Speaking with Top Gear in an interview on the Toyota GT86/Scion FR-S, the GT86's chief engineer Tetsuya Tada dropped a tastey bit of information on the development of future Toyota sports car projects: "I think current hybrid technology is not good for road sports cars."
Weighing in at just over 2,600 lbs., the Toyota GT86 is characterized by its small footprint, lightness, and responsive chassis. When it comes to engineering a visceral driving experience, weight is the enemy. Mass alone compromises acceration, body control, center of gravity, and fuel efficiency as well.
So, as Tetsuya Tada admits the design limitations of hybrid drive, the chief engineer also reveals that the team back in Aichi, Japan, are continuing their work on sports car development. While Tetsuya was careful not to mention its name, he did confirm that the team intends for its "next sports car" to "make a big... 'wow.' I want to give the world a shock."
Ever the investigative journalists, Top Gear asks Tada quite bluntly whether the next sports car will be a Supra. Ever the politician, Tetsuya answers, "Of course, anything is possible."
Tetsuya's colleague and fellow GT86 engineer Yoshinori Sasaki said, "It'll be a different avenue of sports car from the GT86." Quite vocal on his thoughts, Yoshinori is adamant that this new Supra will use a pure gasoline drivetrain. Yoshinori also stresses the importance of retaining Supra's traditional front-engine rear-drive layout, "rear-engined, rear-driven cars - and even mid-ship designs - are OK. But if you want to make an enjoyable sports car, it should be front-engined, rear-drive."
If confirmed, the next Toyota sports car will likely be a BMW 6 Series-based coupe that Toyota is co-developing with the German automaker.
[Source: Top Gear]