Bringing back legendary Japanese motorcars has been a popular task for manufacturers such as Nissan, Honda, and Toyota recently. The Skyline is back in the form of the GT-R, the NSX has also been revived but in hybrid form, and even the Supra is reincarnated, albeit with a BMW powertrain. Well, almost. It seems to be in a constant state of limbo – neither here nor there – but we’re just about seeing the light at the end of the tunnel these days.
The GT86, well that’s a new model which looks lovingly back at the AE86 and the Celica – Toyota and Subaru did a very good job on that one and are now rightly reaping the rewards. But they have another idea tucked up their sleeves which could very well come to fruition soon.
They’re reportedly bringing back the MR2: a mid-engined, averagely priced sports car that was known for its snap-oversteer and supercar-like looks. I think it’s safe to say I’m a bit excited.
So this is all what I like to call ‘educated speculation’, but with the GT86 being given a 2.4-litre for its next update (supposedly), this leaves room for a car with a smaller engine and a hybrid powertrain to swoop in and reap the low-emission benefits. The 1.6 turbo from the Levorg fits this rather nicely. And with a couple of motors, could easily reach the 300bhp mark.
Add in the mid-engined S-FR Concept that Toyota is working on and the mid-engined car that Subaru is currently developing, if you believe the g****vine, and the next MR2 doesn’t feel at such a distance. If you believe the Japanese outlet, Response, then it could be here as soon as 2021. What a way to start the decade! Just please keep it affordable and light, just like its predecessors.
