Is Toyota Making an Open-Wheel Hybrid Sports Car?

May 27, 2015 07:56 AM EDT | Matt Mercuro

The Tokyo Motor Show won't take place until October, but we're already hearing some interesting rumors regarding one of the most anticipated auto shows of the year that could make Toyota and hybrid fans pretty happy.

The Japanese automaker is supposedly creating a three-seat, open-wheel, hybrid sports car concept inspired by the Lotus Seven, according to Motoring.com. The concept is expected be on hand at the Tokyo show with the goal of winning over the public and media alike.

If the car is well received at the auto show, a source with Toyota told the Australian site that the vehicle could reach production as a coupe and a roadster within the next three years.

Toyota isn't commenting on the ride yet but the source is also claiming to have knowledge regarding what is under the hood of this interesting ride: a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor mated to a "high capacity battery pack."

Assuming the unnamed ride goes over well at the Tokyo Motor Show, it will probably reach showrooms no later than 2018 with a starting price of around $30,000.

The insider told Motoring that the street-legal car is expected to help draw young car enthusiasts to the brand.

"Such cars must grab kids' imaginations and hopefully give them an interest in owning and driving cars in the future," the unnamed source said.

We can hardly wait to check it out.

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