By Mark Kleis
Friday, Jan 15th, 2010 @ 5:34 pm
 
Today Toyota revealed yet another sport-oriented car at the Tokyo Auto Salon. The 400 horsepower MR2 Sports Hybrid Concept is based on the MR2 platform that had last been utilized in the U.S. market in 2005.



Leftlane has already reported on the upcoming production FT-86 sports car, but Toyota has now taken the wraps off of another go-fast car. The MR2 Sports Hybrid Concept utlizes a combination of a 3.3-liter V6, used to drive the rear wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and an electric motor for the front wheels. Total output for the hybrid system is around 400 horsepower, and the concept has an estimated zero-to-60 time under 4.5 seconds.

The concept car weighs in at roughly 2,800 pounds, compared to the only 2,200 pounds of the MR2 Spyder on which it is based. The added weight comes from the added batteries and electric-drive system needed to significantly boost power, as well as deliver all-wheel-drive. Despite the added heft, 2,800 pounds and 400 hp should still prove to be a quick car - leaving only the vehicle's handling to be determined.
  

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