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10-26-2009, 06:11 PM | #1 |
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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?
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10-26-2009, 06:27 PM | #2 |
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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?
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10-26-2009, 06:44 PM | #3 |
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Interesting...
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10-26-2009, 06:49 PM | #4 |
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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
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10-26-2009, 09:23 PM | #5 |
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Very interesting
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10-26-2009, 10:04 PM | #6 |
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Unless the motor is behind the driver its not an MR2. So im not thrilled
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10-26-2009, 10:17 PM | #7 |
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MR2? Not even close. It's ok. but it should be called the Prius GT, S or something
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10-27-2009, 12:45 AM | #8 |
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Not feeling it...
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10-27-2009, 12:49 AM | #9 |
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prius gt. remake mr2. targa top mid mount rwd
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10-27-2009, 01:03 AM | #10 |
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Sounds good.
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10-27-2009, 01:43 AM | #11 |
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yeah, that concept drawing isn't even close to resembling a car with an MR layout.
More like a new Celica than an MR2. |
10-27-2009, 11:33 AM | #12 | |
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Quote:
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.
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10-27-2009, 11:42 AM | #13 |
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Just wondering why hybrids can't be sports cars...?
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10-27-2009, 11:42 AM | #14 |
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I would take that over a CR-Z but that's it.
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