All three generations of the Toyota MR2->ke357 had exactly what we liked in sports car: lightweight, quick and good weight balance. So it was a sad day in 2004 when Toyota killed off the MR2 in the U.S. (the rest of world lost it in 2007.) But now the sports car may be back to help fulfill the new Prius' prophecy.

When the latest Prius was still in development, there were plenty of rumors going around that there would be a few different versions of it including a coupe. Now AutoExpress has an interview Toyota executive vice president Masatami Takimoto, who said, “We are aware of the fondness with which the MR2 is held in the U.K. and Europe, and are developing a small hybrid sports car."

So at least the MR2 may make a comeback in the all of Europe, but hopefully that will spill over a little into the U.S. Even if North America doesn't see a new MR2, the rest of the world should get a car that takes its inspiration from the FT-HS sports car concept revealed back in 2007 at the Detroit Auto Show. That car should be priced at less than $30k, and still return about 60 mpg. THis will make it a direct competitor to the Honda CR-Z.

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