerange so as to not derail me from saving for the ft86 haha- i have a certain fondness for the ft-hs

Shevon · 10-26-2009, 09:23 PM

Very interesting

Ricepuddin · 10-26-2009, 10:04 PM

Unless the motor is behind the driver its not an MR2. So im not thrilled

Slothman86 · 10-26-2009, 10:17 PM

MR2? Not even close. It's ok. but it should be called the Prius GT, S or something

White Comet · 10-27-2009, 12:45 AM

Not feeling it...

Redline · 10-27-2009, 12:49 AM

prius gt. remake mr2. targa top mid mount rwd

Jordo! · 10-27-2009, 01:03 AM

Sounds good.

OldSkoolToys · 10-27-2009, 01:43 AM

yeah, that concept drawing isn't even close to resembling a car with an MR layout.

More like a new Celica than an MR2.

MR2fan · 10-27-2009, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ricepuddin

Unless the motor is behind the driver its not an MR2. So im not thrilled

+ 1 billion. This is sacrilige to call it a MR2 revival!!

I wouldn't be caught dead driving a hybrid sports car right now to be honest. No hybrid car right now is truly a sports car. Maybe the CR-Z will prove me wrong, but I doubt it.

Slothman86 · 10-27-2009, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MR2fan

+ 1 billion. This is sacrilige to call it a MR2 revival!!

I wouldn't be caught dead driving a hybrid sports car right now to be honest. No hybrid car right now is truly a sports car. Maybe the CR-Z will prove me wrong, but I doubt it.

Just wondering why hybrids can't be sports cars...?

Mouse · 10-27-2009, 11:42 AM

I would take that over a CR-Z but that's it.

10-26-2009, 06:11 PM	#1
Redline FT86 Club Midship Senior Join Date: Oct 2009 Drives: MR2s...Turbo,NA,SC Location: Auckland. NZ Posts: 54 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Mentioned: 0 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Production of MR2 stopped in 2007; new car will be a coupé instead of roadster Production of MR2 stopped in 2007; new car will be a coupé instead of roadster The MR2 is making a comeback, Auto Express can reveal. Toyota is developing an exciting performance hybrid which would revive the much loved sports car and rival Honda’s upcoming CR-Z. It’s set to swap its predecessor’s roadster shape for that of a compact coupé. Under the skin will be a rear-wheel-drive chassis, a paddleshift gearbox and a specially developed version of the Prius’s hybrid powertrain. The new model will boast an amazing blend of performance, economy and low emissions, all wrapped up in a stunning body. It would be a fitting successor to the MR2, which ceased production in 2007. Speaking exclusively to Auto Express at the Geneva Motor Show, Toyota executive vice president Masatami Takimoto said: “We are aware of the fondness with which the MR2 is held in the UK and Europe, and are developing a small hybrid sports car. “We have set a tough price point (expected to be around £20,000), as it will be easier to sell if it is affordable. It has to be fun to drive, too, which means the hybrid set-up must be different to the Prius’s, with greater responsiveness.” These artist’s impressions give you an idea of how it will look. At the front it mixes cues from Toyota’s FT-HS sports car concept with a deep lower air intake, while the side has a kick up on the door towards the roof. At the rear are lights from the FT-HS and a neat diffuser-style lower bumper. The key challenge for Toyota will be developing a powertrain that’s sporty to drive. It will have to improve the rate at which the batteries charge and discharge, for razor-sharp responses. If the company gets it right, the car could do 0-60mph in seven seconds, yet return 60mpg and emit less than 100g/km of CO2. A new MR2 would be a desirable addition to the range, but Toyota is concentrating more on family hybrids at the moment, with 10 being launched over the next 12 months. What do you guys think? __________________

10-26-2009, 06:27 PM	#2
S2KtoFT86 Resident Post Whore Join Date: Oct 2009 Drives: 2022 WR BRZ Location: Hickory, NC Posts: 1,116 Thanks: 0 Thanked 55 Times in 54 Posts Mentioned: 1 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Sounds interesting, but why don't they take some cues from Tesla's roadster in how to make a properly fun RWD hybrid/electric? Or is it too difficult/expensive? __________________ Gavin

10-27-2009, 12:49 AM	#9
Redline FT86 Club Midship Senior Join Date: Oct 2009 Drives: MR2s...Turbo,NA,SC Location: Auckland. NZ Posts: 54 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Mentioned: 0 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	prius gt. remake mr2. targa top mid mount rwd __________________

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10-26-2009, 06:44 PM	#3
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scape Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Drives: yaris Location: sc Posts: 144 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts Mentioned: 0 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	good thing that's WAY outta my pricerange so as to not derail me from saving for the ft86 haha- i have a certain fondness for the ft-hs

10-26-2009, 09:23 PM	#5
Shevon Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Drives: Accord Coupe Location: Jacksonville, Fl Posts: 319 Thanks: 26 Thanked 5 Times in 3 Posts Mentioned: 0 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Very interesting

10-26-2009, 10:04 PM	#6
Ricepuddin Get a Bowl Join Date: Oct 2009 Drives: 2017 BRZ PP Location: Honolulu HI Posts: 939 Thanks: 108 Thanked 383 Times in 221 Posts Mentioned: 5 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Unless the motor is behind the driver its not an MR2. So im not thrilled

10-26-2009, 10:17 PM	#7
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10-27-2009, 01:03 AM	#10
Jordo! Enjoy it, destroy it. Join Date: Oct 2009 Drives: Datsun Racing Hen Location: Blank Generation Posts: 820 Thanks: 6 Thanked 61 Times in 48 Posts Mentioned: 1 Post(s) Tagged: 2 Thread(s)	Sounds good.

10-27-2009, 11:42 AM	#14
Mouse Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Drives: Miata Location: Miami, Fl. Posts: 186 Thanks: 0 Thanked 5 Times in 3 Posts Mentioned: 0 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	I would take that over a CR-Z but that's it.

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