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Toyota should bring back the MR2


Mazda didn't sell more than a million MX-5s because nobody wants, affordable two-seater sports cars.

If Toyota was able to deliver a modern MR2, I think they'd sell enough to make it worth their while.


They should offer it with two different engines - a 2.0 liter four and a 3.0 liter six - both offered with or without forced induction. I know Toyota likes turbochargers but a supercharger would be better in this application - better throttle-response and increased reliability.


Plus, they could take the opportunity to utilize an electric-powered blower instead of driving it mechanically off the crankshaft. This would have the added benefit of additional control over the boost pressure.


Keeping the weight would benefit both performance and fuel economy.

They should easily be able to deliver a base model in the mid-to-upper 20s in terms of MSRP with the maxed-out, blown, V6 model coming it in the low 40s.

This would give regular folks a viable alternative to the Porsche 718. If the car is done right, they might even poach some customers from the Germans. Of course, given the badge-snobbery of the American market, they should probably also do a Lexus variant - same bits just a Lexus badge and an extra $30k on the price-tag.




-I don't watch Fox 'News' for the same reason I don't eat out of the toilet

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Lexus (Toyota) already has its ISF badge along with its RC and RF models.

The market is not there for the MR2. Look at the rebirth of the Supra. It became the BRZ and did not really do well. Despite being badged and marketed poorly the sales to those that understood the platform over name recognition was still not there.

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There's just so much factually wrong with that last paragraph.

1.The market is not there for the MR2.

The MR2 was a compact two-seat sports car. According to the OP, the Mazda Miata is still selling well enough and that's also a compact two-seat sports car. So, the market is there.

2.Look at the rebirth of the Supra.

What does that have to do with the MR2? The Supra and MR2 are the same make (Toyota) and not the same market segment (see 1). Additionally...

3.It became the BRZ and did not really do well.

Actually, the BRZ, FR-S, and 86 were not the rebirth of the Supra. They were actually a modern interpretation of the Corolla GTS (AE86). The Supra rebirth is still happening:

http://blog.caranddriver.com/toyota-to-show-supra-concept-in-october-plus-two-more-sports-concepts/

I know, I can't wait for October either.

4.Despite being badged and marketed poorly the sales to those that understood the platform over name recognition was still not there.

This sentence is so poorly constructed, I have no idea what you're trying to say.

"The Devil wants his soul. I just want the man."

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The BRZ or FRS were initially touted as being the "next" Supra. It obviously wasn't and slowly that relationship was no longer made when it came to marketing. I think this is partially why the car did not do well. I am not saying it did poorly, but I think there were higher hopes for it. I am aware that there is still yet the potential for the Supra to make a comeback.

In regards to my badging comment. There are car enthusiasts that understand the potential of a car versus name recognition. This is where you have someone who will buy a car simply because it is a Camaro or Mustang but miss the "sleeper" or potential of a different car. The FRS just did not have that draw even with its marketing to the masses. Even enthusiasts who understood the platform and what could be done with the car did not seem to be drawn to the car. Sorry if my wording was confusing.

How would the MR2 and Supra not be considered competitors to one another? Because of the mid engine placement of the MR2 if this is what you are hoping they bring back? I could see the MR2 being more on par with the Mazda Miata competitor but I really don't see that being a sole reason for Toyota to compete for that small market? I think the Supra could hit a broader base of people. Honda even stopped making the S2000, which I feel is a far superior platform to the Miata as well as the RX8. (Shame about the RX8, I would like to see a wankel show up in an unasuming car).

Just see it differently. And don't see it coming back. It seems most manufacturers would prefer to reduce competions from within their own lines when it comes to sales. I think that drives the bottom line.

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How would the MR2 and Supra not be considered competitors to one another?

Because the MR2 was a compact two-seater with a four-cylinder engine. Its competition would include the Miata or 124 Spyder. The Supra was a larger four-seater (maybe a 2+2) with a six. Its competition would include the Mustang or Camaro. (Yes, I know that the Mustang and Camaro are "supposed" to have V-8's, but the Supra's six was easily powerful enough to compete.)

Now, explain this: how would the MR2 and Supra be considered competitors to one another?

"The Devil wants his soul. I just want the man."

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Lexus (Toyota) already has its ISF badge along with its RC and RF models.

How many mid-engine two-seaters does Lexus make?

The market is not there for the MR2.

You're kidding, right? Mazda has sold so many MX5s that FIAT has released a rebadged version with their own engine.

The Boxster/Cayman is one of Porsche's best-selling models.

Look at the rebirth of the Supra. It became the BRZ and did not really do well.

If it "did not really do well" why is it one of the only Scion models being re-released as a Toyota?




-I don't watch Fox 'News' for the same reason I don't eat out of the toilet

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