Let’s keep our fingers crossed.
According to Spyder7, rumors have circulated that Toyota may be preparing to revive MR2. This sounds too good to true, considering that automakers are investing more in next-generation technology than in performance-oriented vehicles. Let’s hope that this speculation is correct.
According to the report, Toyota is seeking a partner in the project. This strategy would be similar to working with Subaru on 86 or with BMW on Supra. The report claims that Toyota is negotiating with Lotus and Porsche. This sounds almost too good to be true.
A plug-in hybrid system is said to provide power. Spyder7 states that a mid-mounted, 2.8-liter or 3.0-liter engine would be included in the set-up. Potentially, the total output would be 345 horsepower (257kilowatts, 350 metric horsepower), to 395 horsepower (294kW or 400 metric horsepower).
Spyder7 explains that the revived MR2 evokes the Toyota Alessandro Volta design (gallery atop). This model was introduced at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show. Although it is attractive, we find it odd that Toyota would bring back the vehicle’s appearance nearly 20 years after its original debut.
At current exchange rates, the projected pricing would be 6 million yen (or $52,761 in today’s dollars). This is a reasonable price for the Supra, which in Japan costs 4.995 million yen (or $43,930). This could indicate that the MR2 may be in a higher position than the Supra.
According to Spyder7, the revived MR2 could be available as early as 2024. However, this date would mean that the project would need to already be in development for it to arrive on schedule.
Matt Harrison, Toyota Motor Europe’s Executive Vice President of Sales, stated that bringing the MR2 back was “not a priority” in 2020. This is a hot rumor. However, it’s not unusual for auto executives in one region to not know what product planners are doing in another.