Aygo Crazy

Toyota takes wraps off MR2-powered rear-wheel drive Aygo

By Oli S / Friday, 13 June 2008 / Loading comments

Carmakers may be constantly trying to fill every niche possible but the ‘shopping supercar’ one is so far fairly unexplored. Enter Toyota with their insane rear-mounted engine, 200bhp, rear-wheel drive Aygo supermini, which the carmaker says fits the sector perfectly.

It has a 1.8 VVT MR2 engine that has been treated to a Toyota Motorsport turbo conversion kit which boosts power output to 200bhp. The car is inspired by old Group B rally cars and has no electronic handling aids, no power steering and no ABS.

The firm has coined the ‘shopping supercar’ tag for the ‘Aygo Crazy’ and plans to debut it at British International Motor Show in London. We’re guessing the handling should be exciting to say the least and the car is capable of a top speed of 127mph.

The suspension is from the MR2 Roadster, with MacPherson struts front and rear. Adjustable Tein dampers sharpen dynamic performance and the front and rear track are one inch wider than on a standard Aygo. The cabin, finished by specialist coachtrimmers O’Rourke, features purpose-built sports seats with four-point safety harnesses and a full roll cage.

Sadly the car is a one-off but at least it is fully working, so we hope to have a go...