Toyota has confirmed that the long-awaited MR2 will return in 2028 with a 400 HP gasoline engine. However, the news comes with two changes that will divide enthusiasts: the Japanese sports car will abandon rear-wheel drive and the manual transmission in favor of all-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox. The brand argues that the car will be faster and safer, although they acknowledge that the price will rise and the driving experience will change.
A technical change for better performance 🏎️
The AWD all-wheel drive system will be combined with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, derived from the GR Corolla, but with specific adjustments to reach 400 HP. The eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission will allow gear changes in milliseconds, improving the 0 to 100 km/h time to under four seconds. Toyota assures that the chassis has been redesigned to compensate for the extra weight of the AWD system, maintaining a low center of gravity thanks to the mid-engine position.
Purists, take a deep breath and accept the change 😅
For those still mourning the death of the manual transmission, it's time to make peace with reality. Yes, the new MR2 will have more grip than a limpet in a storm and will be faster than a scalded cat, but it will also cost as much as a small apartment. The good news is that you can stop exercising your left foot and focus on not crashing into a tree. After all, driving a sports car with four-wheel drive and an automatic transmission is like going to a Michelin-starred restaurant and ordering a kids' menu: less excitement, but you ensure you won't choke.