Toyota Gazoo Racing president Tomoya Takahashi has confirmed that a new mid-engined sports car is in development, after years of rumors about the return of the MR2 concept. In conversations carried by several media, it is stated that the project is still in its early stages and that it is currently in the first of four engineering phases, which usually means waiting until the end of the decade, or around 2030 or 2031.
From what is known so far, Toyota is developing it around a new 2.0-liter turbo gasoline engine (referred to as the G20E), which is designed to be installed in the front, in the middle, or in the back. The texts emphasize that the engine is prepared for future requirements, including the possibility of hybrid assistance if the regulations or the market demand it, with mention of Euro 7 rules.
It is also interesting that Toyota moreć uses a ‘test mule’ for that concept: the GR Yaris M prototype, which previously attracted attention precisely because of its mid-engine layout. In translation, it’s not about an idea on paper, but about a project that is moreć is trying it out in practice, even if it is not even close to production yet.
This confirmation also comes after recent ‘teases’ that led some of the audience to expect a quick announcement at the Tokyo Auto Salon, but it then turned into a joke with kei vehicles. At least now it is clear that the mid-engine sports model is real and is being planned, only the timeline is long and Toyota obviously does not want to promise a date before concluding the key stages of development.
For the eventual arrival of the MR 2 on the Croatian market, it is important that Toyota continues to speak openly about the gasoline sports car at a time when the market is rapidly becoming electrified, with the plan that the engine can meet the new standards with possible electric assistance. There are no official details yet about the name, price and current specifications, but the message from Toyota is clear: the MR2 type of car is on their table again, just not coming soon.