GRMN
 

hi i dunno if this has been mentioned or not already, and it is slightly confusing to me since i used google translate to read it (cant read french) but it seems to me that some of the hybrid sports car rumors COULD be stemming from the GRMN (i think something was lost in translation but)
http://translate.google.com.au/trans...oncept-12.html

here is the original site (in french)
http://www.leblogauto.com/2011/01/ex...oncept-12.html

there is also a mr2 there but seriously, something was lost in translation for me..

what do you all think?
also if someone that can read french could shed some light on this article
sorry if its a repost, but its dated 11-01-12

Looks like just a blog about a press event. I had to do with some recent concepts, a ride along in an LFA, and test driving the Gazoo iQ. The MR2/S hybrid was just there cause it was a recent concept.

Edit: Shit, 2 pages... just a minute...

Page 2: They test drove the MR2/S hybrid. It was a pet project of Naruse. Basics are it's a Rx400h powertrain (3.3l V6 with Hybrid system and a CVT), goes 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds without the 'savagery' of a GT-R (motor sounds boring). More exciting in the corners, very balanced but still feels a bit heavy. They understand why Toyota wants to share the experience. 'It undeniably validates the sports hybrid concept.' But they can't really see what future of it will be. They will have to work on the weight, engine and primarily the price. Gazoo doesn't have the resources to produce it on a large scale, but enough to keep experimenting with concept ideas.

'A new version of the car will be presented this weekend at the Tokyo Auto Salon, closer to being validated.' (closer to a production model?)

^^^ Was this true? Did anyone see a mid-engine Toyota hybrid at the Salon? ^^^

Basically they made the point several times that this is Toyota trying to shake up its boring reputation as well.

Just read the Google translation version, and just realized I wasted a bunch of time feebly translating on my own... It's pretty clear. Just some adjectives reversed and other French-ness.

Wait what I didn't see the 2nd page -.-
That sounds like a fths concept mule to me to be honest.. Cus of the layout, engine, power etc

No, the FT-HS is FR, this car is MR, awd. This car has been a long time in coming. the mechanicals first appeared in the Volta concept and shortly after the camo MR-S that they spoke about appeared on the ring. Then this concept. I think they really, really want to build this car.

Put a 3.5 2GR in and do it Toyota. Put some sexy sheet metal......erm sheet carbon... fiber glass... whatever.. around it and JUST DO IT!!!!!!

In the article it sounded like it is a Gazoo project, not Toyota. And they don't have the $$$ to do it large scale, or economically as the hybrid stuff is expensive.

But 400 hp, AWD, and 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds doesn't usually come cheap... Those numbers say $60K to me.

Oh trust me it's Toyota. This layup has been around before Gazoo even existed. Perhaps they have been left to develop it somewhat, but trust me.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YKOchf32w-...lta0_thumb.jpg

http://www.sport-cars.org/site_img/l...-Concept-2.jpg

http://image.motortrend.com/f/auto_s...er_chassis.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...oncept_200.jpg

^^ nice concept

btw. 3.5 2GR rules! :party0030:

Damn, the design doesn't even look old. If you want to be "green" and fast, get this( if it ever see the light in production form).

Kinda looks like the future Lotus cars dosnt it?

I thought it was a Lotus too but then i looked at the other pics and i saw the logo in between doors and engine placement. ( on the side)

Hmm isn't there a electric lotus coming out as well in the last concepts? Could be related..

It's not. Guys, this concept came out in 2004.

I even made a Volta vs FT-HS thread

It's this... http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/15/t...400-hp-3-3-li/

I'm 100% sure it's been discussed on this board. And it was not planned for production, it was just a technology testbed / showcar.