@brandon I don't know why David keeps doing it either. His videos stand on their own merits. He also changes the thumbnail some 3 times. Like, I know doing RU-vid as a career is rough but I doubt doing ANY of this can make THAT much of a difference in the algorithm. It feels off tbh.
@LOVE-VIBES-X-PROJECT-CARS That SEMA Sentra DER build broke something in me. Before that, the only concept I had wanted that badly was the Dart SRT-4. Even if as just a concept, it's human to care and want something that probably won't happen. Which a new MR2 probly won't unless Toyota abandons its 3 performance pillars philosophy. Which they might if they make the MR2 fully electric 🧐
As an MR2 Spyder owner, I’m happy to see Toyota teasing a 4th gen. I don’t mind it being a dual clutch only, but it being hybrid I’m not so sure. Unless they do a hybrid manual like the Honda CR-Z then it’d be more interesting and unique.
Toyota is probably the best positioned car manufacturer for putting a hybrid in a mass market sports car considering their extensive hybrid tech experience.
@@slimeplayz164 criminally underrated. When it comes to JDM roadsters, people only know the Miata and S2K, which is funny because the MR2 Spyder out performs them in almost every way. Yes the 1zz is lacklustre but almost any Spyder enthusiast will overcome that by easily swapping a high revving 2ZZ or adding a Turbo. It’s a budget Lotus Elise and HELLA FUN. I know people who sold their S2K’s for Spyders and never regret it. You have to try it out to know the feeling
@@theninethrees8044 yeah I was gonna build it to be like a budget lotus was thinking of a 2gr-fe swap with a twin turbo setup was gonna be my daily as well as a track toy on the side
i think a the i3 turbo would be a fantastic motor with a dct and manual option, it could be cool to see it as a hybrid but thatd just add weight thats not entirely needed
Ive owned both an SW20 and currently have an 88 SC mr2, I always liked the way the third gen drove as well. If they could make a new one with a detuned G16E GTS with a hybrid drivetrain that would be fantastic!
A while back, the rumor that was the most exciting to me in regards to the MR2 was when speculation came up that Toyota was considering making a super stripped down "MR2" that could even start under $20K. A dedicated sports car platform for that price would set the world on fire. It's too bad that it doesn't seem likely it will happen.
@spencerlorrigan7317 It's not impossible for low 20s with tons of parts bin stuff imo. I doubt they would do that, though. Under 20K is never gonna happen, so like you said, 30K is probably way more likely with this mindset, but it doesn't seem like they want to go with as much of an affordable route if they do bring back the MR2.
Unfortunately, even if they got the MSRP to an attainable price for the average car fanatic, dealerships have shown to absolutely ruin the out the door price by slapping on “market adjustments” and unnecessary add ons. They are the biggest threat to the car scene
If they want a more hype version, go the E-Ray route and add a 80 to 100hp fwd hybrid option to bump total power to nearly 400 with the 3cyl Yaris engine.
I can see them doing a partnership with Lotus to take the affordable mid engine sports car into the modern era, it makes all the sense for them to go that route.
What exactly is Lotus going to supply that makes the car cheaper or better than what Toyota can build? The MRS and Elise were out at the same time, the MRS was close to one third of the price of the Elise, while only being 100lbs heavier. Toyota could have easily outfitted the MRS with the 2zz (like the elise) instead of the 1zz for maybe a thousand dollars more in cost.
@user-tm4yc8gx2k Maybe they'll develop a new chassis together, loosely based off of the older lotus platforms? I would assume that they'd do something similar to what they did with the BMW Z4 to create the mk5 Supra, only this time it would have the true heart of a toyota (that being the 4 cyl or the Camry V6).
problem with the spyder wasnt the fact that it was NA, it was the fact that it was a economy engine. Theres a reason why the most popular swap for a 2zz is the mr2 spyder. It is truly the engine that car deserved.
I used to own a 1988 Toyota MR2. Daily drove it 7 years. Now own Lotus Elise and Lotus Evora... BOTH rock solid Toyota power plants and alot of fun to drive. Sign me up for that 2026/27 Toyota MR2!
