Rumor: Toyota and Suzuki Teaming Up on a Lightweight Sports Car

Toyota and Suzuki are rumored to be co-developing a new sports car, per a report by Motor1.com citing a Japanese magazine. The two-seater coupe will reportedly have a mid-mounted 120-hp 1.0-liter three-cylinder and weigh less than the Toyota GR86.The project is said to be inspired by the MR2, with pricing possibly starting between $16,000 and $20,000.

A spiritual successor to the mid-engine Toyota MR2 might be on the way—and it could have a traditional gas-fed engine. Rumors are swirling online about the possibility a new lightweight sports car being developed together by Toyota and Suzuki (Daihatsu is also reportedly involved).

New Toyota MR2?

Multiple reports today stem from an article by Japanese magazine, Best Car, which Motor1.com cites as claiming that the long-rumored “baby sports car” resulting from a partnership between Toyota and Suzuki is still happening. Of course, nothing has been officially announced—no name or anything. All we have to go off is speculation fueled by recent concepts, such as the Toyota Sports EV pictured above.

Toyota first previewed that visually striking concept car back in December 2021, amongst nearly 20 other concepts. The current rumors describe a different powertrain, though, one with an internal-combustion engine versus an electric motor. Reports claim it’ll have a mid-mounted 1.0-liter three-cylinder, with the possibility of a hybrid system also mentioned.

Likely to be Light

The sports car, whatever it might be called, is expected to be light. Reports suggest it’ll weigh only 2204 pounds. For comparison, that’s lighter than the Mazda Miata, which tipped our scales at 2345 pounds. That would also make it lighter than the Toyota GR86, a sporty front-engine, rear-drive coupe weighing 2838 pounds.

It’s a good thing the Toyota-Suzuki-Daihatsu sports car is expected to be so light, because it’s tiny engine isn’t said to be very powerful. With half the displacement of a typical soda bottle, the three-pot is believed to produce just 120 horsepower and 147 pound-feet of torque. Toyota’s other three-cylinder engine powers the GR Corolla and produces a heart-pumping 300 hp, rocketing the hot hatch down back roads with a vengeance.

Suzuki is reportedly developing the engine, with Toyota tapped to adapt the suspension from the current-generation Yaris for use on the new sports car. It’s unclear what platform the car would be built on, however, its overall length is said to be 165.3 inches with a 100-inch wheelbase. Perhaps coincidentally, those measurements match the GR86’s.

Sports Car Pipe Dream?

Obviously, we can’t confirm whether the rumors are true. Even if they are, we’re not sure if Toyota would sell it in America, especially since it may struggle to find success. Profit margins would be razor thin with reports claiming the car could be priced between $16,000 and $20,000. Still, our enthusiast desire makes us remain hopeful, even though we don’t expect to see it for at least another year or two.

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