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Toyota is into the testing stages of its new MR2 sports car, with an engine borrowed from an acclaimed GR model and styling that could come from one of its recent concepts.
Japanese motoring magazine Best Car cites reliable sources who say the MR2 is no longer just a concept, but a prototype currently being tested by the world’s biggest car brand - with a combustion engine, possibly as Toyota’s last purely combustionsports car.
While no one outside of Toyota knows what the car will look like, Best Car’s informant says the model will be a ‘modern AW11’ thus paying homage to the first generation of the sports car.
The Japanese magazine has taken that idea and run with it for its digital renders (above), with some 1980s style cues interspersed with a modern silhouette not too far away from some of Toyota’s more recent cars (such as the Prius).It should be noted that Toyota’s recent (electric) FT-Se Concept also looks to be about the perfect size and packaging for a mid-engine sports car, and the company didn’t necessarily confirm a drivetrain type for the production version, meaning it could be the basis for the new MR2.
well if that's actually THE car then damn this is awesome news! this may actually be the first time i've seen those thin sliver type headlights and thought they worked well with the design (unlike say, the new 7 series), maybe because they almost look like the small gap beneath a pop up headlight lol
i'd lose the testarossa style side vents though, those i'd like to see restyled they seem out of place in an otherwise modern looking design
It feels like too much to hope for. Put the GR Corolla motor and a 6 speed manual in it, give it great styling that ties it in with the original MR2, and Toyota, you can have my money.
It feels like too much to hope for. Put the GR Corolla motor and a 6 speed manual in it, give it great styling that ties it in with the original MR2, and Toyota, you can have my money.
Agreed, though I personally am more drawn to the Gen 2 MR2's looks over the original.
Agreed, though I personally am more drawn to the Gen 2 MR2's looks over the original.
I owned a first gen, so there's a nostalgia factor there for me. However, I also loved the 2nd gen, and felt that it paid such great homage to the original design that I would be happy with either providing the design direction for this version.
don't forget the snap oversteer! it's not an MR2 without the snap oversteer
It's gonna be like a C8 in stock config, VERY safe and I'm sure since it's Toyota it will have heavy handed VSC programming. I don't think it will be risky at all
My wife recently found some old photos of my beloved '86 MR2. I sold it in '96 or '97 with 120k miles on it. Huge mistake.
If Toyota replicates this in any way, I am in.
i always like how placing a retro sports car around other cars of a similar vintage (with a dash of slightly faded picture) will suddenly make it look cutting edge and futuristic again... the supercharged version from that era has always gotten me a little giddy to think about haha
don't forget the snap oversteer! it's not an MR2 without the snap oversteer
With the extra weight behind the cabin, mid-engined cars often do (but not always) tend to oversteer....and to (sometimes) run hot even with grille-openings above the engine.
New MR2 in the works
