[Santeno]

Original Discussion: http://carspyshots.proboards2....art=0

source: 4car

Quote »

Spy Shot: Toyota MR2 Roadster Our spies have captured this intriguing Toyota undergoing high-speed testing. Its mid-section plainly suggests that this is a mid-engined test mule, possibly an eventual replacement for the current MR2, which will be discontinued in the crucial U.S. market next year. But while the doors are plainly borrowed from the current MR2, just look at how much wider apart the wheels are than on the current car. The wheels themselves also appear to be much larger than any that could be accommodated by the current car. All this points to a larger mid-engined sportscar and that would give Toyota the opportunity to address one of the most pressing concerns over the current MR2, which is the near absence of reasonable storage space anywhere in the car. This would also be an opportunity to do something about the fiddly roof mechanism. On a more futuristic note, some sources claim that the replacement MR2 could become part of Toyota's commitment to offer a full range of petrol/electric hybrid cars. With a relatively lightweight structure, the performance and economy benefits could make a petrol/electric hybrid uniquely appealing.

Quote, originally posted by Scorpio14 »

From today's AutoExpress: Mean, Green MR2 is Coming It's a case of no more MR nice guy! From the pictures in the latest issue of Auto Express it's clear to see it will be a much beefier-looking machine than the current model - and have the performance to match. Although there are elements of the current car in its styling, the next-generation model has bulging wheelarches front and rear, making it wider overall. As well as creating an aggressive appearance, this allows a wider track for improved stability. The roadster will keep its folding canvas roof to save weight, but the interior is set to be restyled to match the tougher exterior. The larger back end will also house a bigger engine than the current 1.8-litre petrol unit. The move means Toyota can increase the MR2's power output to take on the likes of the Mazda MX-5 and Lotus Elise. The MR2 could also be the first performance car to use hybrid technology, combining a petrol engine with an electric motor. Due on sale in early 2006, the two-seater is expected to cost slightly more than the current model, with the base versions starting at about �19,000. Following the Supra V8 we pictured last week, this car demonstrates Toyota's change in attitude towards performance models. Aggressive styling and improved dynamics are the firm's new themes, highlighted by its continued involvement in Formula One. Bosses hope that eventual success in F1 will translate into showroom Auto Express http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/

Here�s a so-so rendering from Car&Driver Hong Kong Nov. 04 issue

Here�s this rendering from Road & Track:

[LEXUS FAN!]

those CGI's look great

[skoochythatone]

The Car and Driver Hong Kong one looks a lot like the Porsche GT..especially the headlights..what a cheap rip off..

[jro4566]

Hopefully it has a better engine to compete against the upcoming Miata, Solstice, and Sky.

[Reppu]

It's much wider than the current generation so it's safe to expect a huge increase on power output

[skodamotorsport]

the hk c&d one looks like the headlights from a C6,boxter/mx5 front end with a VX220 body

[Rugbyplaya91]

I just hope it gets good gas mileage... that was always a plus in my book.. still looks the same to me maybe a few minor face lifts

[JBlair]

It doesn't really have to since we're not even sure it is being sold in the US.

[Top Secret]

You know what could be a half-decent idea? What about the fusion of both the MR-2 and the Celica? You know, a mid-engined coupe replacing both the Celica and the MR-2. I reckon it could well be a damn good idea.

[Naga Royal Guard]

bad idea, both the celica and MR have quite a long history w/ toyota, its like telling GM to merge the Camaro and Corvette

they should try to share engines tho, the GTS engine would have rocked in the spyder, but now the spyder turbo could do some race work

handling on the mr2 is great for street use, its on the soft side but you can almost swear the car steers a second before you actually move the wheel and be perfectly predictable about it too