My first car was a 1991 MR2, and I loved it! Now I'm in a Fiesta ST. It's cool to see Toyota making an enthusiast comeback, and it would be cool for there to be any kind of MR2, no matter what form it takes.
there were rumors over the last couple years of toyota developing a performance automatic transmission for the gr corolla/the G16 so i'd expect them to put that in the MR2
IF (big IF) Toyota makes another one, they need to keep it reasonably priced and simple. Kinda like the GR Corolla. Use the 2.4 turbo or GRC engine and it’ll be great! No need to overdo the gizmos and gadgets like the NSX did which made the cost so much that it failed.
My wish list would be no bells & whistles, no drive assistance, no back up camera, no big ass computer on the dash, just the option to get a base model crank window having car with the biggest engine they offer instead of driving around a computer with wheels.
If they were to make one, i would like to see their GR Yaris engine and maybe the AWD system in a slightly lighter package, or maybe even a larger v6 engine with a higher power output as a top trim model. But i doubt that would ever make it to production
Old guy here. I still drive the love of my life: 1991 Honda Civic Si. It's all the car I will ever realistically want/need. However... The 1991 SW20 took my breath away when it was new. There will forever be a place for that car in my heart, and any new MR2 will never dethrone it.
Don't worry this isn't a MR2 nor a Celica....for some reason these guys are completely ignoring the interview with the lead engineer and lead designer.
I own an ‘87 AW11 and it’s a wonderful car. Really a true sports car while the SW20 is more of a tuner car. No power steering, no ABS, no airbags, not even a cup holder. And they’re not that dangerous to drive I’ve never had it snap around on me at all in my 2.5 years of ownership. They’re super fun great handling true sports cars. I also own a 2001 supercharged Honda Prelude so it would be cool to see both my classic Japanese cars come back.
Concept looks great. I guess I'm not super concerned if it was a hybrid, but the cost $$$. Everything is soo so expensive these days. Gotta pay to play I suppose
We're hearing the MR2 is gunning to be one of the cheapest, if not the cheapest performance cars on sale, and using cheap mainstream parts to do it. Some sources claimed they were using suspension components off the Yaris, and that it would have a 1.0 120 hp engine. All somewhat specific if those publications were making it up. They were throwing out a price of 20k. Let's say 25 due to inflation these days. I know this sounds wild, but I think the ft-se is the next mr-2, and it's planned for it to replace the gr86 in size and price. Wild, I know, but it's a two seater sports car with similar dimensions to the gr86, with a release date of around 2026 according to it's head designer, who said the ft-se was gonna be put into production. 2026 would be a logical time for the gr86 to end production. I know the concept was electric, but so was the Toyota Tacoma concept they showed about two years ago.
Yeah it's all bad. Evora platform exists & it's definitely underpinning the FTE. It's carbon fiber tub. No way to make a cheap car. Lotus already using toyota motor that's way worse than GR 3 cylinder turbo. Probably going to get some NA motor & get hosed like 1zz / 2zz situations. They are not going to undercut GR86 or their partners & if it's expensive, it can only slot after supra price wise.
Concept = looks good, definitely use that design Motor/powertrains: If car is under 2500lbs - aim for 300hp. option 1: 3 or 4cyc turbo with manual or DCT. Option 2: go radical high rpm 12,000 4cyc with manual or DCT If car is 3000lbs aim for 400hp: option1 - turbo 6cyc. Option2 - v8 both with manual/dct options
Let's Go David! They already have the prototype (the one in the thumbnail) rn and I cant wait! Toyoda (rip to Shoichiro Toyoda😓) be doing the damn thing! I would say FOR SURE, put up the video for the GR Yaris!💯
My first 2 cars (which I, unfortunately, was too broke to do more than replace exhaust and put K&N filters on) were a '91 240SX and then '91 MR-2 Turbo. Loved both of those cars. The MR-2 was far and away, more special feeling to me, though. But being in high school right when TFATF and games like NFS Underground were rocking, it was a fun time to be a wannabe street racer.
Having owned an AW11SC, a Turbo SW20, and now a Turbo86 it's easy to say I'm a Toyota fanboy and can't wait to see if they made a new MR2. I'd hope it comes with the engine from the GR Corolla as a 3 cylinder 300hp turbo motor would absolutely scream in an MR2. I have missed my 93 MR2 Turbo since the day I sold it and am still searching for a replacement so an option for a brand new one is even cooler.
