With a turbocharged Suzuki engine and using Yaris-derived suspension, it’s all pointing towards a revival of the iconic MR2 nameplate
Following years of speculation, it seems that Toyota is closer than ever to bringing a spiritual successor to the MR2 to market.
It has been over almost two decades since Toyota ceased production of the much-loved MR2 sports car, and given the brand’s recent fondness for high-performance GR products, things are looking hopeful for a revival.
If Toyota was to bring back a small sports car with an engine in its midriff, it’d likely face competition from the likes of the Mazda MX-5 and Toyota’s own GR86.
News of Toyota working on a mid-engined sports car has come from the Japanese publication BestCar, which is a magazine known for getting the scoop on local projects.
According to the report, three Japanese manufacturers are working on a small, mid-engined Toyota sports car.
As to who the two other manufacturers still remains a mystery officially, but the BestCar report points to Daihatsu and Suzuki as pitching in on the project.
It’s believed that this Mazda MX-5-rivalling sports car will be powered by a Suzuki-sourced 1.0-litre turbo-petrol three-cylinder engine.
Front suspension is said to be adapted from the Toyota Yaris and the yet-to-be-revealed model will reportedly take styling cues from the Daihatsu Copen.
BestCar also claims that the sports car will weigh just 1000kg, giving it a kerb weight similar to that of an entry-level MX5.
As for its other dimensions, it’s said to be just 4.2-metres long, and 1.5-metres high, meaning that the cabin wouldn’t have a heap of passenger space.
Latest news
About Chasing cars
Chasing Cars reviews are 100% independent.
Because we are powered by Budget Direct Insurance, we don’t receive advertising or sales revenue from car manufacturers.
We’re truly independent – giving you Australia’s best car reviews.