Is Toyota Covertly Experimenting with the MR2 Through This Intriguing Mid-Engine GR Yaris Prototype?

2025-03-12 04:55:39

The idea is equipped with an innovative turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that is presently in the development phase.

Toyota has revealed a prototype GR Yaris with a mid-mounted turbo 2.0-liter engine in Tokyo.
The wild concept is joined by a racing version of the GR Yaris for the 24 hours of Nurburgring.
Toyota’s Tokyo Auto Salon lineup for 2025 also includes Land Cruisers and desirable classics.

Toyota brought out the big guns at this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon, showcasing a rich lineup that includes everything from rally-ready hatchbacks to desert-dominating SUVs. Among the highlights is a mid-engined hot hatch prototype that could double as a testbed for the rumored revival of the MR2 roadster.

At first sight, the Toyota GR Yaris M 概念车 appears to be a more robust iteration of the standard model, featuring distinct wheels, a carbon fiber rear wing, and a camouflage finish. Nonetheless, a noticeable opening on the tailgate exposes a significant alteration from the regular GR Yaris – it boasts a mid-mounted powertrain.

Furthermore, instead of relocating the turbo 1.6-liter three-cylinder of the standard GR Yaris, the concept is equipped with Toyota’s all-new turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which is currently under development. The new powertrain is expected to power the reborn Celica and MR2 sports cars. Toyota hasn’t given us any output figures, but reports from Japan claim it will generate up to 395 hp (294 kW / 400 PS) in roadgoing flavor, and 592 hp (441 kW / 600 PS) in racing form.

According to Toyota Gazoo Racing, the GR Yaris M Concept was designed to “further explore the potential of the GR Yaris”, with plans on competing in the Super Taikyu Series in Japan. The prototype will be “repeatedly driven to failure and then repaired in the extreme conditions of racing”, incorporating feedback from Morizo (Akio Toyoda) and professional drivers.