Hybrid Toyota MR2 Possible In 2005

jkash · 06-21-2004, 03:54 PM

Hybrid Toyota MR2 Possible In 2005

DETROIT - Toyota is likely to add a performance-oriented hybrid vehicle in its U.S. stable of vehicles in the not-too distant future, a major Department of Energy research official tells TheCarConnection.Com.

“We’ve heard that Toyota’s going to come out with a next-generation MR2 that will have hybrid technology in it,” the official says, adding that the DOE has been urging U.S. automakers to employ a performance-oriented strategy for some time and that Toyota, once again, plans to beat its Yankee competitors to the punch.

A hybrid MR2 and Tundra would likely follow the Camry into Toyota’s growing hybrid lineup, which will soon include the Toyota Highlander and Lexus RX sport-utes in addition to the Prius. Toyota, selling 17,564 Prius in 2004 through May, according to Automotive News, has already outsold last year’s five-month tally by more than double and is on pace to outperform its initial hybrid sales estimate for the year.

**Danny** · 06-21-2004, 04:21 PM

:P :multi:

That means more power and more mpg!

montolchik · 06-21-2004, 04:24 PM

Wired Magazine had a photo of Toyota's latest concept/prototype hybrid speedster this month. It looked more Supra-esque than MR2 with its straight angled lines and lack of a convertible top. I think it did ~ 36mpg and a respectable 0-60 time.

bookrats · 06-21-2004, 04:47 PM

Very nice. Not interested for myself, but... means more Priuses for us! :mrgreen:

DonDNH · 06-21-2004, 07:05 PM

Quote:

but... means more Priuses for us!

Unless they divert parts from the Prius production line.

Joel · 06-22-2004, 12:17 AM

I use to drive an MR2 Spyder - one of the few with an after-market turbo charger installed. I'm still an enthusiast two cars later - I'd consider buying another if they had an amped up Synergy Drive.

06-21-2004, 03:54 PM	#1
jkash Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: West Hills, CA Posts: 857 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: #9 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Hybrid Toyota MR2 Possible In 2005 Hybrid Toyota MR2 Possible In 2005 DETROIT - Toyota is likely to add a performance-oriented hybrid vehicle in its U.S. stable of vehicles in the not-too distant future, a major Department of Energy research official tells TheCarConnection.Com. “We’ve heard that Toyota’s going to come out with a next-generation MR2 that will have hybrid technology in it,” the official says, adding that the DOE has been urging U.S. automakers to employ a performance-oriented strategy for some time and that Toyota, once again, plans to beat its Yankee competitors to the punch. A hybrid MR2 and Tundra would likely follow the Camry into Toyota’s growing hybrid lineup, which will soon include the Toyota Highlander and Lexus RX sport-utes in addition to the Prius. Toyota, selling 17,564 Prius in 2004 through May, according to Automotive News, has already outsold last year’s five-month tally by more than double and is on pace to outperform its initial hybrid sales estimate for the year. __________________ Jeff Mr. Kash's Prius Page

06-21-2004, 04:21 PM	#2
Danny Admin/Founder Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Columbia, SC Posts: 4,555 My Car: 2006 Prius Package: #8 Nominated 26 Times in 8 Posts TOTM Awards: 1 Friends: 23	:P :multi: That means more power and more mpg! __________________ PriusChat Offers Discounts on: Extended Warranty - $990 : Pre-Paid Maintenance - $875 : HeatShield SunShades : BT Tech Stiffening Plate : All other Prius Accessories

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06-21-2004, 04:24 PM	#3
montolchik Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Mentor, Ohio Posts: 33 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Wired Magazine had a photo of Toyota's latest concept/prototype hybrid speedster this month. It looked more Supra-esque than MR2 with its straight angled lines and lack of a convertible top. I think it did ~ 36mpg and a respectable 0-60 time.

06-21-2004, 04:47 PM	#4
bookrats Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 2,843 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Very nice. Not interested for myself, but... means more Priuses for us! :mrgreen:

06-22-2004, 12:17 AM	#6
Joel Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 108 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	I use to drive an MR2 Spyder - one of the few with an after-market turbo charger installed. I'm still an enthusiast two cars later - I'd consider buying another if they had an amped up Synergy Drive.