Concept Cars

Toyota Showcases A Mid-Engine GR Yaris Which Could Power The Next MR2

Published

1 year ago

January 13, 2025

Ehijie

It looks like Toyota is inching closer to reviving the MR2 sportscar. Though Toyota didn’t show any sleek new concept at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2025, they did show the Yaris M Concept. While it looks like a typical GR Yaris from the outside, underneath, it packs a mid-mounted turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine.

The turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder is part of Toyota’s new family of downsized engines. Shown first last May, the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder will be more powerful than the current 2.4-litre turbo (output will be in excess of 265 horsepower) while still delivering 30 percent better fuel economy.

In a unique twist, Toyota is taking this engine racing. The Yaris M Concept and its in-development engine will be racing at this year’s Super Taikyu Series. Under these conditions, the team aims to implement “driver-first” carmaking, in which cars are repeatedly driven to failure and then repaired in the extreme conditions of racing and in which feedback from Morizo, professional drivers, and gentleman drivers is thoroughly incorporated.

If the MR2 does come to light, it would mean Toyota would have brought back all its iconic sportscars from the GR 86 and Celica to the Supra.