Rumors out of Japan say that Toyota and a few of its partnered firms are engaged on a light-weight, mid-engined, hybrid sports activities automotive. That, plus the truth that in 2021 Toyota confirmed a purported electrical midship sports activities automotive idea, has the gossip mill swirling. Clearly, a small midship runabout conjures photographs of the dearly departed MR2.
The grapevine originates from Japan’s Finest Automobile journal, which states it is a triple-collab between Toyota, Suzuki and Daihatsu. Toyota owns Daihatsu outright and has a 5% stake in Suzuki.
The rumors have it enjoying out like this: Toyota provides the chassis, utilizing the entrance suspension of the Yaris. Suzuki offers the engine, a 1.0-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder presently discovered within the Swift, good for 118 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. It might be mated to a 5-horsepower delicate hybrid electrical motor and both a six-speed guide or six-speed computerized. Daihatsu contributes its panel-swapping know-how discovered on its Copen roadster, permitting every marque’s variant to sport a singular physique.
Finest Automobile says the wheelbase will probably be about 100 inches lengthy, about 5 longer than the MR2 Spyder. Dimensions are spec’ed at 165 inches lengthy, 68 inches broad 48 inches excessive. That is a couple of foot longer, an inch wider, and an inch shorter than the MR2 Spyder. Curb weight is focused at a feathery 2200 kilos.
Extremely, Finest Automobile says the value will are available in between ¥2.2 million and a couple of.8 million. Usually that might translate to about $22,000-$28,000, however at present trade charges very favorable to the U.S. greenback, it is equal to an much more unbelievable $16,400 to $21,000.
If true, this may proceed Toyota’s custom of partnering with different firms to construct low-volume sports activities vehicles: Compulsory mentions to the Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ, Supra and BMW Z4.
Even when this automotive is constructed, we predict it is unlikely that it will make it to U.S. shores. That may be a disgrace, although, because the MR2 is now a bona fide and beloved basic, and it will be nice to see its spirit stay on in a fourth era.