Wild Ass Rumor Of The Day: FT-86 Being Joined By Supra, MR2 Replacements
According to a hot tip from Autocar, Toyota is using the delay of its FT-86 sportscar (top, right) to develop a larger “Supra” version, said to be hinted at by the FT-HS concept (bottom) and boasting a V6 hybrid drivetrain. A similar powerplant, based on the Highlander Hybrid system, was recently shown in a mid-engine MR2 evolution prototype (top, left). That model has apparently been approved for development, albeit with a 1.5 liter hybrid system, and aimed at Honda’s recently-released CR-Z. Which means that Toyota will go from offering nothing resembling a sportscar to selling two flavors of front-engine, rear-drive coupe and a mid-engine roadster. That’s what we call Moving Forward. Still, you have to wonder why these models weren’t released to take advantage of the LFA’s already-fading halo.
More by Edward Niedermeyer
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I bet none of the above will happen aside from maybe a smaller sporty-looking hybrid. Turbos? Mid-engine? Yeah right, come on this is Toyota we are talking about. The kings of bland that is currently trying to repair its damaged image with all kinds of "safety" talk. And nothing says safety like a turbo-charged, mid-engine, sports car. The problem with the CR-Z (among other things) is the base engine is too weak. There is not wrong with hybrid part per say... remember the previous Accord Hybrid?
I own an mr2 mk1 and love it but the hybrid idea sounds good to me if it's done well. Electric motor = 100% torque at zero rpm. Blend at midrange. all engine awhile cruising. could be beautiful if it's raw enough.
Couldn't they just strap a turbo on the engine for what it would cost to implement the hybrid system?
Toyota, with no real sports cars till recently (IS F) is now going to add a few more including the LFA? Is the world ending?