(By Tom Lohnes) – Recently, rumors started going around that there is going to be a new Toyota MR2 based off the next generation of Porsche 718 sports car. Well, another rumor said that the new MR2 could be offered with a gas engine or electric drive. Porsche recently confirmed the existence of the next-gen 718 and its gas or electric powertrains. Coincidence? I think not.

Toyota is now known for working with other companies to make sports cars, and that is a very valid strategy, because Toyota has formed a very strong sports car lineup by doing this. With the 86 being a Subaru underneath, and the Supra using BMW parts galore, is a Porsche-powered MR2 really that far of a stretch? Well, the answer is no. Powered by flat-4 engines, the Porsche 718 series offers 300 horses in the base trim, and 350 in the sporty S. These powertrains could easily be in the base MR2 and maybe an SC version, without making too much of a fuss in the community. The 718 is either a coupe or a roadster, but a mix between the two could be made for a targa-top MR2.

So, would you consider buying a Porsche MR2 for your next sports car? Hopefully prices are a bit lower than Porsches, because $100,000 simply wouldn’t be acceptable for a mid-tier sports car.