It appears that even with the 86 and the forthcoming Supra, Toyota still hasn’t satiated its sports car dream, as it is looking to build a third one – a smaller car that will form the entry to its performance range. According to Evo, the company wants to revive “The Three Brothers” lineup of the 1990s, which originally consisted of the MR2, Celica and Supra.
Gazoo Racing boss and 86 chief engineer Tetsuya Tada told the publication that Toyota wants all three cars to be in production “as soon as possible.” A sub-86 sports car was already teased to the public with the surprisingly production-ready S-FR concept from the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show – a lightweight front-engined, rear-wheel drive 2+2 coupé that looked ready to tackle the Mazda MX-5 head-on.
Although Toyota was coy on specifics, we’ve been salivating over prospective specifications published by Japanese media, which included a 130 PS/148 Nm 1.5 litre direct-injected four-cylinder engine, a standard-fit six-speed manual and a kerb weight of only 980 kg.
However, forthcoming emissions regulations could force Toyota to scrap the idea in favour of hybrid technology derived from its Le Mans prototype programme – Tada said that the company is “working very hard” to make such a sports car a reality. This could mean a switch to a mid-engined format that is more suitable package for a hybrid powertrain, says Evo, making it a spiritual successor to the MR2.
Tada also had words regarding the Supra, saying that “the car should be lighter than its rivals.” Developed in conjunction with BMW alongside the latter’s Z5, the car is expected to be powered by a range of BMW-derived inline four- and six-cylinder turbo petrol engines, with the most powerful hybrid model getting capacitors and four-wheel drive. It is also tipped to benefit from BMW’s expertise in carbon fibre construction.
GALLERY: Toyota S-FR at Tokyo 2015
S-FR is so cute. Should get free parking.
What I would really like to see from Toyota is a modern day MR-2 with actual pop-up headlights. It’s about time the pop-up headlights made a comeback.
Pop up headlights not viable and will fails crash test safety standard. Same as certain people requested for side view mirrors fixed on top of the front wheel fenders…
Speaking of “The Three Brothers” lineup of the 1990s, the Supra was the most sought after supercar together with Honda NSX, Mitsubishi GTO, Maxda RX-7 & Nissan GTR. These Japanese bunch of supercars are challenging the Germans for a slice of the sportscar market.
Loved those days when we have many local drivers parading their modified supercars in Batu Tiga & Sepang race tracks for honor where they pit their skills & power against the Mighty Porsche’s & Ferrari’s.
Hybrid means weight. Would be interesting to see how toyota manages to get the weight down to under 1 tonne.
The MX5 with all its weight savings, still comes in over 1T.
Likewise, the Hybridized Honda CR-Z is a whole 300KG heavier compared to its spiritual predecessor, the CRX.
MR2 pls
Nice. It has that yotahachi(s800) vibe to it
The last MR2 was an outstanding vehicle on par with the Porsche Boxster. In as much as there are many complaining about the power of the 86, it is one of the most put together performers on the market today. The 86 is a true drivers roadster. I love mine and have owned a variety of performance cars in my life. I’m awaiting the Supra but I wish all car manufacturers would keep in mind that performance does not need to be expensive and not all cars need every option imaginable. Keep bringing the cars Toyota…I’m loving it.