Supra and MR2 in development for 2013 Both as Hybrids
#1
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Supra and MR2 in development for 2013 Both as Hybrids
Toyota is set to lead a raft of Japanese hybrid sports cars with a successor to the MR2 and a reborn Supra. Both are due within the next four years.
Scheduled for late 2013, the MR2 replacement will have a hybrid powertrain based on a 1.5-litre petrol engine. It is the pet project of Hiromu Naruse, Toyota’s chief test driver, who runs the GRMN offshoot (Gazoo Racing — Meister of Nürburgring).
The model was originally going to use a V6 hybrid powertrain, but the success of Honda’s CR-Z in Japan is said to have prompted a rethink.
The Supra successor — previewed by the FT-HS (Future Toyota Hybrid Sport) at the 2007 Detroit show — was said to have been canned. But strengthening hybrid sales have earned the model a second chance, so a new Supra — powered, like the FT-HS, by a V6 hybrid powertrain — is back on track.
The model’s development is now running almost in parallel with that of the FT-86. That car, a joint project with Subaru, has been delayed until at least 2013.
Toyota’s hybrid sports models will be joining an increasingly crowded market. Honda is planning its own high-performance hybrid sports car, and Nissan and Mitsubishi are planning to go a step further with all-electric sports cars.
Scheduled for late 2013, the MR2 replacement will have a hybrid powertrain based on a 1.5-litre petrol engine. It is the pet project of Hiromu Naruse, Toyota’s chief test driver, who runs the GRMN offshoot (Gazoo Racing — Meister of Nürburgring).
The model was originally going to use a V6 hybrid powertrain, but the success of Honda’s CR-Z in Japan is said to have prompted a rethink.
The Supra successor — previewed by the FT-HS (Future Toyota Hybrid Sport) at the 2007 Detroit show — was said to have been canned. But strengthening hybrid sales have earned the model a second chance, so a new Supra — powered, like the FT-HS, by a V6 hybrid powertrain — is back on track.
The model’s development is now running almost in parallel with that of the FT-86. That car, a joint project with Subaru, has been delayed until at least 2013.
Toyota’s hybrid sports models will be joining an increasingly crowded market. Honda is planning its own high-performance hybrid sports car, and Nissan and Mitsubishi are planning to go a step further with all-electric sports cars.
Probably BS, but interesting nonetheless. If this MR2 stuff is true, do you think Toyota would dedicate it to the Meister?
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#8
Lexus Test Driver
A mid-engined, hybrid AWD MR2 successor would be very interesting.
Just want to point out that the GTR doesn't sell at its price point. Even at $40,000, the Supra didn't sell well. What makes you think a $70,000 Toyota will?
Just want to point out that the GTR doesn't sell at its price point. Even at $40,000, the Supra didn't sell well. What makes you think a $70,000 Toyota will?
#9
Lexus Test Driver
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No because then that would make the LFA a joke. The LFA is as fast as the GTR so a Toyota that cost 1/6th the price of the LFA but just as fast would be bad.
#11
#12
Lexus Test Driver
I don't think a GTR competitor does Toyota any good, but that doesn't mean one couldn't coexist with the LFA. I wouldn't mind seeing one, since I can pretty much guarantee it'll be a far better drive than the GTR is.
That's not the way I see it. The purpose of the Halo car LFA was to prove that Toyota has the technology and engineering to compete with the world's best. Cost aside, that car is a Statement. Eventually trickling down new Idea's, tech etc. to lesser models. Not to mention the LFA is a limited run, much like the Enzo, new less costly Ferrari's are just as fast if not faster. So the way I see it, a Supra competing head to head with the GT-R makes sense. Perhaps even stir some life into Toyota which until recently lost it's "sport" mojo
Last edited by gengar; 06-23-10 at 09:41 PM.
#13
Lexus Champion
Not like they can't make a lexus model of the new 'supra' as the 'SC' which they have planned, make it perform well, price it around 65-70K and that's your GTR fighter. The other car will be more of a mustang gt, corvette fighter. The FT86 a lower model, genesis fighter, the new MRS a miate fighter. Toyota with a sports car to fight all other sports car, then a luxury cruiser/ sports car to fight with the upper tier sports cars like the SL. IS coupe coming to fight against G37 coupe, a possible F version also? Looks like Toyota has big plans. They owe it to Naruse to release these cars!!
#14
Why do you say that? Your assuming that another Supra will fail? With the world focused on green, downsizing, and economy there is certainly a lack of "fun to drive" cars out there. I'm not sure why your so opposed to the idea, what's it going to hurt by Toyota even considering a high-performance revision of the Supra. Sounds like a win to customers in the market for a car of that caliber, enthusiasts, and the automotive world. The FT-86 is a great car too, a real Celica successor, but since the FT-86 and MR2 are not as hardcore as the Supra moniker they'll be priced below 40K window. This leaves room for the Supra should it be reworked and a full line-up of sports cars . Let me dream
#15
Not like they can't make a lexus model of the new 'supra' as the 'SC' which they have planned, make it perform well, price it around 65-70K and that's your GTR fighter. The other car will be more of a mustang gt, corvette fighter. The FT86 a lower model, genesis fighter, the new MRS a miate fighter. Toyota with a sports car to fight all other sports car, then a luxury cruiser/ sports car to fight with the upper tier sports cars like the SL. IS coupe coming to fight against G37 coupe, a possible F version also? Looks like Toyota has big plans. They owe it to Naruse to release these cars!!