Rumormill: Toyota developing baby roadster based on iQ
Toyota worked up an entirely new platform for its new iQ minicar, which features a very unique 3+1 seating arrangement in an effort to outsmart its competitors. Such a development takes a good deal of resources and Toyota seems to be considering ways to defray that cost through additional models based on the same underpinnings. The latest vehicle architecture to add to the always active rumormill would be a small two-seat roadster. If the German buff book Auto Motor und Sport is correct, expect the new sub-Miata-fighter to debut in concept form at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show and be called the Spider. The roadster would likely get the same powerplants as the normal iQ, including both gasoline and diesel four-cylinder variants. A decision on a production model, though, is likely still a good ways off. Other iQ models said to be waiting in the wings are an upcoming Yaris successor, a hybrid and a mini-minivan. Though we know the iQ has a good chance of being sold in the United States wearing a Scion badge, we have no idea yet how many of these other models could follow.
Gallery: 2009 Toyota iQ
[Source: Auto Motor und Sport via Carscoop]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Isuzu32 1:04PM (10/20/2008)
First thing I thought of was the Suzuki Cappuccino. Anyone else see it in the rendering?
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TJ 3:35PM (10/20/2008)
Here is what I though of:
http://www.edmunds.com/pictures/VEHICLE/1997/Toyota/16079/1997.toyota.paseo.10188-396x249.jpg
GOT 8:01PM (10/20/2008)
Nissan Figaro?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissan_Figaro
OR:
Daihatsu Kopen?
http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daihatsu_Copen
Either way I think it could be very cool... if they do it right.
Jrejre 1:05PM (10/20/2008)
Something sporty? From Toyota? I'll believe it when I see it.
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Shipey 1:12PM (10/20/2008)
You ain't kiddin'.
It would be a lot easier for me to show Toyota some love if they'd just throw the enthusiasts a bone once in a while. It's been a long, long time since they've had anything remotely sporty.
And no, that lame MR2 doesn't count.
Roadster != Sportscar
Gabagool 1:25PM (10/20/2008)
MR2 Doesn't count?
Isn't it like saying Ford doesn't make muscle cars and no Mustang doesn't count.
MR2 is a great, sporty car.
TBlueMax 1:37PM (10/20/2008)
Re-read the article - there is only mention of "a small two-seat roadster" - you are likely inferring "sporty" based on this description and not what is stated in the article. Remember that Toyota offered the Paseo convertible over a decade ago in the USDM (based on the Paseo, which was itself based on the Tercel) and it fit the bill of "a small two-seat roadster" - but was anything but "sporty."
Shipey 1:43PM (10/20/2008)
You said it yourself...
"MR2 is a great, sporty car."
Yup. It's a great, sporty car.
It is not a sports car, never has been. Don't even pretend. The Supra was a sports car.
The shame of it is, Toyota has had a lot of racing success over the years. Obviously, someone over there likes to go fast.
They just don't seem to have much interest in sharing that enthusiasm with the buying public.
The new Subaru/Toyota coupe shows some promise, hopefully it will happen.
And no-by definition-the Mustang is not, nor has ever been a musclecar.
Temple 2:12PM (10/20/2008)
Well they do have the IS-F right now.
mr.ed 3:46PM (10/20/2008)
Anybody remember the Berkeley? Now, that was tiny.
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hatchbacks are cool 1:24PM (10/20/2008)
By the way Toyota dose make another micro sport coupe it's called the Daihatsu Copen it actually good .
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Kotse 1:33PM (10/20/2008)
Toyota should rededicate a historical moniker to this new diminutive model...the Toyopet (nickname/known for it's initial popular small offerings in Toyota's post WWII era).
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geo.stewart 1:35PM (10/20/2008)
I was thinking the iSpy
Eek 3:21PM (10/20/2008)
Based on the render, I was thinking goKart.
Richard 1:33PM (10/20/2008)
That's a pretty low cowl...probably going to need a flat 4 to keep it that low and pass safety standards in the US market.
And if you're going to use the flat 4, might as well give it AWD too so we here in New England can enjoy it all year round. Just don't make it FWD!
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brandon 1:40PM (10/20/2008)
If it looks anything like that and drives at least decently enough, i'm sold
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kris 1:53PM (10/20/2008)
Damn. Seat two COMFORTABLY, have decent styling, and that would be one tight little car. If they're going to want low- to mid- 10k for the iQ, this could go for a song. Please make this and bring it to the US.
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Todd 2:07PM (10/20/2008)
I'd rock it. Maybe they can call it the Supra Jr.
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gerrrg 2:10PM (10/20/2008)
I wish THAT ONE was headed for Scion, not the standard iQ.
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AngeloD 2:50PM (10/20/2008)
Why even waste the pixels needed to speculate if a company as terminally constipated as Toyota would even for a nanosecond consider producing something like this roadster?
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