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The MR2 is making a comeback, Auto Express can reveal. Toyota is developing an exciting performance hybrid which would revive the much loved sports car and rival Honda’s upcoming CR-Z. It’s set to swap its predecessor’s roadster shape for that of a compact coupé. Under the skin will be a rear-wheel-drive chassis, a paddleshift gearbox and a specially developed version of the Prius’s hybrid powertrain. The new model will boast an amazing blend of performance, economy and low emissions, all wrapped up in a stunning body. It would be a fitting successor to the MR2, which ceased production in 2007. Speaking exclusively to Auto Express at the Geneva Motor Show, Toyota executive vice president Masatami Takimoto said: “We are aware of the fondness with which the MR2 is held in the UK and Europe, and are developing a small hybrid sports car. “We have set a tough price point (expected to be around £20,000), as it will be easier to sell if it is affordable. It has to be fun to drive, too, which means the hybrid set-up must be different to the Prius’s, with greater responsiveness.”These artist’s impressions give you an idea of how it will look. At the front it mixes cues from Toyota’s FT-HS sports car concept with a deep lower air intake, while the side has a kick up on the door towards the roof. At the rear are lights from the FT-HS and a neat diffuser-style lower bumper. The key challenge for Toyota will be developing a powertrain that’s sporty to drive. It will have to improve the rate at which the batteries charge and discharge, for razor-sharp responses. If the company gets it right, the car could do 0-60mph in seven seconds, yet return 60mpg and emit less than 100g/km of CO2. A new MR2 would be a desirable addition to the range, but Toyota is concentrating more on family hybrids at the moment, with 10 being launched over the next 12 months.

2012 Toyota MR2 image
2012 Toyota mr2
2012 Toyota MR2

The 2012 MR2 Spyder comes with a choice of a 5-speed manual transmission or an available 6-speed sequential manual transmission, Antilock Brake System (ABS), power windows and doors, CFC-free air conditioning, remote keyless entry and a Deluxe 3-in-1 AM/FM ETR/Cassette/CD player with four speakers.
2012 Toyota MR2 Spyder Standard Features

* P185/55R15 front, P215/45R16 rear tires on 15" front/16" rear aluminum alloy wheels (2012 Toyota MR2)
* Antilock Brake System (ABS)
* Functional side air intake ducts
* Defroster-linked CFC-free air conditioning (2012 Toyota MR2)
* Cruise control (sequential manual transmission models only)
* Drilled aluminum sport pedals
* Leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel and gearshift lever (2012 Toyota MR2 with chrome shift lever on sequential manual)
* Driver and front passenger air bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) with passenger-side air bag cutoff switch
* Deluxe 3-in-1 AM/FM ETR/Cassette/CD with 4 speakers and power antenna
* Manual folding Black cloth convertible top with glass rear window and electric defroster (Tan top available with Tan Leather Trim Package)
* Instrument cluster with analog speedometer, tachometer and fuel gauge; LCD odometer with twin tripmeters; and seatbelt disconnect, air bag, door-ajar, battery, oil pressure, brake, check engine and low-fuel level warning lights (2012 Toyota MR2)
* Dual lockable storage compartments behind the seats
* Fabric-trimmed 4-way adjustable sport seats
* Power windows with driver’s auto-down features
* Power door locks with anti-lockout feature (2012 Toyota MR2)
* Multi-function remote keyless entry system with lock, unlock and panic features
* Aerodynamic projector/multi-reflector halogen headlamps with Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
* Integrated fog lamps
* Color-keyed bumpers and door handles
* Dual color-keyed power outside mirrors
* Covered dashboard storage compartment
* Wind deflector (2012 Toyota MR2)
* Fabric-trimmed doors with integrated speakers (including tweeters) and map pockets
* Dual cup holder
* Center console
* Dual sun visors
* Maplight
* Digital quartz clock
* Washer-linked intermittent windshield wipers
* High Solar Energy-Absorbing (HSEA) glass (2012 Toyota MR2)
* Remote hood, engine cover and fuel-filler door releases

Available 2012 Toyota MR2 Spyder Accessories

* First aid kit
* Floor mats
* Front-end mask (2012 Toyota MR2)
* Wheel locks (2012 Toyota MR2)
* Premium license plate frames by Grenada
* Carbon fiber-style dash applique by Acculaser