New MR2 from Toyota v Lotus Emira.

[Nova]

I can't see it being a slower companion than the GR Yaris and look at what is being done to that engine.

A Tuner Built a 740-HP Toyota GR Yaris With Stock Internals

Supercar power from a 1.6-liter three-cylinder. We love modern engine and tuning technology.

www.roadandtrack.com

Sure but the GR Yaris and Corolla tops out at about 300HP in factory form. I would really be surprised to see Toyota go above this figure in a small 2-door RWD sports coupe/convertible since that would start encroaching on the Supra.

 

[Rcktmn]

Sure but the GR Yaris and Corolla tops out at about 300HP in factory form. I would really be surprised to see Toyota go above this figure in a small 2-door RWD sports coupe/convertible since that would start encroaching on the Supra.

The Supra is not long for this world

 

[Y Cymro]

The UK car magazine Auto Express suggests a 400bhp 4 cylinder motor with an 8 speed box and 4WD. The motor is from the new Yaris GR mid-engined concept and the gearbox from the latest GR Yaris production car. Perhaps Subaru’s had a hand in the drivetrain?
Link to Auto Exoress
This latest design to do the rounds looks quite nice if the production turns out to look the same.

The UK number plate on the render suggests a Q4/2026 or Q1 2027 timescale

 

[seriously]

The UK car magazine Auto Express suggests a 400bhp 4 cylinder motor with an 8 speed box and 4WD. The motor is from the new Yaris GR mid-engined concept and the gearbox from the latest GR Yaris production car. Perhaps Subaru’s had a hand in the drivetrain?
Link to Auto Exoress

Depending on weight this could be a real challenge to the Emira and a sign they are moving the MR2 up market. Alternatively if it was a significant discount to the Emira and Cayman with similar specs it might sell relatively well.

 

[Tomwa]

I'd be pretty sad if the MR-2 (or GR-2) was coming with an 8spd auto and AWD. Even if it was something like an R8 "20/80" tq split, that's a lot of extra gear (ha!) to be lugging around.

Also given the number % of manual cars they sell in the models like the GR86, and Supra, I think they must recognize how silly it would be be not offer a 6spd manual for the MR-2.

I think whatever engine they put in the MR-2 GR will be shared with the GR86. Honestly they could have similar power goals for a base model, and unless they make the new car weigh a lot it could be good with a much more modest 320~ hp.


That render is only "ok" The front end is interesting and I quite like it, the cabin/roof angle seems completely stolen from the Evora. But everything falls apart at the rear quarter. Obviously there's some weirdness with geometry/design around the bottom at the side-sill/skirt. Maybe you could argue intentional. But wtf is going on with the crease in the door where it meets some crease/body line up over the rear fender???

 

[NicolasB]

I wish they would bring it out to market looking like this and with around 475 horsepower. Kind of has some Evora lines.

 

[harleyujoe]

I wish they would bring it out to market looking like this and with around 475 horsepower. Kind of has some Evora lines.
View attachment 58241View attachment 58242

Does have a Evora look ...I never like Evora after S1 body change ..The reason why I did not buy a Corvette
was to chisel looking ..The Emira reminds of my first love of cars a Ferrari 206/246 that I could not
afford then or now and curves to body line that Emira translates to my eyes.

 

[Medic518]

The reason why I did not buy a Corvette was to chisel looking ..

Same here - when I read some articles around the design decision of those angular edges being based on the F-117 Stealth, my first thought was why would I be interested in a design from 1983 - in 2020 (when I was looking at the C8)?

 

[harleyujoe]

Same here - when I read some articles around the design decision of those angular edges being based on the F-117 Stealth, my first thought was why would I be interested in a design from 1983 - in 2020 (when I was looking at the C8)?

And most likely No Lotus Evora / Emira will pass you on any day trip you take.
But bet you can not count the Porsches or Corvettes in that day trip ??

 

[Medic518]

And most likely No Lotus Evora / Emira will pass you on any day trip you take.
But bet you can not count the Porsches or Corvettes in that day trip ??

Could not agree more.. I have not seen another Emira on the road. I know I'm not the only one in my area - but I have not seen another. Moreover, I've only seen an Evora on the road twice - once in Atlanta, and once outside DC, and years apart..

 

[Tomwa]

I wish they would bring it out to market looking like this and with around 475 horsepower. Kind of has some Evora lines.
View attachment 58241View attachment 58242

Def better looking than the render. It's clearly still concept, but better.

475 Hp in a car with that short of a wheelbase would be a lot to handle. Toyota is better off chasing getting the car in a light weight situation. I don't see any reason why they would re-enter the market with this kind of sports car and start by chasing off Porsche Cayman GT4, and falling only JUST short of GT4RS. Just doesn't make sense, who is their buyer? Much better off selling the car at a 40-45k price point with a more modest 300~ and car weighing under 3000 lbs.

 

[Lotustoronto]

400 BHP or just a bit higher would be a sweet spot. I imagine it will be pretty light weight, if they got the GR86 to 1300 KG, this will probably be around that weight considering a 4wd system. Don't expect it to be under 70K USD - would be better if it was RWD and with a manual.

 

[seriously]

New Toyota Celica In Pipeline For 2026—With 400-HP AWD Setup

Toyota will axe plans for the MR2 in place of an all-new Celica that is slated to employ a 400-hp plus mid-engined 2.0-liter turbo and AWD powertrain.

www.forbes.com

Forbes article predicting that Toyota will come out with a new Celica and NOT a MR2. The Celica instead will be a mid-engine, 4WD car, using the 400 HP Yaris concept engine and option of a 6-speed. Also predicting a price point of $70k which seems optimistic - like the old days when the base Emira was supposed to be closer to that price as well.