Toyota enthusiasts have long been clamoring for a new iteration of the legendary Supra, and Toyota finally answered their demands with the release of the Toyota Supra. However, the excitement doesn’t stop there. Chairman and former CEO, Akio Toyota, expressed his desire for a “sports car trio” consisting of the Supra, the GR86, and a smaller, lightweight vehicle similar to the MR2. Rumors began circulating last year that Toyota was collaborating with corporate partners Toyota and Suzuki on a mid-engined hybrid sports car.
According to Best Car magazine in Japan, Toyota executives have given the green light for the production of this mid-engined hybrid sports car. However, there seems to be some discrepancy between Autocar’s report and Best Car’s report regarding the specific model. Autocar focuses on the S-FR concept, which was showcased at the 2015 Tokyo Auto Show. This concept, slightly smaller than the Scion FR-S (now known as the GR86), was seen as a potential competitor to the Mazda MX-5 Miata. The S-FR boasted a front-engine/rear-drive layout and impressive mechanical features such as an independent suspension, a six-speed manual transmission, and optimal weight distribution.
However, considering that the GR86 already occupies a similar size in the “three brothers” sports car lineup, it seems unlikely that the new vehicle will be an exact reincarnation of the MR2. Best Car suggests that if Toyota were to release a new vehicle called the MR2 with S-FR specs, it would be smaller than its predecessor. This may disappoint fans hoping for a larger MR2 model.
Interestingly, the rumored collaboration between Toyota, Suzuki, and Daihatsu reveals some intriguing details about the potential vehicle. It is speculated that Toyota will provide the chassis and front suspension, Suzuki will contribute a turbocharged 1.3-liter engine with approximately 148 horsepower, and Daihatsu will offer easily interchangeable body panels for creating three distinct vehicles. These specifications suggest that the car will likely be a special edition targeted at the Japanese and European markets, similar to the GR Yaris.
Furthermore, reports indicate that the development of the S-FR may be a byproduct of Toyota and Daihatsu’s joint effort to create a new subcompact hatchback for the World Rally Championship’s Group Rally4 category. This aligns with Toyota’s ongoing focus on producing lightweight sports cars, exemplified by the GR-badged battery-electric concept known as the Toyota FT-Se.
In conclusion, while the details remain speculative at this point, Toyota fans can look forward to the potential release of a mid-engined hybrid sports car in the coming years. Whether it will be an exact revival of the MR2 or a new model with S-FR specifications, one thing is clear: Toyota is committed to delivering thrilling sports cars that cater to the preferences of enthusiasts worldwide.
