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.
Toyota Supra on course for 2018 launch
Scheduled for late 2013, the MR2 replacement will have a hybrid powertrain based on a 1.5-litre petrol engine.
See pics of the Toyota Supra and MR2 concepts
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.
Nissan’s two-door sports EV is said to use the Leaf for key mechanicals and both the Leaf and the Landglider concept for its inspiration. The car is unlikely to adopt the Landglider’s ability to lean into corners, though. It’s due to be launched in late 2014.
Mitsubishi, meanwhile, is planning a two-door sports version of the i-MiEV electric city car by 2012. And, as revealed by Autocar, it is also planning to switch its Evo to a hybrid powertrain.
Mazda is one mainstream brand that seems reluctant to join the pack. Its next-generation MX-5, due in 2012, will employ downsized versions of the firm’s new SkyG engines — possibly 1.3-litre units with turbocharging — but it won’t get a hybrid.
Peter Lyon
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Re: Toyota to launch new Supra, MR2
Toyota,like rival Honda need to get back in the sports car game soon.the market for the MR2 and the Celica needs some new metal.these cars were class leading in their time.
Re: Toyota to launch new Supra, MR2
Re: Toyota to launch new Supra, MR2
I'll believe it when I see it. These cars are a million miles away from where Toyota want to be right now, and even the much fancied FT 86 will be delayed.
All of these prototypes are the plaything of Mr Toyoda who is a petrol head who seems a bit frustrated and has an army of engineers at his disposal to build him whatever he likes.
I hope they come because Toyota have a credible history of making good, fun and reliable sporty cars, and we did take to them.