Rumormill: Toyota planning a hybrid MR2 sequel as a Honda CR-Z competitor
A few years back, Toyota saw fit to remind the motoring public that it knew how to build a sporty-looking two-seat sportscar with the FT-HS. Not surprisingly, the concept featured a hybrid powertrain adapted from the Prius. Could Toyota be working on something along these lines for a future production vehicle?According to Auto Express, it's a distinct possibility. The new hybrid spotscar would revive the MR2 name that last died in 2007. Like its predecessor, the new car would feature rear-wheel drive and two seats. Ostensibly a competitor for the upcoming Honda CR-Z hybrid hatchback, the new car could go a long way towards reestablishing the Japanese automaker in the minds of younger consumers.
If it indeed makes production, expect to see a sub-7-second run to 60 mph and fuel economy in the 50s (60s across the pond). Carbon emissions would be below the critical 100 g/km threshold, making it an attractive option for Europeans.
Gallery: Toyota FT-HS-large
[Source: Auto Express]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Larz 3:21PM (3/18/2009)
They would do better to make an electric or hybrid small pickup.
So many people in small business have offered to buy my
2 liter '89 Toyota pickup, that I'm thinking of selling it for more
than Bluebook. Also, a small pickup is perfect for batteries;
just use part of the bed and extend the bed a foot or two.
It would be a big seller in my opinion. There is still high
demand for an item that Japan has stopped producing for
some unknown reason. I'd buy a new one. It's the perfect
runabout.
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Wade 9:31AM (3/19/2009)
Agreed. A hybrid pickup like the A-Bat concept would be perfect.
But if Toyota chooses to compete with the CR-Z, then they should follow the CR-Zs lead and put a couple of jump seats in the back for kids. I just sold my '88 MR-2 because I couldn't safely pick up my two kids after school. I bought a used Camry for now, but I'll be checking out the CR-Z when in debuts. There were jump seats in the back of the concept.
But, as a homeowner, I'd prefer the flexibility of the A-Bat.
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pditty 10:51AM (3/19/2009)
"But, as a homeowner, I'd prefer the flexibility of the A-Bat."
Wade, that's such a weird statement.
So you're saying that a mid engine 2 seater with no trunk *wouldn't* be as flexible for home depot runs as a pickup?
I, for one, am stunned.
I own an MR2 and it definitely has limited utility. But I don't think a lot of people are cross shopping say the miata and the dakota... or the MR2 and the A-BAT.
I do like it when people make odd cross shopping assumptions though (not you, but other people) like.... "ah screw the BMW 750Li! you should totally get the new Buick Lacrosse!"
Wade 11:57AM (3/19/2009)
You should've seen me strapping that washing machine to the MR-2 with the little ball of twine the Home Depot guy gave me! I was shocked that it wouldn't fit in the MR-2's frunk!
Point taken. The MR-2 niche is strictly two-seater, so my post is probably off-topic. I forgot that there's already rumor of a Prius coupe.
But I AM cross shopping the CR-Z and the A-Bat, weird as that sounds. If there's no further word on the A-Bat when the CR-Z debuts, then I'm probably buying the CR-Z or the insight. I'd LIKE a trucklet, but I need an economical vehicle for my relatively long commute. And I'd wager that there are a lot of other homeowner/family-of-four/commuters out there in the same boat as me.
cali 3:45PM (3/19/2009)
Comment on cross shopping:
when I was looking at the mx-5 (miata) I was cross shopping with more utilitarian vehicles such as the subaru line (yes, the line), and more energy efficient vehicles like the smart car. For 99% of my needs I wanted small, fun, energy efficient. For 1% I wanted to be able to move things. I compared the range of options to determine what the best trade off was.
I decided to go with the mx-5 hard top as it best fit the majority of my usage needs. I can rent a truck when I need one, or have a delivery service handle such needs.
On topic: I hope the mr-2 does come back. The mr-2 and the crx were great little cars (cross comparing again - i recall the last year the crx sold it topped out around 16k while the mr-2 of that year was around 35k, in canada)
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