Among the many electric concept cars Toyota has revealed in December 2021, there is one that has caught the attention of aficionados of slightly sporty cars. It is about Sports EV concept car a compact sports car whose lines echo a certain small MR2 sold by the brand from the late 1990s to the early 2000s.

Toyota hasn’t revealed any details about this model for a year and a half, but rumors out of Japan suggest it that the project is really launched.

“Sports car” for two

According to our colleagues at Best Car, this small sports car is being developed jointly by Toyota, Suzuki and Daihatsu. This should lead to commercialization three different modelsall with the same proportions and the same engine.

Unlike the concept, the Japanese sports car will not be electric, but is expected to have a micro-hybrid gasoline engine with a small 1.0-liter three-cylinder turbo engine with a capacity of 120 hp. and 200 Nm.

The design should be inspired by both the concept and the Daihatsu Copen, especially since the model in question will only have two seats. Dimensions will be as compact as the prototype, with a length that could reach 4.2 meters and a weight of less than 1,000 kg, according to the MX-5. It’s the little Mazda that Toyota is targeting with this model.

Soon in Europe?

According to Best Car, this compact sports car could cost between 2.2 and 2.8 million yen (€15,000 and €19,000). On the other hand, it is not yet known whether it will be sold outside of Japan.

Anyway, it looks like Toyota is going to introduce another surprise bucking the current trend, i.e. SUV and electric. After the Toyota GR Yaris, GR 86 and other GR Supras, the Japanese manufacturer is about to launch another pleasure-oriented model.

Whether it will be widespread on the Old Continent remains to be seen. Still, it could have its place, especially given that its engine and curb weight shouldn’t necessarily penalize it too much financially.