The g16e (gr corolla engine) would make alot of sense since the 3sgte in the sw20 was actually stolen from the celica gt4 and the e151 transmission is the same family as the e153 in the mr2. So if they could use that engine they could in a modern way replicate the old recipe.
Sub 2800 lbs, with 350-400 hp tubro charged combustion engine, with a 7 speed manual is what i'd be slamming the table for if I was one of the project engineers at Toyota.
Perfect MR-2: Turbo 3 cylinder like you mentioned, obviously MR, under 2700 lbs, all new car nonsense like lane departure warnings and screens telling me I have to actually drive my car (as opposed to what, exactly?) Can be turned off. Actually, no screens period would be amazing but too much to ask for. No rev matching BS, no active suspension, a 6 speed MT, double wishbones all around, and all for 35k. Oh and pop up headlights 😍
As a long time AW11 owner and fan, im glad that platform is passed up. It is not the fastest by far but it does handle arguably better than 2nd and third gen. That being said, id love to see a 4th a final generation MR2. The original AW11 was powered by a 1.6 engine Yamaha developed lol so a colab is likely here. I sincerely hope that is offers a 6 speed manual though.
I really enjoy your very specific down to earth observations and reviews. But I’m betting more on a Prius hybrid configuration over 100% EV simply out of practicality regarding infrastructure over charging stations. And enthusiast’s preference
small, low weight, gas engine only, manual transmission. I'd be ok with the 3 cylinder turbo engine. It helps keep the weight down. Keep the price in the realm of the Miata
I think the ethos of the AW11 “the original MR2” would be the right direction for success. The FT prototype styling looks amazing. 6-speed manual, GR Corolla engine with sub 2,500 curb weight. Keep it under $60k and it would be amazing.
The concept looks slick and sexy. It would be AWESOME if it had 400-450 horsepower with a manual transmission and weighed less than 2800 pounds. Since you mentioned a collaboration.....I'm reminded that Toyota is obviously buddies with BMW. BMW has several motors that would be a good fit. Keep it at 100,000 dollars or less and you have something that competes nicely with the new lotus.....
Honda's new Prelude wasn't what I'd hoped for, but I hope Toyota can really deliver on a true MR2 revival or successor. Pure combustion engine goodness straight from the folks at Toyota themselves would be such a love letter to the last gen
I'd like to know what you consider to be the other 3 sports cars?? The GR86, shitty 3 cylinder POS's?? Or The BMW Supra?? So what sports cars are they making??? If you spend 40K to 60K on a GR Corolla over a Scatt Pack, Mustang GT or Camaro SS, you are a fool and enjoy your buyer's remorse...
I had to dig too deep to find somebody not drinking the koolaid. Toyota cannot make a sportscar, hasnt been able to for over a decade. Even ThatDudeinBlue admitted. "The GR Corrolla, as of right now is the only 100% Toyota being built". They have to farm out their sportscar business, everybody in the industry knows this. They simply lost the talent and impetus to do so.
I have been watching the ammonia power possibility for a few years. Ammonia is crazy because it offers great power with virtually 0 harmful exhaust gas. The best part of it is that it's still combustion. EV is fine, but I think EV is better in hybrid form combined with some sort of combustion engine. The new MR2 would be a great competitor to the Miata. I love the Miata, but its time for Toyota to take it down with the new MR2, and yes, a hybrid MR2 would be pretty cool!
This was pretty much my thoughts. I am wondering if they will platform share with the Lotus Emira, because that already has a Toyota Engine (you literally said this as I was typing it). Anyway if it shares with the Emira then maybe it could come with the N/A V6 and manual, and come in at a cheaper price point (say $45-55k with 300-320hp) than the Emira. The Turbo 1.5 is also a great option...not as good sounding but much more power potential for low-mods. Or if they platform share with Suzuki that would be great too. I love my Cappuccino...I'd love for them to make a sports car with Toyota.
