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

http://photos.autoexpress.co.uk/imag...o_303846_7.jpg

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?

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?

Interesting...

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

Very interesting

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

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

Not feeling it...

prius gt. remake mr2. targa top mid mount rwd

Sounds good.

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

More like a new Celica than an MR2.

+ 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...?

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

Have you looked at the Tesla Roadster? While it's not a hybrid, it sure is a true sports car.

The Tesla is a pure sports EV but I would not get one even if I had the money. There is something that it does not produce that I think takes away from the driving experience....which is noise. I know there has to be some people here that love the noises that their car makes and is beneficial when shifting and just knowing what speed you're doing without having to look at the speed-o. The tesla is soul-less.

I hear you, but people also said the same thing about Japanese cars for the longest time because they were so bloody efficient and lacked that V8 burble that the hot rod crowd wanted so badly. Now we're saying it about the Tesla. I think it's just a matter of perspective. Give it time. Somebody will figure out how to make a hybrid/EV sports car that satisfies.

Hmm... I see your point, but a souless monster that makes peak torque at 1 RPM would pretty hard to turn down :D

The whole point of a hybrid (right now) is for lower emissions/higher gas mileage.

If used for evil :thumbsup: hybrid applications have a lot of potential with regard to a "true sports car." That being said, they're still improving technology for smaller motors, smaller batteries, etc.

Toyota may bring back MR2 (Rumor)
 

Its just a rumor at the moment but check out the article for yourselves.

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/26/r...-hybrid-power/

Competition for the CRZ?

Go go Pink Repost Ranger. :reposthorse: Sorry, just had to do it.

hehe (twice in one week) :bonk: Please lock thread.

:barf::barf::barf::barf::barf::barf::barf::barf:

needs an engine (internal combustion variety) behind the driver. maybe with a turbo again. :D i don't like the way that looks at all. maybe, as others have said, for the new prius, but no way in hell an MR2.

-Mike

after the SW20 chassis the MR2 went down from a feared track master cheap mid engine rwd power house, to a weekend roadster that get 30mpg but i can still try to go track day, to a will try a tesla fighter. instead of going up and up it goes down and down why?

Meh, personal opinion.

The ZZW30 is actually a well balanced car, more than capable of taking corners with the 'big boys'. I think if it wasn't a convertible that car would've gotten a lot more looks from enthusiasts. Of course, it also would've needed an engine with a bit more heart. Why they never put the 2ZZ-GE onto the W30 chassis completely confounds me. I can only imagine the kind of car the W30 would've been with a GZE configuration on that suspension/chassis. Would've been sick.

If I had the spare money I'd street tune one up for SCCA in a heartbeat.

http://thedragoeffect.files.wordpres...dragonzord.jpg

RAWRRRR, DRAGON!!!!!!

:bellyroll::bellyroll::bellyroll:

thats one thing i was thinking also, its not like they didnt have a 2ZZGE w/ a super charge, the corolla sport is sporting a 2ZZGE compressor supercharge.

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/d...imagen020y.jpg

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/d...tecompres1.jpg

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/d...n/dsc08381.jpg

wow, I'm digging that hatchback...

shame we never got it in the U.S.

We never get anything cool. :thumbdown:

yeah i like it also, so so sad we dont get options like this...its better looking than the matrix, its like a suzuki swift

the owner had the right state of mind putting rally rims on that sucker.


That bodystyle screams Rally.

that looks pretty good.

isn't that spy shot severely old? Like possibly the spy shot of what was to become the 2000 MR-S?

LOL, at the magazine editors :bellyroll:

I remember a shot of a camo'd MR-S on the ring, sporting a fatter rump with massively increased rear-track from some years ago.

they may be refering back to the mrs in the article...or possibly using it as camo for a rediculously early revivial project

if they were to come back out with an mr2 I think it needs to use some of the styling from this ft86 concept, could look pretty sweet. possibly even using the same engine options to keep the center of gavity low

Looks interesting...