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A new Toyota MR2? We want to believe

In the wake of a busy Geneva auto show, the rumor mill is churning, and the latest grist involves one of the most beloved Toyota sports cars of all time. EVO reports that Tetsuya Tada, the chief of the Scion FR-S/Toyota 86 project and a hard-liner about sportscar priorities (light and nimble, but with modest horsepower), wants a third vehicle for Toyota's nascent sporty lineup. Currently, we know there's a Supra-like vehicle in the works, being co-developed with BMW, and the 86 is sticking around. Tada said he'd like a third sportscar to compliment the two we know about, and that he wants it soon. A quick bit of history: Toyota's classic sporty lineup had three components. The most visible was the Supra, whose power and prestige grew as the car evolved from a cushy personal tourer to a high-horsepower, high-technology icon. The Celica was its Clark Kent, more mild mannered but also more accessible and affordable. The third was the MR2, a mid-engined go-kart that lasted for three distinct generations. Each had its charms, and all have their fans. When Tada says that he wants three sportscars in the lineup, we already know about the Supra successor, and the 86 is already filling the Celica's role, so the blank is easy to fill. It doesn't sound like Tada spoke the word "MR2" to EVO, or hinted that the car would be mid-engined, but Tada doesn't seem to say anything without purpose. Whatever the layout, this third car – if it comes to fruition – will probably play a role similar to the MR2 in relation to its stablemates. To translate: it'll likely be even lighter and more nimble, and probably less powerful, than the 86. The closest real-world analogue to the pure MR2 ideal is the Honda S660, a mid-engined Kei roadster that's on sale in Japan right now. It's light, small, and powered by a 0.66-liter inline-three. Toyota could decide to directly compete with the S660, borrow an engine from its small-car specialist subsidiary Daihatsu, and produce a mid-engined MR2. Another possibility, even simpler from Toyota's perspective, would be to adapt the existing Daihatsu Copen roadster. Sure, it's front-engine and front-wheel drive, but it's a small, light roadster. And even better, it sells abroad with a larger 1.3-liter engine. Restyle it slightly, perhaps to resemble the S-FR concept of a couple years ago, and it's an off-the-shelf solution. The S-FR itself is a third possibility.

2016 Scion iM is the return of the Corolla Wagon

If you were expecting the Scion iM Concept to magically leap into production unchanged, well, you're a lot more optimistic than most. Predictably, Scion has toned down the production iM, revealing a vehicle at the 2015 New York Auto Show that's is only slightly spicier than the Toyota Auris on which it's based. Gone are the swollen wheel arches and center-exit exhaust of the concept, but the production version is still a handsome five-door hatchback. Compared the Euro-market Auris, first seen in 2012, the iM gets a more aggressive front end treatment. The angular grille and larger lower intakes and grilles are home to hexagonal inserts and gloss-black accents. Fitting with Scion's single-spec single-price sales model, 17-inch wheels come standard. The alloys are are wrapped in low-profile tires, which Scion describes as "fat." Flared side skirts run into the rear bumper, which sits well below a prominent set of taillights and a smallish rear window. The iM's sole engine is a 1.8-liter gas-powered four-cylinder. If that sounds familiar, it's because it's the same 2ZR-FAE engine found in the Corolla Eco model, and features continuously-variable valve timing and lift. With 137 horsepower, the iM cedes 3 ponies to its Toyota sibling, although we don't know if the torque figures are the same. Fuel economy, estimated at 37 mpg highway, is actually 2 mpg better than the Corolla Eco. Again, like the Corolla, the iM can be had with a continuously variable transmission. But fans of fun can enjoy a good ole' six-speed manual, something not available in the Corolla's hotter engine. As for the CVT, Scion claims it's been "sport-tuned for driving." The so-called CVTi-S features both a Sport mode – more aggressive transmission behavior and a more sporting steering sensation – and a manual setting with seven stepped shift points. The 2016 iM is expected to start at around $20,000, making it a potential challenger for the likes of the Ford Focus, Mazda3, Subaru Impreza and Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen. Deliveries should start this fall. Check back tomorrow for more details, as well as a full set of live photos. Until then, scroll down for the official press release.

Scion iM Concept bows, production version confirmed for US

Scion has officially pulled the covers off its iM Concept, which is, in reality, a slightly modified version of the Toyota Auris that is already sold outside the United States. It's also a model that is going into production for North America, says Scion, minus, we'd guess, a good bit of the overly aggressive ground effects bits, slammed suspension and oversize wheels. A production iM has been confirmed for the upcoming New York Auto Show, where Scion is also promising a second new production debut, as well. After a substantial lull in its new product cadence (barring the FR-S), it looks like Scion is once again intent on cementing its position as the entry point into the Toyota brand, promising three new models in the next three years. Scion tells us that iM's name is derived from the first letters of the words 'individuality' and 'modern.' More important details like price, powertrain and on-sale date should come later in 2015, but Scion has at least say it "anticipates that a price under $20,000 could make this car enticing to youthful customers," all of which makes it sound like the second coming of the Toyota Matrix to us. Feel free to read more in the press release below and gaze upon the concept in all its Incrediblue glory above. From Concept to Commitment - Scion Announces New Product Plans Production Version of iM Concept to Hit Showrooms Next Year TORRANCE, Calif., (Nov. 19, 2014) – Start planning that next adventure; a new ride is on its way. After revealing the iM Concept car today at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Scion announced that a production version of the versatile five-door compact hatchback will be coming to dealerships in 2015. Fans will get a first look at the road-ready, sporty ride – and another new Scion model – at the New York International Auto Show in April. "The two models we're debuting in New York next spring are just the beginning for Scion," said Scion Vice President Doug Murtha. "We plan to bring three new products in three years to our showrooms, offering a variety of exciting options for current and new Scion customers." As a test laboratory for Toyota, Scion attracts those with an independent spirit and desire to stand apart from the crowd. But many of today's consumers between 18-34 years old also value a degree of practicality to support their self-reliance and more mobile lifestyles. Faced with greater independence and less disposable income, they value fun and sensibility in a vehicle choice.