Toyota is putting out all sorts of signals that a new MR2-style sports car is very real, and there is mounting evidence that it may premier as a full-fledged member of the high-performance GR (Gazoo Racing) brand, and not a regular Toyota-branded car. The filings of trademarks, the motorsport prototypes, and the remarks of Gazoo Racing executives all indicate that a mid-engined (or mid-engine-inspired) GR MR2 will be launched later this decade as part of an extended GR product range.
Why GR Branding Looks Likely
Recent trademark applications in Japan and Australia for the name GR MR2 and GR MR-S, are built off of previous Toyota renewals of the MR2 name in the U.S. with a pointer to a GR-branded production car as opposed to a mere Toyota MR2 revival. It is reported that this plan would reflect the formula of the upcoming GR GT supercar, which would place the re-born MR2 at the centre of an extended Gazoo Racing family containing GR Yaris, GR Corolla, GR Supra, and a future GR Celica.
Powertrain and Layout Rumors
Several reports indicate that Toyota is working on a new 2.0 liter turbo (code G20E) four-cylinder engine, first demonstrated in a GR Yaris M Concept, as the probable core of the MR2 renewal. Best Car and other outlets report that there are outputs that may begin at approximately 220 kW and may be higher in track-oriented models, with some speculation of some form of hybrid aid to demonstrate performance-hybrid technology at Toyota as the all-wheel-drive system as adapted to GR-Four. Engineering briefings of the GR Yaris mid-engine prototype state that the car feels stable, without the snap oversteer that made the original MR2 notorious, and that it uses an all-wheel-drive system that has been adapted to GR-Four.
Design Direction and Driving Character
GR engineers at Toyota have publicly talked of development of the so-called midship that is aimed at fun but forgiving handling balance, with motorsport prototypes being used to tune the balance of weight and suspension before a road car seems to emerge. It is planned that the MR2 successor will be a two-seat cab-forward coupe, with aggressive aero, and a driving position and engine layout designed to reminisce MR2 generations and fulfill current-day standards of safety and refinement. The point made by insiders is that the new car must be made to feel accessible to those who drive it as opposed to pray to God few on the limit.
Positioning, Price and Timing
According to coverage in Japan and Europe, Toyota is developing the MR2 alongside a new Celica and Lexus supercar under the GR umbrella, with MR2 development timings possibly being as 20272028 in case the development proceeds without setbacks. Crude initial estimates had pegged prices in Japan at approximately 10 million yen, which would place the car below a GR Supra yet above a GR86, possibly becoming the low-cost mid-engined (or mid-engine-type) sports car in that category. It has been observed that Gazoo racing has a expanding portfolio and the size of Toyota enables it to be among the few manufacturers capable of affording a mid-engine sports car program which is a niche.
Key MR2 Revival Signals
| Clue type | What it shows |
|---|---|
| Trademarks | “GR MR2” and “GR MR-S” filed in multiple markets |
| Prototype testing | Mid‑engine GR Yaris concept used as development mule |
| Product planning | MR2 listed among future GR sports projects |
FAQs
Q1: Is Toyota MR2 officially announced?
The production release has not been made yet, though GR MR2 trademarks and comments on the new mid-engine sports car by others make a rebound very probable rather than a mere speculation.
Q2: Will it most certainly sell as a GR model?
It is reportedly highly probable to wear GR branding (such as GR MR2) like how Toyota does with GR Yaris, GR Corolla, and the forthcoming GR GT.
Q3: At what point might the new MR2 in showrooms?
It is speculated that it will be launched around 20272028, and it will be based on the speed at which Toyota can transition off experimental racing prototype to road-legal GR MR2.