Rumors are circulating about the possibility of a new Toyota MR2, a lightweight sports car that is being developed in partnership with Suzuki and Daihatsu. While nothing has been officially announced, reports suggest that the new car will have a traditional gas-fed engine and will be lighter than the Mazda Miata.
Here’s what we know so far about the potential new Toyota MR2.
The Rumors
According to Japanese magazine Best Car, a “baby sports car” resulting from a partnership between Toyota and Suzuki is still happening. While there is no official name or confirmation, recent concepts, such as the Toyota Sports EV, have fueled speculation. Unlike the concept car, however, reports suggest that the new MR2 will have an internal-combustion engine rather than an electric motor.
Powertrain and Weight
The rumored powertrain for the new sports car is a mid-mounted 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine. While it’s not very powerful, with just 120 horsepower and 147 pound-feet of torque, the car is expected to be extremely light, weighing only 2204 pounds. This would make it lighter than the Mazda Miata and the Toyota GR86.
Suzuki is reportedly developing the engine, while Toyota is adapting the suspension from the current-generation Yaris for use on the new sports car. It’s unclear what platform the car would be built on, but its overall length is said to be 165.3 inches with a 100-inch wheelbase, matching the GR86’s measurements.
Potential Pricing and Market
While the rumored price range of $16,000 to $20,000 might seem enticing to car enthusiasts, it could be difficult for Toyota to find success in the market with such a low price point. Furthermore, with profit margins expected to be razor-thin, there is no guarantee that the new MR2 would be sold in America.
FAQs
Q: What is the rumored powertrain for the new Toyota MR2?
A: The rumored powertrain for the new MR2 is a mid-mounted 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine.
Q: What is the expected price range for the new Toyota MR2?
A: Reports claim that the new MR2 could be priced between $16,000 and $20,000.
Q: How much is the new Toyota MR2 expected to weigh?
A: The new MR2 is expected to weigh only 2204 pounds, making it lighter than the Mazda Miata and the Toyota GR86.
Conclusion
While nothing has been officially confirmed, the rumors about a new Toyota MR2 are certainly exciting for car enthusiasts. The potential for a lightweight sports car with a traditional gas-fed engine is a dream come true for many, but the low price point and thin profit margins could make it difficult for Toyota to find success in the market. Only time will tell if the new MR2 will become a reality, but for now, we can continue to hope and speculate.