Toyota is screwing up not selling a image vehicle that showcases build quality, value and performance like the Supra has done for many years.
The MRS was a feeble attempt at best, and a terrible sales platform.
Why is it that the worlds best car builder can't see this is beyond me, but I can see why they like selling 40,000.00 mini vans, and other overpriced cars and trucks if the public is buying them. Profit.
My wife thinks she needs a van, and we have looked at all the current models. The Sienna is the highest priced of them all, followed by the Honda and Nissan vans. The Chrysler vans are never going to scourge my garage, and we likely will buy the Kia as it's the best built for the money, and has a kickass warrenty. (10 years and 100,000 miles can't be beat.) Not kidding about the 40k, the fully loaded Kia van is just about 30k, and the fully loaded Toyota is over 40k. Ouch to the pocketbook. Especially when you consider my wife cares very little about power, and style, but more about how many car seats and kids can be packed into seats, and how easy the seats fold down and are removed...
So, back on topic. If Toyota wants to pick up some sales of sports cars while the wife's are van shopping and the husbands are busy trying not to look bored, they need a sports car to grace the showroom floors of this world. (And they need to keep it simple and affordable.)
Easy recipie for Toyota's next "Supra"
1) V8 power. Get the largest displacement V8 they make, bolt on headers, free flowing exhaust and simple automatic and manual transmissions. (They already have them in the parts bin, use the truck versions.)
2) Solid chassis. Again we are lucky to have one in the form of the IS350. Just make it a two door, style it like the Supra should be, minimal wing, lower front air dam, good lines, minimal overhangs front and rear and a dash that will make a Camry blush. (Quality part, not the plastic hell the MK4 is.) They have plenty of parts out there, and some minimal work would allow use in the Supra with minimal cost associated.
3) IF Toyota needs a clue, do a retro MK2 with V8 power, style the dash after the MK2 interior with gauges out of the Lexus line, reproduce the seats from the MK2/MK3 as they are excellent, even throw in the air bladder if you want for the lumbar... Retro is cool remember.
This "Japanese Mustang" would kick ass, should be an easy 350hp machine, have IRS and all the other suspension bits from the IS350, yet have a shorter wheel base to keep it lighter. No targa top offered. Offer the sunroof as an option too. Only do power windows/locks and other stuff to keep the costs down. (Don't have to design manual windows if you do not offer them.)
How about it Toyota? Build us this car, and keep it under 25k new fully loaded. Use truck parts, and the IS350 off the shelf parts and floor pan.
Nice idea, but it's never going to happen.
Next Supra if it does come around will be a 50k+ mediocre performer that the stock Vette will smoke, and the Z06 will shame.
