Dreams Resurrected! Toyota MR2 Rendering is Swoon-Worthy

Toyota MR2

With the launch of the A90 Toyota Supra and 86, many car fans are hopeful that the classic mid-engine rear-drive sports car Toyota MR2, which was discontinued in 2007, will return. Toyota finally answered fans' calls by announcing that the mid-engine rear-drive sports car will make a comeback!

According to the Japanese media, Spyder7 reports that the development plan for the new generation MR2 has been approved and is expected to be released in 2024. The new model will continue the development model of Supra and 86 and jointly develop with other car manufacturers to reduce development costs.

Just like the Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ and A90 Supra/BMW Z4, Japanese media speculate that The new MR2 is expected to be developed in partnership with European sports car manufacturers Porsche and Lotus.

Let's review the Toyota MR2:

First-generation Toyota MR2 (W10; 1984–1989)

Toyota MR2

MR2 is an MR car. MR means mid-engine, rear-wheel drive. Originally, the nickname was interpreted as "Mid engine, Runabout, 2 seater" (meaning mid-engine, small car, two seats) but later Toyota responded to many drivers' wishes and made the meaning of MR2 "Mid engine, Rear drive, 2 seater" (mid engine, rear wheel drive, two seats).

Second-generation Toyota MR2 (W20; 1989–1999)

Toyota MR2

With the success of its first-generation MR2, Toyota began to focus on developing a second-generation MR2. Unlike many cars that undergo a redesign or face only minor modifications, the shape and mechanical design of the second-generation MR2 had little to do with its predecessor. Instead, the second-generation MR2 had a more aggressive appearance than its predecessor and looked more like a sports car made by Ferrari or Porsche.

Third-generation Toyota MR2 (W30; 1999–2007)

Toyota MR2

Like the Boxster 986, the third-generation MR2 only has a convertible version, and most of them are soft-top convertibles in North America. The roof is made of canvas, and the rear window is made of glass. The interior is black leather, but because MR2 is positioned as a civilian sports car, the materials are relatively ordinary compared to its German competitors, the Mercedes-Benz SLK and BMW Z4.

The Next Toyota MR2

Toyota MR2

The new MR2 may be equipped with a 2.9-liter or 3.0-liter V6 engine and introduce a plug-in hybrid system. The maximum horsepower is 400PS with the support of an electric motor.

According to Japanese media, Toyota's new MR2 will be inspired by the Toyota Alessandro Volta concept car unveiled in 2004. The price in Japan may be approximately 6 million yen ($51,000).