Toyota GR SPORTS EV Concept could be an electric MR2 successor / Toyota FT-Se Concept

[Lantanafrs2]

With oil prices dropping let's see if the messaging from automakers changes a bit.

[gymratter]

https://www.carscoops.com/2023/10/to...g-mr2-revival/

[Sasquachulator]

Im starting to think Toyota wants to get their pet projects out before the mass electrification occurs. they pretty much wont be able to do it with EV's without having to rethink how everything works together.

[spike021]

Originally Posted by Sasquachulator

Im starting to think Toyota wants to get their pet projects out before the mass electrification occurs. they pretty much wont be able to do it with EV's without having to rethink how everything works together.

They did do the EV conversion on that old 86, though. To me that shows they're definitely considering how to do an EV sports car.

[Irace86.2.0]

I mean if they do a GR MR2 with the Yaris/Corolla engine then that would be awesome, and I would seriously consider it if the price was right, but I would be fine with an EV too. It would be the best platform (MR) to launch an affordable Toyota sports car that would be compelling enough to garner interest and demonstrate that Toyota can make an EV sports car that is still a driver's car. I think it could be a home run if they could do something sub 3200lbs that was in the 250hp+ range with a 50kWh battery that did 220mi+. I know they want to do a manual, and if they had a radial flux motor that needed a few gears then cool, but a gearless drivetrain would be fine too, as it would be linear, predictable, direct and engaging.

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by Irace86.2.0

I mean if they do a GR MR2 with the Yaris/Corolla engine then that would be awesome, and I would seriously consider it if the price was right, but I would be fine with an EV too.

I'm all over a new MR2, and would prefer the ICE version as you describe. I couldn't give them my money fast enough, assuming it isn't some hideous physical design. (I'm not a fan of the MR2 designs that have been floating around)

Ultimately can you really make a mid-engine (mid-motor?) EV? I think the best you could do is get what is referred to as a mid-battery EV which better distributes some of the weight. Pretty much any EV is going to be either front or rear or front/rear motor though since the motor is best over the axle, or at the wheel hubs.

[Sasquachulator]

Originally Posted by Irace86.2.0

I mean if they do a GR MR2 with the Yaris/Corolla engine then that would be awesome, and I would seriously consider it if the price was right, but I would be fine with an EV too. It would be the best platform (MR) to launch an affordable Toyota sports car that would be compelling enough to garner interest and demonstrate that Toyota can make an EV sports car that is still a driver's car. I think it could be a home run if they could do something sub 3200lbs that was in the 250hp+ range with a 50kWh battery that did 220mi+. I know they want to do a manual, and if they had a radial flux motor that needed a few gears then cool, but a gearless drivetrain would be fine too, as it would be linear, predictable, direct and engaging.

Every EV fanboy will forgive Toyota for their slow EV adoption if they are able to release an EV MR2, EV Tacoma, or an EV Land Cruiser (especially a small one like that EV Compact Cruiser concept is supposed to be)

[Kittykate]

A new ICE MR2 would get me actin' unwise.

[Irace86.2.0]

Originally Posted by Dadhawk

I'm all over a new MR2, and would prefer the ICE version as you describe. I couldn't give them my money fast enough, assuming it isn't some hideous physical design. (I'm not a fan of the MR2 designs that have been floating around)

Ultimately can you really make a mid-engine (mid-motor?) EV? I think the best you could do is get what is referred to as a mid-battery EV which better distributes some of the weight. Pretty much any EV is going to be either front or rear or front/rear motor though since the motor is best over the axle, or at the wheel hubs.

Yeah it is more of a powertrain packaging, but EV motors tend to be mid engine, as the bulk of the motor(s) is(are) between the axles.




The Evija here and original Roadster did a battery stack instead of a skateboard, but I believe a skateboard design would still be MR enough to count, especially in driving dynamics, which is really what we are talking about. Any MR setup should have the weight between the axles with a rear bias over the rear wheels. For example, the TM3 RWD is 47/53 and the Cayman is 46/54.



It is far from a rear engine setup.

[pope]

Originally Posted by gymratter

https://www.carscoops.com/2023/10/to...g-mr2-revival/

Bring this to market, price it reasonably, and I’ll be all over it.

[Sasquachulator]

Originally Posted by pope

Bring this to market, price it reasonably, and I’ll be all over it.

That EV showcase that Toyota did awhile back....almost every model shown in it has/will become a production model of some kind (whether EV, ICE or hybrid).

-The EV Tacoma was the actual 2024 Tacoma design.
-The EV Compact Cruiser design elements have been used in the Land Cruiser and Lexus GX...and there is apparently a smaller land cruiser coming (Land Hopper is a rumored name)
-Small SU EV is the 2nd gen CH-R
-The EV Sports SUV is actually the Crown Sport variant
-BZ compact crossover
-BZ sedan is the BZ3x Sedan (chinese market)
-Buncha Lexus models

The design for this MR2 or EV sports car looks to be a real thing based on that and these new rumors.

[Ash_89]

https://global.toyota/en/newsroom/co.../39886279.html


The following is from linked press release:



Toyota will be exhibiting at the Japan Mobility Show 2023, to be held from Thursday, October 26 to Sunday, November 5*, with a booth themed "Let's Change the Future of Cars―Find Your Future."


In this first announcement of models to be exhibited at the booth, Toyota reveals some of the design details for two battery electric vehicle (BEV) concept models, the FT-3e and the FT-Se.


The two concept models―the SUV-type FT-3e and the sporty FT-Se―will present a future transformed by electrification and intelligence, along with the new experience value offered by cars. Toyota believes that future mobility will go beyond providing physical transportation tools to becoming a lifestyle partner closely aligned with each customer's individual values. Alongside the highly responsive controls and captivating designs unique to BEVs, these models evolve into one-of-a-kind cherished vehicles by offering the joy of personal ride customization, as well as convenient functions for stress-free browsing of local area information while onboard.




Details of the new experience value offered by cars will be released in upcoming announcements. We look forward to welcoming visitors to the Toyota booth.


Exhibit models

1. FT-Se

Main features

• A high-performance sports BEV model proposed as one of the options for sports cars in the carbon-neutral era, incorporating the expertise gained in TOYOTA GAZOO Racing's efforts to make ever-better cars through motorsports.
• Pursuing further handling stability and aerodynamic performance, the FT-Se shares major components with the FT-3e. Toyota set out to create a car that continues to grow with the driver through software updates.

Design

• Wide and low proportions, along with a sleek, cutting-edge silhouette, reduce aerodynamic drag.
• The next-generation cockpit offers intuitive controls and a more immersive driving experience.
• A low instrument panel profile ensures high visibility. Newly designed kneepads protect the body from G-forces during driving.

[Ash_89]

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[gymratter]

Krik thinks its a next gen Supra concept