Is Toyota Bringing Back the MR2 as the Prius Coupe?

Discussion in 'Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News' started by Danny, Mar 19, 2009.

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  1. Danny

    Danny Admin/Founder
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    Will the MR2 classic Toyota coupe be re-born as a Prius Coupe? Toyota executive vice president Masatami Takimoto told Auto Express at the Geneva Motor Show. “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. “ We have set a tough price point (expected to be around £20,000), 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.” The photos above and below are artist's rendering, but they definitely take cues from Toyota's FT-HS concept sports car (which many people think will be the next Supra). Instead of the roadster shape, the new MR2 (Prius Coupe) will have a Genesis-esque design to it. Under the skin will be a rear-wheel-drive chassis, a paddleshift gearbox and a specially developed version of the Prius’s hybrid powertrain. Now the real question is whether the car will ever make it to the States or not. [​IMG] Auto Express
     
    #1 Danny, Mar 19, 2009
  2. Unlimited_MPG

    Unlimited_MPG Member

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    Interesting that they are reportedly going to use paddleshift as well.
     
    #2 Unlimited_MPG, Mar 19, 2009
  3. PriusForThePeople

    PriusForThePeople Member

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    This car looks awesome, I'd buy it.
     
    #3 PriusForThePeople, Mar 19, 2009
  4. HTMLSpinnr

    HTMLSpinnr Super Moderator
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    If the MPG were comparable, it'd make a cool daily commute vehicle if my other car was a Sienna or Estima Hybrid.
     
    #4 HTMLSpinnr, Mar 19, 2009
  5. smbrm

    smbrm New Member

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    When and where do I place my order?
     
    #5 smbrm, Mar 19, 2009
  6. GeekEV

    GeekEV Member

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    Ooh, ooh, ohh! I'll take two -- they're small! :)
     
    #6 GeekEV, Mar 19, 2009
  7. TonyPSchaefer

    TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator
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    This does not seem to be in line with Mr. Toyoda's wishes to return to basics.
    http://priuschat.com/forums/prius-hybrid-news/58833-radical-rethink-top-toyota.html

     
    #7 TonyPSchaefer, Mar 19, 2009
  8. GeekEV

    GeekEV Member

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    Sshhh. You're ruining the dream...
     
    #8 GeekEV, Mar 20, 2009
  9. Wooski

    Wooski New Member

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    Honda are intending to bring out a sporty coupe version of the Insight so it wouldnt surprise me if Toyota responded to that. In theory the car should be lighter and so actually be able to give better fuel economy. Who knows? There were some reports last year that Toyota would develop other Prius based models including a coupe and station wagon.
     
    #9 Wooski, Mar 20, 2009
  10. Rybold

    Rybold globally warmed member

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    This is what America needs. A small sports car hybrid that is fun to drive. (not that the Prius is lacking)

    I think Americans would respond to this type of product very well.

    I sure hope they make these.
     
    #10 Rybold, Mar 20, 2009
    1 person likes this.
  11. clett

    clett New Member

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    I so miss my Mk1 MR2.... :(
     
    #11 clett, Mar 20, 2009
  12. Flying White Dutchman

    Flying White Dutchman Senior Member

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    4.7l-100km i read.... less then the current and new prius.
    for a smaller car.

    more based on performance....
     
    #12 Flying White Dutchman, Mar 20, 2009
  13. patsparks

    patsparks An Aussie perspective

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    Still very good for a performance car, but I'm not so hot on the look, I prefer the 2000 model.
     
    #13 patsparks, Mar 20, 2009
  14. bestmapman

    bestmapman 04, 07 ,08, 09, 10, 16, 21 Prime

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    Oh I really want one of those.
     
    #14 bestmapman, Mar 20, 2009
  15. KAR IDEA

    KAR IDEA Member

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    Love It!
     
    #15 KAR IDEA, Mar 23, 2009
  16. xsmatt81

    xsmatt81 non-AARP Member

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    if it could compete with the tesla(right).

    I like the body actually, looks pretty slick. MPG would be at least over 50 seeing how this is a ways off and by then the prius will be getting much better mpg after 2010 with the phev.

    130MPH +50MPG sign me up
     
    #16 xsmatt81, Mar 25, 2009
  17. bdahlfors1

    bdahlfors1 Prius, A New way of Life

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    The car looks cooler than a Tesle, and alot cheaper too!!! I'd pay the estimated $33,000 for one of these rather than the $110,000 for a Tesla Roadster.
     
    #17 bdahlfors1, Aug 20, 2009
  18. Rybold

    Rybold globally warmed member

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    Let's not talk down another innovative car.
    If you like the MR2/Prius Coupe then say so, but there is no need to talk down the Tesla.
     
    #18 Rybold, Aug 20, 2009
  19. bdahlfors1

    bdahlfors1 Prius, A New way of Life

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    I did not say anything negative about the Tesla, my "opinion" is I like the look of the "Possible" Prius Coupe rather than the Tesla and the fact is the coupe would be much cheaper than the Tesle Roadster.
    No "Down Talking" here. Just my opinion and facts.
     
    #19 bdahlfors1, Aug 21, 2009
  20. Rybold

    Rybold globally warmed member

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    okay. :)
     
    #20 Rybold, Aug 22, 2009
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