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Toyota’s Most Anticipated Return of the Decade Gets Its Most Important Seal of Approval

The GR Yaris M Concept proved the new midship turbo-four’s worth.

Front view of a black Toyota GR racing car with sponsor decals and blue and yellow graphics on the hood.Toyota
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By Chris Chin

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As time marches on, we’re getting more eager for the official debut of the highly anticipated return of the Toyota MR2. While we’re still supposedly a good way from the big moment, Toyota’s still been kind enough to provide incremental updates on its R&D progress.

The Japanese automaker just launched a new video on its YouTube channel, and it shows the Big T has made some big progress on the MR2.

Proving its worth, one endurance race at a time

According to the video and various reports, Toyota reportedly ironed out all the kinks for the new mid-engine-placed turbocharged gasoline four-cylinder. In case you’re out of the loop, Toyota shocked the world a few years ago with a very unique GR Yaris M Concept.

It was basically a GR Yaris, but with Toyota’s latest high-performance turbo-four. However, it wasn’t under the hood; it was placed in the middle of the chassis, driving all four wheels.

Initially, such a concept raised tons of eyebrows. Obviously, we now know the GR Yaris M Concept has been the testbed for Toyota’s new MR2 revival.

Black and blue Toyota race car number 32 with large rear wing on a racetrack.
To test its new performance-bred turbo-four, Toyota took it racing in the GR Yaris M Concept.
Toyota

Because Toyota is bringing back the company’s iconic affordable mid-engine sports car, it had to start from the ground up. Since no car existed in Toyota’s portfolio as a parts bin starting point, the new MR2 required a completely fresh start.

Now, the company’s been able to thoroughly test its new midship turbo-four, both in motorsports and on the road to prove its capabilities and reliability. It supposedly got Toyota’s official seal of approval after performing admirably in this year’s annual Super Taikyu 24-hour endurance race.

Ironing out the kinks

Close-up of a car engine bay showing a silver heat shield, black hoses, and various engine components.
Toyota is keeping with tradition, using motorsports to research and develop its performance engines.
Toyota

According to the video and other tidbits, Toyota reportedly struggled with aerodynamic and cooling issues in its new midship four-cylinder. Through various test runs and redesign stages, the automaker was able to prepare it for its final test at this year’s Super Taikyu 24-hour endurance race.

With the race finally done, and Toyota being successful, the company’s looking back on all its efforts leading up to this internal victory.

Close-up of a metallic engine part with "G20e" embossed on it, surrounded by bolts and wires.
The new G20E will also supposedly power the next-gen GR Corolla and other future sports cars.
Toyota

Gazoo Racing and its R&D department report a total of six different prototypes. The sixth was the last, which raced in the national endurance event.

Engineers also tweaked the chassis and the all-wheel-drive system to hone the handling. Unlike previous MR2s, which were all rear-wheel drive only, the new model will sport all-paw traction with rear-drive bias.

Orange and black futuristic sports car with sharp angular design on a blue reflective floor.
There’s still no final word on the styling, but all roads are pointing to to the FT-Se Concept for its inspiration.
Toyota

Now, the company claims that the power- and drivetrain are both largely sorted. From here on out, Toyota’s product planners can focus on other bits of the MR2, such as its final exterior and shape and its interior.

In any case, every update they provide only drives up our anticipation and excitement. We can’t wait for the final product.

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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