Toyota to take on Nissan 350Z?
New 330 bhp Supra to be lightweight, distributed 50:50
Toyota will blast back into the sports car market in 2006 with an all-new Supra – and a ground-breaking MR2 replacement could follow.
The Japanese giant is jostling with Ford to become global number two – and that's without a major sporting push.
Until now.
The Supra coupe has broken cover at the Nürburgring, along with an MR2 lookalike. The Supra – which bowed out of dealer showrooms in 1996 – will largely follow its predecessor's blueprint. That means a front-mounted engine, rear-wheel drive and a six-pot powerplant. At launch the Supra will run a naturally aspirated V6, displacing 3.5 litres. Peak power is pegged at around 330 bhp, transferred to the tarmac via a six-speed 'box.
As the spec suggests, the Supra will clash head on with the 350Z. And like the Nissan, the Supra could be sold as a drop top too. If given the green light, the roadster is set to adopt an SC430-style folding tin top.
There's still some work to be done on the chassis, though. The prototype seen here is based on a cut down version of the new Lexus GS platform – but sources say engineers aren't yet happy with the dynamics. If the chassis doesn't come up to scratch, the Supra may get its own bespoke underpinnings. Either way, the aim is for 50:50 weight distribution and an impressive 1,200 Kg kerb weight, thanks to the use of lightweight materials including aluminium and perhaps even carbon fibre panels.
Meanwhile, Toyota also appears to be testing the world's first mid-engined hybrid, disguised as an MR2. Toyota showed such a sports car – the CS&S concept – at the 2003 Frankfurt show. The Prius' 1.5-litre was mid-mounted and drove the rear wheels, while two electric motors span the front axle.
"It's an area we are playing around with – it's my pastime", says head of R&D Dr Akihiko Saito. With hybrid powertrains shrinking in size and weight, there's a chance the next MR2 could go hybrid. Today's car bows out of the US market at the end of 2005 although UK sales should continue. The company is clearly looking at a radical successor – but there is no definitive word on production yet.
Is it just me or it just doesn't look like front-mounted engine, more mid-mounted. Can be seen better in pictures that show rear of the car
DustyC said:
Tastier stuff 
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=132917&f=71&h=0
Yes they will do it along with a lot of other high profile stuff because next year is the 50 birthday for Toyota. Hence Rossi at Yamaha, Haga to works Yam WSBK and Ralph to F1 Toyota. Next year you will be seeing Toyota/Yamaha everywhere.
but why "bungle" it ? 
) I like the look of the car in that Japanese article, it's certainly shaping up nicely along 2000GT lines. That bum's a bit Aston Martin like too, albeit with "Lexus" style lights. I think the Bangle comments are a bit harsh, those look more like curves rather than Bangel creases to me.
Now, can we also have a proper replacement for the RX7 too. There's been rumours for a while, but I wanna see it NOW!
Twin Turbo said:
I think the Bangle comments are a bit harsh, those look more like curves rather than Bangel creases to me.
I just like more flowing lines . . . Mmmh, almost TVRish.
Twin Turbo said:
Now, can we also have a proper replacement for the RX7 too. There's been rumours for a while, but I wanna see it NOW!
What's wrong with it!
I like the new Supra btw.
Oh, and where do you keep pulling all those pictures from? I love the look of that one too
>> Edited by Twin Turbo on Tuesday 9th November 20:31
dinkel said:
Twin Turbo said:
I think the Bangle comments are a bit harsh, those look more like curves rather than Bangel creases to me.
I just like more flowing lines . . . Mmmh, almost TVRish.
[quote=Twin Turbo]
Now, can we also have a proper replacement for the RX7 too. There's been rumours for a while, but I wanna see it NOW!
Now that looks very nice indeed. Bring it on. Hope the interior isn't too plasticy though ...
>> Edited by targarama on Wednesday 10th November 08:11
Gassing Station | Japanese Chat | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff