New Toyota Supra Confirmed, MR2 On The Cards: Report
Toyota, it would appear, has found renewed interest within its boardrooms for genuine sports models in its vehicle line-up, an enthusiasm surely fanned by the success of the new 86 coupe. Whispers of a new flagship sports model
Toyota, it would appear, has found renewed interest within its boardrooms for genuine sports models in its vehicle line-up, an enthusiasm surely fanned by the success of the new 86 coupe.
Whispers of a new flagship sports model to revive the spirit of the barnstorming Supra have been doing the rounds for some time.
Now a report with Singapore's The Business Times claims that Toyota boss Akio Toyoda, a noted motorsport enthusiast, has issued a new order: "Make a successor to the Supra as soon as possible".
Speaking at an event in Germany, 86 development boss Tetsuya Tada reportedly confirmed the command, but said that a debut for a new Supra would be closer to the end of this decade.
"The 86 needed five years to develop, so at least five years is required for the others. A normal passenger car about two to three years. But sports cars need special parts, so it's five years," Tada said.
He added that it is not just the Supra in the works; a third new sports car is also under consideration, suggesting a return of the mid-engined MR2.
The project is in its very early stages, Tada says, and it remains to be seen if the new models would be offered exclusively as coupes, convertibles, or both.
toyota_supra_concept_bullfinch_design_04 toyota_supra_concept_bullfinch_design_05 toyota_supra_concept_bullfinch_design_02 toyota_supra_concept_bullfinch_design_03 toyota_supra_concept_bullfinch_design_01 toyota_supra_concept_bullfinch_design_06