Toyota Might Revive The MR2 As A Hybrid Or Electric Roadster

More than 11 years ago, Toyota pulled the plug on the MR2, a mid-engined, rear-wheel drive roadster that was being sold in the United States, Europe and Japan.

Back then, the company had a trio of sporty models, which also included the Supra and the Celica. The former is making a comeback, and while we didn’t get a new Celica,Toyota did present the 86, so we now have two sports coupes from the Japanese brand.

But that could change over the next few years, as Toyota is currently contemplating reviving the MR2, according to Autocar that quotes the brand’s Europe VP of Sales and Marketing, Matt Harrison. A new compact roadster is being examined and, if given the green light, then it might arrive in the next decade, before 2025.

Before deciding whether a new MR2 would make sense from a financial standpoint, the carmaker has to determine the approach. And since the MR2 is in a “discussion stage”, according to Harrison, Toyota is considering a platform-sharing joint venture with another car firm. For the 86, they collaborated with Subaru, which also gave birth to the BRZ, and for the Supra, with BMW, which was co-developed with the new Z4.

Toyota wants to make sure that if the MR2 makes a comeback, it should have their DNA, so they will probably engineer the powertrain on their own. Possible scenarios include a gasoline-only model, a gasoline-hybrid, or both. A battery-electric powertrain is also being discussed, with the electric motor located behind the two seats and the batteries mounted under the floor, for a lower center of gravity.

Toyota MR2 concept study drawings by Tim Sadchikov