Earlier this year, Toyota confirmed plans to develop a new mid-engine sports car. It’s expected to be the spiritual successor to the MR2, the two-seater Toyota sold from the 1980s to the mid-2000s, and when it does arrive, it will have all-wheel drive.
In an interview with Auto Express, Naohiko Saito, Toyota GR’s chief engineer, revealed that the company’s initial testing uncovered "that the combination of an all-wheel drive mid-ship layout offers the best layout for high-performance driving."
Toyota has been testing half of this equation in its mid-engine Concept M prototype, which competes in Japan’s Super Taikyu Series and is rear-wheel drive. The car was in the first of four development stages in January when the automaker confirmed it was working on the model.
View Price on AmazonToyota does not expect a production version to arrive for at least four more years, if not longer. It will likely feature a design similar to that of the FT-Se concept.
When it goes on sale, it will likely feature the G20E engine, a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder rumored to make over 400 horsepower. The car should also feature the eight-speed automatic gearbox designed for the GR Corolla and GR Yaris.
Motor1’s Take: Toyota’s upcoming sports car sounds like it will be a winner, especially at the right price. It will also likely wear the GR badge as Toyota expands the sub-brand's lineup with a range of performance cars.
Source: motor1.com
