Toyota: How to take on the CR-Z hybrid
Bring back the MR2, as a hybrid?Thanks to tax incentives, hybrid cars are hot in Japan. For the past several months, the 2010 Toyota Prius has been the best selling car in Japan, with the Honda Insight not far behind.
And, new survey data shows there is great Japanese interest now in hybrid sports cars, particularly the Honda CR-Z hybrid, which goes on sale in February in Japan.
For several years, Toyota has also been working on the concept of sporty hybrids, and the latest rumors suggest that Toyota might resurrect the MR2 for its new sports hybrid.
While the Prius Coupe also remains an option, something like the MR2 would give Toyota license to completely step away from any comparison to the Prius, particularly its relatively unique body styling. And what better way to overcome those boring Toyota perceptions than with an exciting, sleekly styled sporty hybrid with sprinter speed, yet fantastic fuel economy?
Labels: honda cr-z hybrid, honda insight hybrid, Hybrid Vehicles, toyota prius
posted by Dahcredyns at
9:02 AM
4 Comments:
I don't think it's an apples to apples comparision. The CR-Z is not a sports car, nore was the CR-X. The MR-2 was a sports car and if Toyota was to stay true to the original MR-2 with a new hybrid MR-2, then it would also be a sports car. For me, if Honda does the CR-Z right, I'll probably buy it in 2012 or 2013. The MR-2 is, well, to much like a sports car.
Yes please!
I have an MR2 & absolutely love it. People are always coming up to me asking what it is, wishing they could get one, too. The problem is most people never knew it existed. They stopped making it in 2005.
It's already pretty fuel efficient for a sports car. It's very light weight (just over 2000lbs) & I get about 35mpg driving it around town. I would think an even more efficient hybrid version would have some appeal.
Besides, the world needs an affordable hybrid coupe convertible option. I'd buy it in a heartbeat.
robby-d,
You're right, especially if Toyota goes with a 3.3 liter, v-6 in its sporty hybrid, as they have with some of their sporty concepts. Then, there really won't be much comparison at all outside of the exteriors.
Still, if they take the Prius coupe path, then it would be a closer comparison.
i know its a small car, but that's pretty good fuel economy, meg.
unfortunately, toyota's MR2 hybrid might not be cost-effective. some of their concepts for such a vehicle have appeared pricey.
i'd like to see a prius coupe based on a much sportier style, but with relatively the same HSD as in the 2010 Prius.
then offer the v6 version in a lexus sports hybrid.
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