Toyota, Suzuki, Daihatsu jointly developing a new sportscar

Toyota, Suzuki and Daihatsu are reportedly working on developing a mid-engined, lightweight sportscar. The new sportscar is based on a Toyota platform, and will have its engine developed by Suzuki and design elements from Daihatsu, as per a report in Best Car Web Japan. It is expected to be a successor to Toyota’s MR2. 

1. Toyota, Suzuki, Daihatsu sportscar to weigh around 1,000kg
2. It will rival Mazda MX-5

Toyota, Suzuki, Daihatsu sportscar: powertrain and platform

The yet-to-be-named sportscar from the Japanese carmaker trio will be based on Toyota’s TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform. However, the platform will be developed especially for the upcoming sportscar and will have the front suspension from the Yaris’ GA-B platform for small cars.

Furthermore, the collaborative sportscar will be powered by a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine – based on Suzuki’s Boosterjet engine – producing 120hp and 196Nm. According to report, the sportscar is also expected to have a mild-hybrid set-up that will provide a boost of 5hp and help increase fuel efficiency. The engine will likely be mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox. 

The new small sportscar will likely measure 4,200mm in length with a wheelbase of 2,550mm. It will likely be 1,720mm wide and 1,220mm tall, and it will weigh around 1,000kg. 

Toyota, Suzuki, Daihatsu sportscar: expected design

While there are no concept sketches or prototypes of this collaborative sportscar, report suggest that it will likely take design inspiration from the Toyota Sports EV concept. Furthermore, it is also expected to have design influence from the S-FR concept from 2015. 

Toyota, Suzuki, Daihatsu sportscar: expected price and rivals

As per report, the upcoming sportscar is expected to be priced between JPY 2.2 million-2.5 million (approximately Rs 13.51 lakh-Rs 15.36 lakh). While there is no confirmation on its launch, the lightweight sportscar is expected to rival the Mazda MX-5 and the next-gen MX-5 is expected to debut in 2024.