DETROIT – Toyota is likely to add a performance-oriented hybrid vehicle in its U.S. stable of vehicles in the not-too distant future, a major Department of Energy research official tells TheCarConnection.Com.
Weve heard that Toyotas going to come out with a next-generation MR2 that will have hybrid technology in it, the official says, adding that the DOE has been urging U.S. automakers to employ a performance-oriented strategy for some time and that Toyota, once again, plans to beat its Yankee competitors to the punch.
A hybrid MR2 and Tundra would likely follow the Camry into Toyotas growing hybrid lineup, which will soon include the Toyota Highlander and Lexus RX sport-utes in addition to the Prius. Toyota, selling 17,564 Prius in 2004 through May, according to Automotive News, has already outsold last years five-month tally by more than double and is on pace to outperform its initial hybrid sales estimate for the year.
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