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Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Toyota Official Reveals that a Hybrid replacement for the MR2 is in the works
Posted by wedos at 11:32 AM
More often than not, we wouldn't take rumors such as the revival of the MR2 too seriously, but in this case, we're obliged to take a different view. Why, may you ask? Well, simply because this time, the report comes straight from a Toyota official. Speaking with UK's Auto Express magazine at the Geneva Motor Show, Toyota's executive vice president Masatami Takimoto revealed that the company is already developing a small hybrid sports car that will essentially replace the long-gone, and much-missed, MR2 in the firm's line-up.
"We are aware of the fondness with which the MR2 is held in the UK and Europe, and are developing a small hybrid sports car," Masatami Takimoto told AE. "We have set a tough price point (expected to be around £20,000 - with the current exchange rates, US$28,000 or €21,000), as it will be easier to sell if it is affordable. It has to be fun to drive, too, which means the hybrid set-up must be different to the Prius's, with greater responsiveness."
Of course, we're thinking the same thing as you are; if Toyota is indeed readying a small hybrid sports car - and we have no reason to doubt Mr. Takimoto, then where does this leave the highly-anticipated, compact-sized rear-wheel drive coupe that the Japanese firm is co-developing with Subaru? Tough question to answer, but it could be that we're talking about two separate models.
One could also support that the two coupes (quite possibly, and roadsters) may also share the same platform, but in cases such as this it's better to avoid any speculations until we learn more details.
Via: Autoexpress