I would think that a performance oriented hybrid would be amazing… Similar to E-ray, do an electric motor powering front wheels to help with launch feel, completely disconnected from rear wheels driven by the Corolla 3 cylinder turbo. No need for crazy power numbers, just enough to break traction with certain drive modes And driving on ev only for like 5-10 miles would be awesome
The original MR2 came out in 1985 with a base price of around $11,000 for the base model and $13,500 for a fully loaded version. In today's dollars that is roughly $31,500 and $38,500. That would put the cost about where a Corolla GR is right now. Hmm, reminds me of the Corolla GTS and MR2 when it came out. How about just repeating this same formula from back then. Provide two offerings, with the same engine. Keep the MR2 low cost, lightweight, with a small wheelbase and a modern high power engine, and you have a winner.
2nd gen NSX looked more like a regular run-of-the-mill mid-engined car than the 1st one did. So it's not surprise it looks like 2nd gen MR2 or 8th gen Corvette or most other mid-engined supercars. That doesn't mean it's in any way based on MR2
@@andycalifornia426 I never implied that "Honda decided to base their second gen on the MR2" - please do enlighten me on how you extrapolated that from my comment 😅. I can agree with part of your second comment, except your persistent, obsessive, false claims you made in both of your comments.
dual-clutch "not cvt", or manual transmission, mid-engine, rear traction, 3-liter turbo + strong mild hybrid aiming low consumption with an affordable price would kick ass
Rear mounted engine with a front mounted electric motor = great hybrid. Just imagine. The 3-cyl from the Corolla/Yaris with the hybrid of a Prius (but tunes ofc).
The only people that think about the SW20 Turbo are the ones that didn't drive the AW11 supercharged 🤷🏼. The first generation is so much more fun to drive, and what happened with the second generation is people started trying to make them drag cars and throw as much horsepower as they could in them, completely missing the reason the car existed in the first place; tight twisty country back roads or the track.
I think using the new prius motor setup would be really cool in a smaller lighter platform. They could use a beefier E-AWD as well for a faster version if people wanted it. The GR Corolla motor would be nice too but I would prefer a quick light sports car that gets AMAZING MPG. I feel like that segment hasn't really been tapped into yet. A small/light modern hybrid sports car with an affordable price. 40-45 ish MPG should be the goal to make it stand out as something totally different.
The new MR2 should be mid engine, manual trans, with the three cylinder gas engine. 2 trim levels, base and GR. Priced in between the GR86 and the Supra. If that happened, I most definitely would buy one.
I’d like to see different drivetrain options with different tiers of performance. Base model with an n/a 4cyl, a GT with the 3cyl gr, and a top tier GR with the 3cyl and a hybrid awd system like the c8. All with available manuals of course 👌🏼
A Yaris Turbo 3-cylinder, a standard six speed manual, a LSD, minimal electronics and features, and a curb weight under 2,000 lbs, with a price of $30K
The 1.8 SC engine from the GRMN Yaris would be a perfect fit too! Although less powerful than the turbo 3cyl. It would feel so much more linear in my opinion :D But then again, no matter the engine, just make the MR2 great again!! 😂😂
Toyota is making honda eat their words. Honda gave up on sports cars and coupes for a while saying the market didn’t demand them. Toyota happily filled the void. Granted they are collaborations with other automakers, this still proved to be mutually beneficial
It would honestly be a good move for Toyota to continue their “partnered” sports cars by basically building a dedicated 2 seater Evora (literally just buying and shortening the chassis as it’s being retired by Lotus).
Are used to own a 2004 MR two it was the best car I ever bought and I look forward to buying me a new one in 2025 There’s no other car that I want more than the MR two it’s good on gas Mid engine and rear traction The EV body is good but I don’t want electric I want a combustible engine May the MR to last forever what a great car
I think they nailed the FR-S / BRZ / GR86... Cheap car, RWD.. A suitable MR2 option in my opinion? Cheap car, RWD, MID Engine, thats all we want! Honnestly try to find a stock GR86, there's a reason they are all modified.. People buying these cars, just want a platform to work on. I'm sure they would sell thousands of MR2 even if it was just a Shell with no engine. As long as its cheap and easily upgradable. Oh and the MR2 needs enough space under the engine bay to fit an LS ;)
Toyota/Lotus collab? Lotus helps develop chassis and suspension dynamics. Toyota does the drivetrain and everything else. A 3cyl Turbo baby Lotus perhaps?
