Rendered Speculation: Is Toyota planning a hybrid MR2 sequel as a Honda CRZ competitor?
by Jeremy Korzeniewski on Mar 18th 2009 at 12:26PM 
Based on the automaker's current line of eminently reliable, practical and fuel efficient machinery, it's easy to forget that Toyota has a past full of exciting sports cars. A couple of years back, Toyota decided to highlight the fact that it knows how to built a sporty-looking vehicle with the FT-HS concept, which mated a performance-minded hybrid powertrain with edgy, low-slung bodywork.According to Auto Express in the U.K., Toyota is considering a production model based on the FT-HS concept that would revive the MR2 that was killed off in 2007. If indeed true, this new sporty hybrid would go up against Honda's expected CR-Z hybrid hatchback. Unlike its rival from Honda, though, the MR2 would feature rear-wheel drive, and that's something to get excited about.
Other interesting tidbits include a rumored run to 60 in under seven seconds, with fuel economy in the 60's (50's in the U.S.) and carbon emissions of of under 100 g/km. Performance and efficiency in one package? Sounds too good to be true. Thanks for the tips, everyone!
Gallery: Toyota FT-HS Concept
[Source: Auto Express]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
ronEbear 12:29PM (3/18/2009)
If Honda`s doing it, Toyota will. Same applies to Honda.
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Affalterbach 12:45PM (3/18/2009)
Right now both of them are bloating their cars, and removing all traces of sportiness from their lineup.
And with regards to this 'MR2 revival' its not gonna happen; we all know how well the old MR-S sold.
Back in those days, Toyota decided to lump their Celica, MR2 and another sporty model, Echo as part of a youth-targetting "Toyota Project Genesis". In 2001, Genesis was officially brought to a close by the announcement that Toyota Motor Sales USA decided to launch a separate marque, Scion.*
*from Wikipedia.
But I wish I were wrong.
hashiryu 12:53PM (3/18/2009)
@Affalterbach....
You never know. About 2-3 years ago there were spy photos of an MR-S being tested at the ring, but with a wider body, track and **MUCH** wider tyres than stock. It was fully camo'd, so definitely a test car... who knows, maybe this was in the pipeline before and got canned?
I have those photos somewhere ........ :(
Affalterbach 1:31PM (3/18/2009)
@hashiryu
I saw those photos as well on TheCarConnection. It was rumored to be some sort of a hybrid-MR2, but it never appeared in any concept form, let alone production duty.
Also, Autoexpress says this could be a Prius coupe, which sounds believable. A MR2 it is not.
naggs 7:57PM (3/18/2009)
this is ridiculous,
toyota would have to engineer a totally different hybrid system, you cant do brake regen off the rear axel it it would have to have a separate motor/generator for the front axel
another_one 12:35PM (3/18/2009)
What is with these center exhausts?
they look like... well... derriere orifices...
Do not like.
Car is nice though and I am all for Mr-2 continuance (as well as the Sutoya AE-86)
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the_MVP_X 12:39PM (3/18/2009)
Sutoya?Nahh it's Toyobaru, INITIAL D("flaming eyes")
Mazda FTW! 12:37PM (3/18/2009)
Yeah right.
Watch this get cancelled by Friday.
Only to be back on next Tuesday.
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Affalterbach 12:47PM (3/18/2009)
Yep, just like those AE86 & Supra rumors.
the_MVP_X 12:37PM (3/18/2009)
Wow, is Toyota making not boring cars again, really?This should be something.
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another_one 12:48PM (3/18/2009)
The Echo was "sporty"....
Someone was smoking something (Paseo I can see, but Echo)
Sigh
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Tikki 12:58PM (3/18/2009)
Yep toyota the maker of generic cars for commericals. We promise you get excited.
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why not the LS2LS7? 12:52PM (3/18/2009)
0-60 in under 7 seconds and under 100g/km? Only a motorcycle stands a chance o that. At least with current technology.
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Maplewood 12:56PM (3/18/2009)
The Toyota MR2 was a mid-engined car. Judging by the artist's renderings - the long front hood, the lack of side intake vents - this looks like it's front-engined. More like a Celica sequel...
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UAW LIVEON 1:04PM (3/18/2009)
Blah Blah Blah imports imports imports. Really quite sick of the import bias on AOL . Just makes you wonder how much they are being paid?????????????
DON'T BE A TRAITOR BUY BIG THREE
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Jeremy Korzeniewski 1:14PM (3/18/2009)
Missed the Mustang review a few stories down, did we?
John 1:05PM (3/18/2009)
This thing is fugly. Maybe they were trying for an exotic look with all those flat surfaces? It just looks cheap.
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the_MVP_X 1:40PM (3/18/2009)
I bet everything looks cheap to u if it's not a lambo.
John 3:41PM (3/18/2009)
How did you know I was thinking of Lamborghini? Is it because you also see the failed design influences? I love the idea of a sporty hybrid, but when they make it look this awkward, it's hard to get excited about it.
dsharp23 1:05PM (3/18/2009)
If toyota made that FT-HS, I'd buy one today. I love that concept.
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