Toyota is likely going to add a performance-oriented hybrid in its U.S. stable of vehicles the not-too distant future, a major Department of Energy research official tells TCC.
"We've heard that Toyota's going to come out with a next-generation MR2 that will have hybrid technology in it," the official says, adding that the DOE has been urging U.S. automakers to employ a performance-oriented strategy for some time and that Toyota, once again, plans to beat its Yankee competitors to the punch.
"I think a performance hybrid is absolutely logical, makes perfect sense and I'm surprised no one has done it yet," he says. "We've been advocating that within the industry for some time now. I think it makes sense because you can successfully combine very high performance and high efficiency and you're in the type of vehicle that can bear the price premium a little better. If you're clever about it you can just have stellar, stellar performance. We all know that electric motors are really good for launch."
In addition, the official says hybrids allow automakers to downsize engine size without sacrificing power, at the same time providing needed off-the-line boost.
The next-generation MR2 is scheduled for 2005 or 2006, according to recent speculation and the natural progression of Toyota's product cycles. The current generation roadster has been on roads since 2000.
The DOE official's comments come following Toyota's admission in 2002 that it is planning a full-hybrid lineup by 2012 and the company's announcement at the 2004 Detroit Auto Show that it seriously will consider building a hybrid V-8 version of its next full-size Tundra pickup truck in years to come.
A hybrid MR2 and Tundra would likely follow the Camry into Toyota's growing hybrid lineup, which will soon include the Toyota Highlander and Lexus RX sport-utes in addition to the Prius. Toyota, selling 17,564 Prius in 2004 through May, according to Automotive News, has already outsold last year's five-month tally by more than double and is on pace to outperform its initial hybrid sales estimate for the year.
Toyota says it does not comment on specific future product plans, but reveals it is planning to expand its hybrid push in the U.S. and the expansion mostly focuses on vehicles that get better performance than is typical of traditional hybrids.
Source: 4car (pics)
Quote:
Spy Shot: Toyota MR2 Roadster
Our spies have captured this intriguing Toyota undergoing high-speed testing. Its mid-section plainly suggests that this is a mid-engined test mule, possibly an eventual replacement for the current MR2, which will be discontinued in the crucial U.S. market next year. But while the doors are plainly borrowed from the current MR2, just look at how much wider apart the wheels are than on the current car. The wheels themselves also appear to be much larger than any that could be accommodated by the current car. All this points to a larger mid-engined sportscar and that would give Toyota the opportunity to address one of the most pressing concerns over the current MR2, which is the near absence of reasonable storage space anywhere in the car. This would also be an opportunity to do something about the fiddly roof mechanism.
On a more futuristic note, some sources claim that the replacement MR2 could become part of Toyota's commitment to offer a full range of petrol/electric hybrid cars. With a relatively lightweight structure, the performance and economy benefits could make a petrol/electric hybrid uniquely appealing.
Source: Autoexpress
Quote:
Mean, Green MR2 is Coming
It's a case of no more MR nice guy! From the pictures in the latest issue of Auto Express it's clear to see it will be a much beefier-looking machine than the current model - and have the performance to match.
Although there are elements of the current car in its styling, the next-generation model has bulging wheelarches front and rear, making it wider overall. As well as creating an aggressive appearance, this allows a wider track for improved stability. The roadster will keep its folding canvas roof to save weight, but the interior is set to be restyled to match the tougher exterior. The larger back end will also house a bigger engine than the current 1.8-litre petrol unit.
The move means Toyota can increase the MR2's power output to take on the likes of the Mazda MX-5 and Lotus Elise. The MR2 could also be the first performance car to use hybrid technology, combining a petrol engine with an electric motor.
Due on sale in early 2006, the two-seater is expected to cost slightly more than the current model, with the base versions starting at about £19,000.
Following the Supra V8 we pictured last week, this car demonstrates Toyota's change in attitude towards performance models. Aggressive styling and improved dynamics are the firm's new themes, highlighted by its continued involvement in Formula One. Bosses hope that eventual success in F1 will translate into showroom
if they do it they still need to keep the cost down some. as for the supra i think it would be best to stick with a v6 more so than the v8 for right now.
another thing why do they wanna make a supra convertiable almost every convertiable model made has failed except for the solara.
I wouldn't mind a "detachable hardtop" like it says, but a soft top is just gay. I can't stand soft tops ... any of em including the Miata, MR-S, and Solara ... and ESPECIALLY that fugly PT Cruiser soft top.
man those spy pics look sweet. I like taht new design much better than the outgoing MR2 spyder. wonder how much it'll cost?
__________________ 2005 Acura RSX Nighthawk Black Auto w/ Black Leather 2000 Camry LE - Damaged in a wreck (other driver's stupidity ) . being repairing as we speak...
It looks good. It does look like it was inspired y the lotu elise. I don't like how the front looks on that test car, looks kinda funny with the humps up over the wheels.
Looks like a wide-body kit. Now if they put the JGTC MR-S bodykit on that would look totally mad
And I don't trust that computer-generated "artist-impression" of the new MR-S. We just have to wait and see. If the new MR-S looks as cool as the 2nd gen Vitz, then Toyota is doing a damn good job.
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(other driver's stupidity 
) . being repairing as we speak...
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