Toyota has been keeping sports car enthusiasts busy lately, with rumors of a revived Celica and MR2 circulating alongside its growing Gazoo Racing lineup. Now, a rather unusual racing prototype has given fans another reason to get excited.
The car in question is an evolution of the GR Yaris M Concept, which has been competing in Japan’s Super Taikyu endurance racing series. However, its latest transformation looks nothing like the familiar hot hatch.
Instead, Toyota has fitted the experimental machine with sleek coupe bodywork, a low roofline, and dramatically flared rear fenders. The result looks suspiciously like something that could eventually wear an MR2 badge.
As reported by CarBuzz, Toyota has already confirmed that it’s developing a mid-engine production sports car. That raises the possibility that this prototype could offer an early glimpse of what’s coming.
A GR Yaris With A Very Different Layout
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The original GR Yaris M Concept featured a modified hatchback body with its engine mounted behind the driver. This latest version still has the mid-engine, all-wheel-drive layout but introduces a completely different silhouette.
According to Japanese outlet Car Watch, the redesigned body lowers the car’s center of gravity while improving aerodynamics. Its aggressive rear wing and wider proportions should also help generate additional downforce. The Super Taikyu racer also bears a striking resemblance to Toyota’s 2027 WRC prototype, which has fueled speculation about a possible Celica revival.
Despite the coupe styling, there are still a few recognizable Yaris details, including the headlight and taillight shapes. Those are unlikely to survive unchanged if Toyota eventually turns this prototype into a production sports car.
Up To 450 Horsepower From A Turbo Four-Cylinder
Underneath the bodywork sits Toyota’s experimental G20E 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Reports suggest it currently produces approximately 400–450 horsepower, with development targets potentially reaching 600 horsepower.
Those are impressive figures for a two-liter engine, although they shouldn’t be mistaken for confirmed specifications of a future road car.
The prototype is being developed through Toyota’s endurance racing program, with company chairman Akio Toyoda among the drivers competing under his familiar Morizo nickname.
Could The MR2 Finally Return?
Toyota’s GR division has confirmed development of a mid-engine production sports car, although its name, specifications, and launch date are undisclosed. An MR2 revival would be a natural fit, given the nameplate’s history of lightweight, mid-engine performance.
The racing prototype could provide useful clues about the eventual car’s mechanical layout, even if its styling changes significantly before production.
Toyota isn’t calling this an MR2, and there’s no guarantee the road-going model will use the same all-wheel-drive system or power output. Still, watching a turbocharged, mid-engine Toyota coupe take shape is an encouraging development for enthusiasts hoping to see the MR2 return.