Another Arrow In The Quiver: Toyota Considers Resurrecting The MR2 Sports Car

Starting with the introduction of the 86 (Scion FR-S in North America) in 2012, Toyota began spicing up a brand viewed as being more synonymous with bulletproof reliability than fun. While this manifested itself primarily through more expressive exterior design choices, the brand also introduced performance-tuned GRMN variants in Europe and Japan. It’s also bringing back the Supra, arguably the brand’s most iconic sports car.

Still, a subset of the population looks back at Toyota’s history with a particular fondness for the mid-engined micro machine known as the MR2. Discontinued in 2007, the model was as endearing as it was fun to drive — especially those earlier incarnations, when it looked like a pint-sized Lotus Esprit. And, as luck would have it, Toyota’s European vice president of sales and marketing Matt Harrison says its return isn’t beyond the realms of possibility.

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skytop - 10/26/2018 12:37:55 PM

+1 Boost

Would not be surprised if Toyota brings out a 'sport' box on wheels SUV and calls it the MR2 boxcar.

dlin - 10/26/2018 4:43:11 PM

+1 Boost

It's absolutely welcome, but almost impossible financially...
That said, Lotus came to my mind, and if so, that'll be fantastic!

dlin - 10/26/2018 5:15:49 PM

+1 Boost

Technically, it's easy, particularly if teaming up with Lotus.

The main issue will be product positioning. It'll probably be positioned higher than GT86 and below Supra, which means it'll be locked in around 300 hp, coming from a 2.0t engine. However, a 300hp MR just might be able to keep up with a 380hp FR on track, easily. Hence, it might erodes the base of Supra, and I don't think that'll work for Toyota

dlin - 10/26/2018 5:55:18 PM

+1 Boost

This goes back to my theory that Supra, similar to GT-R and NSX, should have been planned with 500hp, and in doing so, leaves room for a 350 hp MR... and guess what? That's exactly what's under the 718 Cayman!

dlin - 10/28/2018 9:05:06 PM

+1 Boost

Another possibility is simply replace GT86 with the new MR2. A Toyota version with 240hp to replace GT86, and a Lexus version with 350hp to give M2 (and even Cayman) a run! Again, that requires Supra to either bump up hp, or simply retire.

MDarringer - 10/26/2018 6:37:58 PM

+1 Boost

If the effort is as stupid as the horrible dalliance with Subaru that resulted in the deeply flawed GT86 or the badge engineered Bupra, then why bother?

The Supra should have been aimed at the Mustang GT. A Celica version should have replaced the GT86 and battled the Ecoboost Mustang.

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 10/28/2018 9:33:22 PM

+1 Boost

@MD-Toyota has lost its honour and its values when in comes to sports cars. They are a means to an end. I am quite sure if they really wanted to do this it would be a badge engineered Lotus product with some Toyota stickers placed in the interior. Heads should roll.

MDarringer - 10/28/2018 10:28:01 PM

+1 Boost

Except the GT86 is a failure. The Supra is destined to be a failure. and so on

valhallakey - 10/27/2018 12:44:42 AM

+2 Boost

Funny, I just posted below that Hyundai should build a better MR2 as their halo car. Too late I guess.... I do hope Toyota does a new MR2 and evolve the styling of the second gen version.

EVisNow - 10/27/2018 3:25:50 PM

+1 Boost

Saw a GT86 this morning. It had loud can exhaust and a big wing as tall as the car itself. I'm sure the driver thinks the extra weight is "down force" created by the wing.

As for the MR2, if it's resurrected as a BEV with a 50KWh skate board battery and weights around 3000 lbs and cost under $40K, it could give the 718 Boxster/Cayman a serious challenge. The MR2 doesn't take away sales from other cars (other than the lowly 86) so Toyota shouldn't feel threatened by it.

Like many people say, EV is easy to do. So go ahead and do it Toyota!

F1_Driver - 10/27/2018 4:32:00 PM

+1 Boost

FR vs. MR a serious challenge? Umm ... No. MR > FR all things being equal.

MDarringer - 10/27/2018 6:09:47 PM

0 Boost

What moronic idiocy! There are obvious examples of MR so NOT being king with FR and RR platforms easily besting them.

BOLD prediction: a GTI will wallop a new MR2.