Toyota, Suzuki and Daihatsu Likely Working on a Brand-new Sportscar

A mid-engined, lightweight sportscar is reportedly in the works by Toyota, Suzuki, and Daihatsu. The highly anticipated car is likely to be a successor to Toyota’s MR2. Its design could be similar to Toyota's S-FR or Sports EV concepts.

Toyota, Daihatsu, and Suzuki are reportedly making a new entry-level mid-engine sportscar. The expected car will likely replace the Toyota MR2. It will presumably have an engine created by Suzuki and styling cues from Daihatsu. Further, it will reportedly come equipped with a platform by Toyota. In terms of design, there are no updates yet. Several reports suggest that this yet-to-be-named model will draw design cues from the Toyota Sports EV concept. Also, it is anticipated that the S-FR concept from 2015 will have an impact on its design. Coming to dimensions, the expected sportscar will presumably be 4200mm long, 1,220mm tall, and 1,720mm wide. According to reports, it is most likely to weigh 1,000 Kg. Additionally, it will likely have a wheelbase of 2,550mm. As of now, we have no hint about its price but internationally it is rumoured to cost between JPY 2.2 million to JPY 2.5 million (Rs 13.51 lakh and Rs 15.36 lakh, all prices ex-showroom).

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The TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform will likely serve as the foundation for the sportscar. The front suspension, however, will be taken from the GA-B platform, used for compact cars by the Yaris. A 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine by Suzuki is anticipated to power the sportscar. This unit is capable of producing 118bhp and 196Nm. Further, it is also likely to have a mild-hybrid setup, which will help it to produce 5bhp more and improve fuel efficiency. Most likely, the engine will come paired with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automated transmission. Although the company has not yet provided a launch confirmation still if released, the sportscar will compete with vehicles like the next-generation Mazda MX-5, slated for launch by 2024.

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The expected car has been making headlines in the industry for quite a long time, however, Toyota hasn't provided any official pictures or information about the same, and neither the firm nor any official has commented on the progress of this car. It remains to be seen how long Toyota, Suzuki, and Daihatsu will be close-mouthed on this new collaboration. We expect them to reveal the details of this highly anticipated sportscar soon.