Is Toyota ready to cast off its boring hybrid shackles and give birth to a new Supra?

By Nick Jaynes Published February 12, 2013

Toyota FT concept — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Toyota hasn’t given up on cool just yet. The Japanese automaker has historically built all kinds of exciting sports cars, reaching all the way back to the 2000 GT of the 1960s. But until the recent debut of the Scion FR-S two-door, rear-wheel drive sports car, Toyota’s focus has been aimed towards family-hauling hybrids.But that could all change.

A Toyota insider has reportedly informed Motor Trend that a new Toyota Supra is on its way – most likely set to unveil in 2017.

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BMW and Toyota – of all companies – recently penned a collaboration deal to produce some sports cars. Motor Trend reports the new Supra would be built off a beefed-up version of the Scion FR-S platform. It’s widely speculated that this forthcoming Supra and the yet-to-be-announced next-generation BMW Z4 would share this platform as a part of the aforementioned deal.

Excitingly for us drivetrain dorks, the Supra could be powered by a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine hybrid system producing around 400 horsepower. We’ve been seeing a rash of recent supercars making use of hybrid technologies, like the Acura NSX. We’re hoping that a car like the Supra could bring that sort of gas-friendly powerhouse drivetrain down to the masses.

The Toyota insider told Motor Trend that the new Supra would take design cues from the 2007 FT-HS hybrid concept car, which is pictured above. If this is true, we’re simply ecstatic as it is a brilliant looking coupe.

We’ve longed for more rear-wheel drive Japanese sports cars and we can’t wait to see the new Supra. Sadly, we’re going to have to sit on our hands for at least four years. In the meantime, should more info surface, we’ll be sure to bring it to you.

Automotive Editor

Nick Jaynes is the Automotive Editor for Digital Trends. He developed a passion for writing about cars working his way…

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