- Toyota says the GR Yaris M concept will ‘probably’ make its way to a production car.
- The final version will likely not be a hot hatchback, but rather a revival of the MR2.
- Power will come from Toyota’s new 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine.
Out of nowhere, Toyota surprised everyone about a year ago when they introduced the GR Yaris M. Although this wasn’t the company’s first mid-engine hot hatch concept. (there’s Aygo Crazy 2008, and yes, that’s the real name)it comes at a time when rumors are growing about the possible return of the MR2.
Since the GR Yaris M was revealed at the Tokyo Auto Salon in January 2025, Toyota has been busy testing and developing the concept. It has appeared on race tracks in Japan several times, fueling speculation about a mid-engined sports car. It’s highly unlikely it will take hatchback form, as the wild Yaris may simply be a test bed for a different model.
In an interview with British magazine Auto ExpressGazoo Racing marketing manager Mikio Hayashi revealed that the GR Yaris M project is progressing well. He even hinted that a production car with his engine might be on the way:
Photo by: Toyota
‘[Toyota is] making this car better every day. All the knowledge and input gained from developing this car in the world of motorsport will probably translate into something else—a road car or a mass production model—in the future. We continue on this path.’
When asked whether this would revive the MR2 nameplate, last used almost 20 years ago, Hayashi’s answer left room for interpretation: “Thanks for your suggestion.”
The new MR2 isn’t the only Toyota sports car with a familiar name in development, as the Celica will also return, possibly under the name Celica Sport. Both are expected to use a 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine developed for high-performance applications. Based on hints from company officials, an output of over 400 horsepower and an all-wheel-drive setup are likely to be provided by the two GR-badged models.
The new MR2 will not wear a Toyota badge, but rather a Gazoo Racing badge, as GR is now positioned as a stand-alone brand. It will slot below the V8-powered GR GT and possibly above the Celica in the lineup. With the Supra expected to return someday, Toyota is now the savior of sports cars among mainstream brands.
It’s still unclear whether the GR Yaris, GR Corolla, and GR86 will survive, as retaining so many performance models could be overkill. Both hatchbacks will remain based on high-volume products, while the coupe will remain a collaboration with Subaru. If the rumors are true, the third-generation 86 may be co-developed with Mazda and joined by the next Miata, although nothing is official yet.
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Source: Toyota
Motorcycle Pickup1: Toyota hasn’t been shy about discussing the return of the Celica and MR2, so something interesting is clearly on the horizon. The GR Yaris M may feature a mid-mounted “G20E” engine, but it is known that the four-cylinder engine will also serve in front-engine applications.
The timeline for a new MR2 is still unclear, although we know that it won’t happen anytime soon. In January, GR President Tomoya Takahashi said we shouldn’t realistically expect a mid-engined sports car in the next four to five years. Even so, this signals a clear commitment to expanding the GR range.
