A mid-engined, lightweight sportscar is apparently being developed by Toyota, Suzuki, and Daihatsu. According to a source in Best Car Site Japan, the new sportscar is built on a Toyota platform and will feature an engine created by Suzuki and styling cues from Daihatsu. It is anticipated to replace Toyota’s MR2.
Toyota, Suzuki, and Daihatsu sports cars: engine and platform
The TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform will serve as the foundation for the as-yet-unnamed sportscar from the trio of Japanese automakers. The front suspension will, however, be taken from the GA-B platform for compact cars used by the Yaris, which will be designed specifically for the forthcoming sportscar.
A 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine based on Suzuki’s Boosterjet engine will also power the joint sportscar, generating 120 horsepower and 196 Nm. The sportscar is reportedly also slated to have a mild-hybrid setup, which will add 5 horsepower and aid in improving fuel efficiency. Most likely, the engine will be coupled to a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automated transmission. The new compact sportscar will probably have a length of 4,200mm and a wheelbase of 2,550mm. It will most likely weigh close to 1,000 kg, be 1,720 mm wide, and be 1,220 mm tall.
Toyota, Suzuki, and Daihatsu sportscars: anticipated design
While no concept sketches or prototypes of this joint sportscar have been revealed, reports say that it will be inspired by the Toyota Sports EV concept. Furthermore, the S-FR idea from 2015 is projected to have design influence.
Toyota, Suzuki, and Daihatsu sportscars: pricing and competitors
According to reports, the next sportscar would cost between JPY 2.2 million and JPY 2.5 million (approximately Rs 13.51 lakh-Rs 15.36 lakh). While no official date has been set, the lightweight sportscar is slated to compete with the Mazda MX-5, with the next-generation MX-5 set to debut in 2024.
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