Three years ago Toyota unveiled the S-FR at the Tokyo Motor Show, a prototype for a potential MX-5 rival and an indirect successor to the Toyota MR2 which ceased to be produced in 2005.
Just as the MX-5 was compact (4.0 m long), it was also equipped with a 1.5 l atmospheric engine, and the architecture was identical to its rival — longitudinal front engine and rear-wheel drive. Unlike the MX-5, the S-FR was a coupe and thanks to a generous wheelbase it was able to offer two rear seats.
Although the prototype presented has more to do with a production car than a pure concept, the S-FR (inspired by the Sports 800) never made it to the production lines. We don't know why it was canceled…
The return of MR2
Now the rumors are again in an uproar with a potential new small sports car from Toyota, positioned below the GT86. As we have reported before, Akio Toyoda, the brand's CEO, intends to bring back a family of sports cars in the brand, as happened in the past, making the “Three Brothers” return.Subscribe to our newsletter here
In the past, this trio of models consisted of the MR2, Celica and Supra. These days, the GT86 has taken the place of the Celica, and the Supra will definitely be introduced early next year. What remains to be filled in the seat vacated by the MR2, and with the S-FR discarded, what can come next?
What is being discussed?
Matt Harrison, Toyota's vice president of European sales and marketing, speaking to Autocar at the last Paris Motor Show, lifted the edge of the veil a little. He said that there are discussions at Toyota about a new MR2, and that everything is running smoothly to become a new addition to the brand's portfolio.
What seems to be certain is that if it will have the name MR, from Midship Runabout, it will mean an engine located in the center rear position and that poses a problem. Toyota does not have a platform with this type of configuration.
As with the GT86 and the Supra, the solution could be to share the development costs or purchase a base from another manufacturer. And considering the specific features of the MR2, the only thing that occurs to us is Lotus (now in Geely's hands).
But another solution is being considered. To transform the MR2 into a sports car for the century. XXI and make it 100% electric.
A Toyota MR2 electric?
Yes, it seems to be a realistic and viable hypothesis of developing a new base, as the electric MR2 hypothesis could derive from TNGA, Toyota's super-platform that already serves models like the Prius, Rav4 or Corolla.
Although the TNGA is originally designed for “everything ahead” cars, it is ready for an electric future. Hybrid variants with a driving rear axle via an electric motor have already been presented. You don't have to push your imagination too far and see a shorter variant of this base — with only two seats — to do without the front internal combustion engine at the front and come with only the electric motor on the rear axle.
The battery pack doesn't need to be too bulky either. Like the original MR2, Toyota could sell the small sports car as an alternative to the typical “commuter car”, ie a (fun) car for everyday use, for commuting from home to work. the need for a lot of autonomy would not be absolutely necessary.
Are you really going forward?
All that's missing is official confirmation from Toyota. If that happens, we're not likely to see it until the middle of the next decade, which also helps make the 100% electrical hypothesis viable. The cost of kWh, according to analysts, will be lower, and the energy density of the batteries should be higher, so it will be easier to justify development costs for a niche car.
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