Photo: Screenshot Youtube | Theottle
Ever since the demise of the Toyota MR2 back in 2007, there have been countless rumors surrounding a possible revival of this iconic nameplate. So far, the Japanese automaker hasn't given us another affordable mid-engined sports model with rear-wheel drive, but that might change.
With emphasis on the word' might,' a new report coming from the Land of the Rising Sun suggests that Toyota is indeed planning the return of the MR2. Quoting "a reliable source," Best Car claims this model is making a comeback. And it won't use a hybrid or an electric powertrain, supposedly.
In fact, it appears that Toyota has decided to give the hypothetical revival of the MR2 the same engine that powers the fabulous GR Yaris and its larger sibling, the GR Corolla. The compact hot hatch, which features a six-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive, boasts 300 hp (304 ps/224 kW) and 273 lb-ft (370 Nm) of torque from its turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine.
As for the smaller GR Yaris, which builds on a mix between the GA-B and GA-C platforms, with the former used on the normal Yaris and the latter on the Corolla, it too features an all-wheel drive system, which puts it in a superior league to other supermini hot hatches. The lump produces 268 hp (272 ps/200 kW) and 273 lb-ft (370 Nm) in Japan and 257 hp (261 ps/192 kW) and 266 lb-ft (360 Nm) in Europe.
Staying true to its legacy, the all-new Toyota MR2 will reportedly have a mid-engine construction and rear-wheel drive. Given that the company has yet to reveal anything about it, it is too early to speak about the possible transmission options. Nonetheless, a stick shift would seem like the obvious choice, considering that it would target purists on a budget. Then again, an automatic would allow it to perform faster takeoffs, so we wouldn't rule it out either.
Toyota's original MR2 came out in 1984 with three engine options and both manual and automatic gearboxes. The second generation was launched in 1989, and the third and final one came out ten years later with a single engine and multiple transmissions. Weighing less than one ton (~2,200 lbs), it enjoyed 138 horsepower (140 ps/103 kW) and did the 0-62 mph (0-100 kph) in 8.0 seconds.
If the car manufacturer is indeed planning a revival of the MR2 moniker with the aforementioned layout and powertrain, then it should be a great driver's car that won't cost an arm and a leg. Nonetheless, it may not launch in Western markets at all (that includes the United States), as the quoted outlet believes it might actually be limited to Japan. Let's hope this part is fake and the MR2 is indeed returning from the dead, as it would be a pity to offer it strictly in its home market.
In fact, it appears that Toyota has decided to give the hypothetical revival of the MR2 the same engine that powers the fabulous GR Yaris and its larger sibling, the GR Corolla. The compact hot hatch, which features a six-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive, boasts 300 hp (304 ps/224 kW) and 273 lb-ft (370 Nm) of torque from its turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine.
As for the smaller GR Yaris, which builds on a mix between the GA-B and GA-C platforms, with the former used on the normal Yaris and the latter on the Corolla, it too features an all-wheel drive system, which puts it in a superior league to other supermini hot hatches. The lump produces 268 hp (272 ps/200 kW) and 273 lb-ft (370 Nm) in Japan and 257 hp (261 ps/192 kW) and 266 lb-ft (360 Nm) in Europe.
Staying true to its legacy, the all-new Toyota MR2 will reportedly have a mid-engine construction and rear-wheel drive. Given that the company has yet to reveal anything about it, it is too early to speak about the possible transmission options. Nonetheless, a stick shift would seem like the obvious choice, considering that it would target purists on a budget. Then again, an automatic would allow it to perform faster takeoffs, so we wouldn't rule it out either.
Toyota's original MR2 came out in 1984 with three engine options and both manual and automatic gearboxes. The second generation was launched in 1989, and the third and final one came out ten years later with a single engine and multiple transmissions. Weighing less than one ton (~2,200 lbs), it enjoyed 138 horsepower (140 ps/103 kW) and did the 0-62 mph (0-100 kph) in 8.0 seconds.
If the car manufacturer is indeed planning a revival of the MR2 moniker with the aforementioned layout and powertrain, then it should be a great driver's car that won't cost an arm and a leg. Nonetheless, it may not launch in Western markets at all (that includes the United States), as the quoted outlet believes it might actually be limited to Japan. Let's hope this part is fake and the MR2 is indeed returning from the dead, as it would be a pity to offer it strictly in its home market.
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