return of MR2
03-18-09, 12:05 PM
#1
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return of MR2
Well, it's certainly a step in the right direction.
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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.
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/au...rius_coup.html
_______________
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.
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/au...rius_coup.html
03-18-09, 12:23 PM
#3
The only thing in that article I would pay any attention to are the quotes from Takimoto. The rest is pure, good old speculation.
Additionally, if they can't get the Subaru FR-thing out then I have little faith in this hybrid, not to mention that the two would be around the same size and price. Maybe they mean a hybrid version of that car as opposed to something completely different?
Additionally, if they can't get the Subaru FR-thing out then I have little faith in this hybrid, not to mention that the two would be around the same size and price. Maybe they mean a hybrid version of that car as opposed to something completely different?
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03-18-09, 01:48 PM
#9
Lexus Fanatic
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no release date. image is just made up. no specs. beyond it being a hybrid (which means HEAVY).
03-18-09, 04:26 PM
#11
They ruined the FT-HS concept. If you're going to make an artist rendition, don't confuse the public by taking an existing concept and regurgitating it under a different "car."
Toyota said nothing of a MR2 successor, they only stated a hybrid sports car. The MR2 was always a mid-engine rear drive sports car.
Toyota said nothing of a MR2 successor, they only stated a hybrid sports car. The MR2 was always a mid-engine rear drive sports car.
03-18-09, 05:09 PM
#12
Toyota had a MR roadster testing on the ring few years ago, looked like a stretched MR2 Spyder platform. That was supposed to be the MR2 successor, but has since then disappeared. MR2 Spyder sold poorly when sports cars were making a come back, so it's only logical for Toyota to kill it off now that economy is in ruins. But a new MR2 could drastically help Toyota's sporty image. They're the only one who created an affordable MR sports car (Fiero don't count, they burn up too much.)
