[vh_supra26]

GRMN Toyota iQ Supercharged ConceptAnd it is this combination that could very well put Honda's CR-Z to shame. Honda is calling its CR-Z "the world's first hybrid sports car." But from reports leaking out of Honda, the CR-Z's "lukewarm performance" can only be defined as a 'sporty specialty car' not a 'sports car.' In contrast, the widened 4WD MR-S hybrid develops near supercar performance and reportedly sprints from zero to 60 mph in under 4.5 seconds, making it -- arguably -- the first true hybrid sports car. One insider says that Toyoda and his board members are fully behind this project which means that we could well see this car on the road by the end of 2011.

Hiromu Naruse poses in front of the GRMN Sports Hybrid ConceptAs it happens, Motor Trend has driven a version of this car. The MR-S hybrid first took shape some six years ago, and back in 2005, we were invited to take the prototype for a short two lap spin at a race track in northern Japan. With its development overseen by Toyota's 'meister' test driver Hiromu Naruse, the car was super quick off the mark, firmly planted in the corners and boasted well-weighted steering with negligible understeer. And the rear wheel drive cutting in after the electric fronts was indistinguishable.

The bottom line? Toyota has promised much with its pledge to build a new lineup of cars offering more passion and fun. But if this strong display at the Tokyo Auto Salon is any indication of things to come, then we have a lot to look forward to.

http://www.motortrend.com/