A new Toyota MR2 prototype has been spotted testing at Fuji Speedway, offering another look at the company’s ongoing sports car development program. The compact coupe features styling cues linked to the GR Yaris while appearing to showcase Toyota’s evolving vision for the long-awaited return of the MR2.
Prototype Hints at the Next Toyota MR2
Toyota has continued to tease the return of the MR2, following earlier development work that saw engineers transform a GR Yaris into a mid-engine prototype similar in concept to the Renault Clio V6.
New photos and a short video shared by X user @You_SuiKoyoAZ show a compact coupe circulating Fuji Speedway with large air vents behind the doors, pronounced box-style fender flares, and lighting that appears to use GR Yaris headlamps and taillamps.
New 2.0-Liter Engine Under Development
According to the report, the prototype is powered by a newly developed 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rather than the production G16E-GTS three-cylinder used in the GR Yaris and GR Corolla.
The new engine is expected to produce approximately 400 horsepower. It is the same powerplant Toyota has been testing in its mid-engine development vehicle known as Concept M.
Mid-Engine Layout Paired With All-Wheel Drive
The report states that the future MR2 is expected to send power to all four wheels, following the approach used in Toyota’s rally vehicles.
Gazoo Racing engineering chief Naohiko Saito recently told the U.K.’s Auto Express that combining a mid-engine layout with all-wheel drive represents a new direction for the company. He said early testing showed that the configuration “offers the best layout for high-performance driving.”
Motorsport Development Continues
The report suggests Toyota could continue developing the evolved Concept M through motorsport competition before revealing the production version of the MR2.
Additional camouflaged public appearances may also take place before the final vehicle is officially unveiled. According to the report, Toyota’s recent approach has emphasized developing and validating performance vehicles in motorsport rather than presenting them solely as concept cars.
