Rendered Speculation: Is Toyota planning a hybrid MR2 sequel as a Honda CRZ competito

Rendered Speculation: Is Toyota planning a hybrid MR2 sequel as a Honda CRZ competito

Filed under: Coupes, Hybrids/Alternative, Sports/GTs, Green, Toyota, Rumormill

Based on the automaker's current line of eminently reliable, practical and fuel efficient machinery, it's easy to forget that Toyota has a past full of exciting sports cars. A couple of years back, Toyota decided to highlight the fact that it knows how to built a sporty-looking vehicle with the FT-HS concept, which mated a performance-minded hybrid powertrain with edgy, low-slung bodywork.

According to Auto Express in the U.K., Toyota is considering a production model based on the FT-HS concept that would revive the MR2 that was killed off in 2007. If indeed true, this new sporty hybrid would go up against Honda's expected CR-Z hybrid hatchback. Unlike its rival from Honda, though, the MR2 would feature rear-wheel drive, and that's something to get excited about.

Other interesting tidbits include a rumored run to 60 in under seven seconds, with fuel economy in the 60's (50's in the U.S.) and carbon emissions of of under 100 g/km. Performance and efficiency in one package? Sounds too good to be true. Thanks for the tips, everyone!


Gallery: Toyota FT-HS Concept



[Source: Auto Express]Rendered Speculation: Is Toyota planning a hybrid MR2 sequel as a Honda CRZ competitor? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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/drools

I don't know if I can ever trust DBW steering. Steering and braking are two things that must stay hydraulic/mechanical for me.

will you only drive old cars than when everything converts to the new technology?

If everything switches over to DbW tomorrow, then I will drive my old cars. Until they can prove the reliability of DbW matches or exceeds that of hydraulic/mechanical...I don't think I can ever trust DbW "completely".

DBW is no longer new technology anymore. It's already been tested and proven world wide. I remember DBW was a new concept almost 10 years ago. The new Corolla is DBW. So what's your point? By the time you buy, everything will be smoothed over and perfected.

We have DBW in our Camrys, I hate it! Absolutely hate it! Never does what I want it to do. If I put my foot down, there is a noticeable lag, if I just tap the accelerator, it throws my head back. DBW FTL!!!

I hate DBW in the 10th gen. Pressing on the accel takes some getting used to. The electric powered steering has its ups and downs. UP: you can turn the wheel with your pinky (quite literally) DOWN: as C&D said "dull steering feel"

I understand that DbW is "old news" in throttle control. My concern is with DbW braking and steering. As you can see from other posts, DbW throttle control is still a little "iffy" in terms of feel.

lol more speculation about another "comeback"

i love how autobot keep posting rumors about cars Toyotas never going to make just to give our hopes up...

Anyways.. I learned to embrace DBW for technologies such as "launch control" where the DBW systems holds the RPM at the perfect launch point everytime so all you have to do is drop the clutch. And "no lift shift" where DBW holds the RPM constant at redline for a few tenths of a second so you dont have to clutch in to shift. Automatic rev-matching is nice too.

But it does make modifying/driving a non-performance oriented car harder because it most likely incorporates granny proof control in those cars (like corollas).. such as it wouldn't let you brake and gas at the same time for left foot braking or hell toe action.