Toyota MR2 Successor Rumoured For 2024 Release With 400HP Of Hybrid Power
Toyota is supposedly readying itself to resurrect the legendary MR2, according to a report from the Japanese site Spyder7. Because automakers are increasingly investing in future technology rather than performance-oriented cars, we really should take this with a pinch of salt, but come on? How could I let this go under the radar?
According to the report, Toyota is looking for a company to collaborate with, much like the GT86 and Subaru BRZ, and the new Supra and BMW Z4. The narrative claims that Toyota is talking to Porsche and Lotus, which again, is a bit mad.
The vehicle will apparently be powered by a hybrid powertrain, consisting of a mid-mounted 2.8 or 3.0-liter V6 alongside an unspecified amount of motors. But, according to Spyder7, we’re looking at a total of somewhere between 350 and 400 horsepower.
The Toyota MR2 style will remain close to what we know, possibly even looking similar to the Toyota Alessandro Volta concept which we first saw at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show. While it is rather good looking, I’m not so sure it suits current trends.
The expected pricing is 6 million yen, which is $52,761 in current exchange rates. In comparison, the Supra in Japan starts at 4.995 million yen ($43,930). Now, if this is true, this would mean the MR2 would become Toyota’s halo car. Again, this is questionable. Also questionable is the rumoured release time of 2024. If it really was this close, I’d expect there would be more than rumours circulating at the moment. But, I may be wrong.
Toyota Motor Europe Executive Vice President of Sales Matt Harrison said in 2020 that bringing back the MR2 “was not a priority” at the time. And while this could be the knife in the chest of the rumour, it wouldn’t be the first time one executive of a company doesn’t know what another department is planning.
Or maybe I’m just being hopeful. Possibly.
