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One of Toyota’s Most Sought-After Sports Car Revivals Might’ve Just Edged Closer to Reality

The MR2 just moved one step closer to being official.

Red two-door sports car with rear spoiler and white wheels parked against a gray wall.Toyota
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By Chris Chin

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Toyota’s rumored MR2 revival potentially just got nudged a little closer to reality. Multiple sources report that the Japanese automaker just filed a trademark protection application for the names “GR MR2” and “GR MRS” at intellectual property offices in more than 10 countries.

One of the most obvious applications surfaced after being published at Japan’s Patent Office. But several other outlets, including Japan’s domestic auto publication, BestCar, also discovered the same filing through public records.

While trademark and patent protections don’t typically guarantee the arrival of new models, circumstantial evidence preceding the filings already suggested Toyota is reviving its iconic mid-engine sports car.

Calling dibs in over 10 countries

Gray Toyota MR2 Spyder convertible with red interior parked on asphalt.
It’s been almost two decades since Toyota gave the world an MR2.
Toyota

Over the past several weeks, several automotive outlets discovered Toyota’s patent filing for the GR MR2 and GR MRS names. While the MR2 one seems quite obvious, the MRS name is slightly lesser known, but not any less substantial.

Blue Toyota MR2 sports car with rear spoiler parked on a road with grass in the background.
The second-gen MR2 was one of the 1990s’ most definitive sports cars.
Toyota USA

Back when it was still in production, Toyota used the “MR-S” name to designate and market the Japanese Domestic Version of the third and last generation model. Other markets, like North America and Europe, retained the “MR-2” badge.

a photo of an orange toyota concept car in a studio
Toyota teased the prospect of a new mid-engine sports car with the FT-Se Concept in 2024.
Toyota

That said, there’s a possibility that two versions of the sports car may be baking in the oven. Alternatively, it could also be Toyota continuing the theme of selling the car in its home market as the GR MRS, while the rest of the world gets the GR MR2.

While the MR2 and MRS portions of the name aren’t new, the GR obviously designates “Gazoo Racing,” or Toyota’s in-house performance and motorsports division.

All roads lead to a new MR2

Toyota GR racing car with red, white, and black geometric camouflage and black wheels on a dark floor.
Toyota shocked the world with its GR Yaris M prototype earlier this year.
Toyota

Hearsay about an MR2 revival has been floating around for some time. But it wasn’t until earlier this year when Toyota revealed a unique GR Yaris M prototype with a turbocharged gasoline four-cylinder mounted midship.

At first, many speculated it was a test bed for a future racecar. But then, speculation ran rampant about a potential MR2 revival. Because why else would Toyota be testing a new high-performance mid-mounted four-cylinder?

Rear view of a Toyota Gazoo Racing car with open trunk showing exposed engine and red, white, and black geometric patterned body.
Why else would Toyota be testing its new turbo-four with a midship placement?
Toyota

Additionally, Toyota’s been on a sports car revival kick. It first started with the 86/Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ, which we still get as the GR 86.

Then came the Supra, and late last year at the annual Rally Japan event, Toyota’s Executive Vice President for Product, Yuki Nakajima, confirmed that they’re reviving the Celica.

Silver car engine with a red valve cover and turbocharger mounted on a black platform.
Toyota announced its new range of gasoline four-cylinders last year.
Toyota

That leaves the MR2 as the only car left needing a reboot.

So far, details still remain sparse. But more speculation suggests the new GR MR2 could get that high-po turbo four from the GR M Yaris prototype.

mr2
The revival of the MR2 could mean the affordable sports car wars are coming back.
Toyota

But BestCar supposedly got the scoop, suggesting the GR MR2 could get all-wheel drive. Furthermore, Toyota apparently also assigned an “710D” as the model’s internal chassis code.

Expected debut date? Sometime in 2028.

About the Author: Chris Chin is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, trucks and anything else with four wheels. He has over a decade of experience writing news and reviews but considers himself an enthusiast first, with a passion for classics and European cars. His daily driver is a 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL with nearly 250,000 miles (87,000 are his).

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