Toyota MR2 (Photoshop)

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MR2 set to return as Prius coupé?

Production of MR2 stopped in 2007; new car will be a coupé instead of roadster

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.

[Tyter1]

una toyota carina, miracolo !!!

[GTI 150 97]

Complimenti !!! cosa è successo in Toyota?

[Ares]

nulla, hanno solo sfotoscioppato un vecchio concept...

[GTI 150 97]

AAAhhhhh!! volevo ben dire

[Regazzoni]

una toyota carina, miracolo !!!

Beh, sarebbe la seconda.

[Jack.Torrance]

Beh, sarebbe la seconda.

Bannate Regazzoni!

Una Toyota caruccia?

Sarà mica un segno della fine del mondo?

Esce nel 2012?

[GTI 150 97]

Sappiamo qualcosa su motorizzazione e trazione?

[Cibus]

Non è male, ma non chiamatela mr2 vi prego.. Quel nome appartiene ad un'epoca di auto che non rivedremo più temo. Già troppi nomi sono stati usati..

[itr83]

AAAhhhhh!! volevo ben dire

beh era quasi scontato, Toyota ormai fa solo "elettrodomestici" qualsiasi cosa abbia un minimo di appeal la scartano a priori......