Nemesis

Has anyone seen this? I still like the FT-86 better....but looks like they are pretty serious about this design direction. The MR2 looks a little "chubby" compared to the FT-86 though.

Attached Images

image_715_superimage.jpg (88.6 KB, 19 views)

zbirdman777

It looks ok. Seems weird to make such a great car electric though, and it doesn't look like its a mid ship. Even so, I bet it would be riveting to hear to silence of the electric motor as you accelerate...(hint sarcasm)

Nemesis

That was my thought too...looks like the engine would be in the front, but all the websites are calling it an MR2. Apparently it was introduced at the tokyo show with the G line-up. I'm wondering if Toyota is testing out another version of the FT-86. If this is the case, PLEASE make the one designed by the european team. This "MR2" looks like a chubby version of the FT-86. Not digging it at all. This vehicle, if it will be considered as an additional vehicle to be made along side the FT-86, will need to loose some of the chub. The European designed FT-86 is hot. The eurpeans design teams seem to be on top of their game when it comes to exterior sports car design lately.

Mr.86

Yah I remember seeing this awhile ago from Autocar.co.uk

They did say the FT-86 might be called Celica Who knows...

I am not sure how much I trust most of their stuff I usually do not follow all their other rumors and what not.

But according to the Japanese magazines they are saying that a MR-2 is in the works for 2013. Not sure what to believe these days with the economy and stuff. But the new CEO seems passionate for sports cars so maybe its happening?

I have to check back on my interview but I think there was rumors that the FT-86 project almost got scraped a few times. Even though I think its pretty clear of being scrapped you never know these days with the economy and all the financial woes and troubles of Toyota.

[es vi: eks]

I hope the FT-86 gets made and lives a long life.... lets say atleast 20 years

zbirdman777

Anytime you make an electric car you run into an issue of weight and bad efficiency. That's what makes me skeptical about electric cars. Don't quote me on this but I think the tesla has several (8???) batteries and just the batteries alone weigh ~200 lbs. Considering the price of the tesla and probably how much the new MR2 will costs you can expect less battery life and more weight. ( I may be wrong about 200 lbs but I know its not less)

As far as efficiency, just testing small electric motors in my labs, the get horrible efficiency. 3-15% as opposed to combustion engines that are 30-45%. Of course these aren't car engines and the technology used in my college is much older than what the automakers are using.

Toyota4life

It's like FT-HS gets too much fat. Original FT-HS might be the next MR-2, because the concept has 400+hp 3.5L hybrid powertrain and can go from 0-60 in mid 4sec. All above are just what I think.

Mr.86

Well I thought the FT-HS was rumored to be Toyota's next Supra since they are big into Hybrids.

But either way doesn't look like we will get any cool Supra. I would be really surprised if they built one. Should have instead of the LF-A me thinks ;D

zbirdman777

The fact that so many people are demanding the return of the supra and Toyota ignoring them seems to tell me that Toyota doesn't think a Supra would be marketable/economical/green/profitable. Sigh...