Toyota’s Next Big Affordable Sports Car Might’ve Just Been Caught Hiding in Plain Sight

Lots of anticipation and excitement surrounds Toyota’s new, up-and-coming affordable sports car comeback. And now, there are some new spy shots to feed the fire.

New photographs recently surfaced of what appears to be a very unique test mule making its way around Fuji Speedway in Japan. While it’s clearly shaped like a kind of sports coupe, it has the Internet abuzz speculating on what it could be.

Could this be the new MR2, Celica, or GR86?

The spy shots come compliments of X user @You_SuiKoyoAZ, who was out at the world-famous Fuji Speedway when they spotted the Toyota in action. It’s a revealing post, as it’s a test mule never seen before.

Naturally, the Internet took to the post like moths to a flame, going crazy wondering what it could be.

And rightly so. Over the past several years, Toyota has basically confirmed that it’s bringing back some of its most iconic nameplates in the MR2 and the Celica.

Marcio Pereira

With not one, but two models on the table for making a comeback, in addition to a new GR86 approaching on the horizon, there’s plenty of room for speculation. Moreover, Toyota has been showcasing its progress as it develops its new midship high-performance turbocharged four-cylinder.

It’s the heart of the recent GR Yaris M Concept. Over time, however, Toyota has made it clear that said concept has been the testbed for the upcoming MR2 revival and its mid-mounted turbo-four.

Now, this new concept has the Internet wondering. Could this new test mule be the MR2 showing more skin? Could it be the new Celica? Perhaps the next-gen GR86 is in the works?

A clearly compact sports coupe being put to the test

Toyota

Judging by the test mule’s appearance in the X post, I’m leaning toward the possibility that it might either be the new Celica or GR86. As one can tell from its rather smallish proportions, long hood and short trunk section, it doesn’t look like a vehicle designed for a mid-engine layout.

Rather, the engine looks to be placed up front. The roofline goes back to the rear quarters in a fastback-like manner, further suggesting a Celica or GR86.

It even looks reminiscent of the GR86, as it appears to be just as small. But it may be the new Celica in development, as both conceptually share a lot in common.

Toyota

Toyota has been keeping its cards close regarding its future sports cars. But the company has been candid with its trickle of teasers and hints, with the most apparent being the MR2’s development.

Either way, we know the Big T has some exciting, sporty reveals on the horizon. If you had any doubts, these new spy shots will certainly put them to rest.

Though, only time will tell which sports car will make its debut first.

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