The Toyota GR Yaris M Concept has returned with a dramatically revised design, fueling speculation that the prototype could point toward a future Toyota Celica or another mid-engine sports car. First revealed at last year’s Tokyo Auto Salon, the concept has now appeared at Japan’s Super Taikyu Championship with a lower stance, a longer wheelbase and a coupe body that looks substantially different from the original version.
The latest changes go beyond styling. Toyota has repositioned the engine behind the front seats, retained an estimated 400-horsepower output and made revisions aimed at improving cooling and handling. However, the company has not confirmed whether the prototype will lead to a production model.
Toyota GR Yaris M Concept Gets a New Coupe Body
The updated prototype retains recognizable elements of the GR Yaris, including similar front headlights, rear taillights and a Yaris badge at the back. Nearly everything else has changed, with a redesigned body and proportions that distinguish it from the standard hatchback.
The prototype reportedly sits 7.9 inches lower than before, while its wheelbase has grown by almost 4 inches. It also uses a one-off chassis, giving the car a substantially different overall layout.
Its new appearance includes a low-slung body, a wide stance, flared fenders, aggressive aerodynamic components and a prominent rear wing. Large front vents and additional ducting are also part of the revised design.
Revised Cooling Addresses the Original Prototype’s Problems
The changes serve a functional purpose beyond the car’s more aggressive appearance. The original GR Yaris M Concept reportedly struggled with overheating because of its body shape, making improved airflow a priority for the updated prototype.
The revised design is intended to help the engine, intercooler and brakes receive better airflow. These changes could allow the car to maintain performance for longer periods without the cooling problems associated with the earlier version.
The biggest mechanical difference is the engine placement. Unlike the regular GR Yaris, which has a front-mounted engine, the M Concept positions its powerplant behind the front seats. The prototype is being used to explore how a mid-engine configuration could affect handling and lap times.
400-HP Turbo Engine Powers the Toyota Prototype
Behind the front seats, the GR Yaris M Concept features Toyota’s G20E 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, mounted transversely in the middle of the car. The engine is still reported to produce about 400 horsepower, with the revised cooling setup intended to help it sustain performance without overheating.
Toyota’s engineers have also been refining the prototype’s handling. Its torque distribution is roughly 20:80 from front to rear, a setup that emphasizes rear-wheel torque delivery and cornering behavior.
Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda has driven the updated car. He has indicated that further development work remains, suggesting the prototype is not yet ready to become a showroom model.
Could the Prototype Become a New Toyota Celica or MR2?
The GR Yaris M Concept has renewed speculation about the possible return of the Toyota Celica, while the mid-engine layout has also raised the possibility of a future MR2. Neither name has been confirmed for a production version of the prototype.
Rumors have also pointed to a rally-inspired Toyota coupe featuring all-wheel drive and a turbocharged engine. Other reported possibilities include a six-speed manual transmission and an eight-speed GR-DAT automatic.
For now, Toyota has not disclosed its plans for the prototype’s future. The extensively revised GR Yaris M Concept demonstrates the company’s ongoing work with a mid-engine layout, but whether it becomes a Celica, an MR2 or another model remains unconfirmed.
