Will Cost Cutting At Toyota Neuter The FR Sports Car?

Cost cutting is proving to be a problem for Toyota's compact FR sports car.

As is usual for many Japanese car magazines (Best Car and Holiday Auto in particular), renders are aways included in the article to give the reader an idea of what the final car could look like. These images from Best Car of Toyota's compact FR sports car are only "informed guesses", however, we are told that Toyota has decided on the final shape of the compact FR sports car and that it will have a "wonderful style", in an attempt to change peoples opinions of Toyota and its bland image.

Agent009 - 10/20/2008 4:42:30 PM

+2 Boost

The MR2 didn't sell in the number Toyota was interested in. In other words since the volume wasn't there they dropped it.

thstone - 10/21/2008 5:56:04 PM

+1 Boost

The original MR2 (AW10/AW11) sold quite well from 1985 to 1989 and the car was well regarded as an inexpensive but capable sports car. it even made Car & Driver's Ten Best list in 1986 and 1987.

However, like most second gen cars, the 1990 model (SW20) was heavier, slower, and had a nasty habit of extreme oversteer. That alone may not have doomed the car, but the pseudo-Ferrari styling did.

222max - 10/20/2008 11:59:06 PM

+2 Boost

Best Car always speculates about styling. The blue render looks like a Ferrari knock-off and the other reminds me of the mid-90s Celica.

I wouldn't put much stock in either drawing at this point.

LexSucks - 10/21/2008 11:54:57 AM

+1 Boost

I'd consider a Toyota sports car but for some reason they seem incapable. The folks that designed the Supra are long gone. I'm afraid that all this car will amount to is competition for the mistu eclipse.

Janizary - 10/21/2008 2:34:23 PM

+1 Boost

I too am afraid that it will be either derailed, or not make it to production in the form many are hoping for (lightweight).

I'm very much looking at possibly picking one up for a 'fun' car if it actually makes it to procution in a decent form.