Hybrid Toyota MR2 possible in 2005
Toyota is likely going to add a performance-oriented hybrid in its U.S. stable of vehicles the not-too distant future, a major Department of Energy research official tells TCC.
"We've heard that Toyota's going to come out with a next-generation MR2 that will have hybrid technology in it," the official says, adding that the DOE has been urging U.S. automakers to employ a performance-oriented strategy for some time and that Toyota, once again, plans to beat its Yankee competitors to the punch.
"I think a performance hybrid is absolutely logical, makes perfect sense and I'm surprised no one has done it yet," he says. "We've been advocating that within the industry for some time now. I think it makes sense because you can successfully combine very high performance and high efficiency and you're in the type of vehicle that can bear the price premium a little better. If you're clever about it you can just have stellar, stellar performance. We all know that electric motors are really good for launch."
In addition, the official says hybrids allow automakers to downsize engine size without sacrificing power, at the same time providing needed off-the-line boost.
The next-generation MR2 is scheduled for 2005 or 2006, according to recent speculation and the natural progression of Toyota's product cycles. The current generation roadster has been on roads since 2000.
The DOE official's comments come following Toyota's admission in 2002 that it is planning a full-hybrid lineup by 2012 and the company's announcement at the 2004 Detroit Auto Show that it seriously will consider building a hybrid V-8 version of its next full-size Tundra pickup truck in years to come.
A hybrid MR2 and Tundra would likely follow the Camry into Toyota's growing hybrid lineup, which will soon include the Toyota Highlander and Lexus RX sport-utes in addition to the Prius. Toyota, selling 17,564 Prius in 2004 through May, according to Automotive News, has already outsold last year's five-month tally by more than double and is on pace to outperform its initial hybrid sales estimate for the year.
Toyota says it does not comment on specific future product plans, but reveals it is planning to expand its hybrid push in the U.S. and the expansion mostly focuses on vehicles that get better performance than is typical of traditional hybrids.
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Toyota is likely going to add a performance-oriented hybrid in its U.S. stable of vehicles the not-too distant future, a major Department of Energy research official tells TCC.
"We've heard that Toyota's going to come out with a next-generation MR2 that will have hybrid technology in it," the official says, adding that the DOE has been urging U.S. automakers to employ a performance-oriented strategy for some time and that Toyota, once again, plans to beat its Yankee competitors to the punch.
"I think a performance hybrid is absolutely logical, makes perfect sense and I'm surprised no one has done it yet," he says. "We've been advocating that within the industry for some time now. I think it makes sense because you can successfully combine very high performance and high efficiency and you're in the type of vehicle that can bear the price premium a little better. If you're clever about it you can just have stellar, stellar performance. We all know that electric motors are really good for launch."
In addition, the official says hybrids allow automakers to downsize engine size without sacrificing power, at the same time providing needed off-the-line boost.
The next-generation MR2 is scheduled for 2005 or 2006, according to recent speculation and the natural progression of Toyota's product cycles. The current generation roadster has been on roads since 2000.
The DOE official's comments come following Toyota's admission in 2002 that it is planning a full-hybrid lineup by 2012 and the company's announcement at the 2004 Detroit Auto Show that it seriously will consider building a hybrid V-8 version of its next full-size Tundra pickup truck in years to come.
A hybrid MR2 and Tundra would likely follow the Camry into Toyota's growing hybrid lineup, which will soon include the Toyota Highlander and Lexus RX sport-utes in addition to the Prius. Toyota, selling 17,564 Prius in 2004 through May, according to Automotive News, has already outsold last year's five-month tally by more than double and is on pace to outperform its initial hybrid sales estimate for the year.
Toyota says it does not comment on specific future product plans, but reveals it is planning to expand its hybrid push in the U.S. and the expansion mostly focuses on vehicles that get better performance than is typical of traditional hybrids.
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