Toyota MR2 revival edges closer as mid-engined prototype spied testing

The long-rumoured revival of the Toyota MR2 appears to have taken another step forward, with a heavily disguised prototype spotted undergoing development testing at the Toyota-owned Fuji Speedway in Japan.

Short video clips and photos shared on social media show a low-slung two-door coupe wearing a mishmash of components, including side air intakes consistent with a mid-engined layout.

While Toyota hasn't confirmed exactly what the prototype is, speculation continues to centre on either a reborn MR2 or a next-generation Toyota Celica, with earlier reports suggesting both models are currently in development.

The prototype looks substantially different to the mid-engined GR Yaris M Concept which Toyota has been using as a rolling test bed, suggesting development may have progressed to a dedicated prototype or an early engineering mule.

From the outside, the mystery coupe features what appear to be GR Yaris headlights and tail-lights, aggressive front and rear bumpers, flared wheel-arches, a prominent front splitter, swan-neck rear wing, and large air intakes behind the doors to feed cold air to what is almost certainly a mid-mounted engine.

Its overall proportions also bear a resemblance to the brand's 2023 FT-Se concept, which has long been tipped to preview a future halo sports car from the world's largest automaker.

If Toyota does revive the MR2, it appears it won't stick to the formula that made the original famous. Instead of the traditional mid-engined, rear-wheel drive layout used by all three previous generations, the new model is widely expected to feature an all-wheel drive configuration.

Toyota engineers have already confirmed the drivetrain architecture being tested in the GR Yaris M Concept can vary torque distribution between the front and rear axles, sending all available drive rearward or directing up to 50 per cent to the front wheels when required.

Reports from Japan suggest the production car could also feature Torsen limited-slip differentials at both axles.

It's still unclear whether Toyota will offer a manual transmission alongside an eight-speed automatic, though enthusiasts will undoubtedly be hoping the former survives.

Power is expected to come from Toyota's all-new turbocharged G20E 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine.

The new engine has been designed to replace the 1.6-litre turbo triple used in the current GR Yaris and GR Corolla hot hatches.

Toyota has previously indicated the version fitted to the GR Yaris M Concept produces around 300-340kW, while engineers have claimed a higher-performance variant with bigger turbochargers could deliver much more performance.

A racing version has reportedly been engineered to produce as much as 450kW, highlighting the engine's development potential, though such outputs are unlikely to be offered in a road-going model.

Rather than relying solely on computer simulations, Toyota has been developing its new performance hardware through motorsport.

The mid-engined GR Yaris M Concept has been competing in Japan's Super Taikyu endurance championship, allowing engineers to test the new engine in anger on track.

Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda has repeatedly championed this philosophy, arguing the company's best sports cars are developed through racing rather than boardroom meetings.

The strategy also reflects Toyota's broader commitment to offering multiple powertrains, with the Japanese giant continuing to invest in internal combustion, hybrid, battery-electric, and hydrogen drivetrains rather than focusing exclusively on EVs.

Toyota remains tight-lipped about exactly where this new sports car will fit into its expanding Gazoo Racing (GR) model lineup.

The company has already confirmed the Celica nameplate will return, while overseas trademark filings for the 'GR MR2' name have added further fuel to speculation that both iconic sports car nameplates are set to return.

If reports prove accurate, the reborn MR2 would join the existing GR86, GR Corolla and GR Yaris, as well as the next-generation Supra, and the upcoming GR GT flagship in Toyota's rapidly expanding performance car range.

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