Toyota is poised to expand its reputation as a leader in performance vehicles, building on the success of its Gazoo Racing (GR) lineup. With models like the GR Yaris, GR Corolla, and GR Supra already capturing the imagination of car enthusiasts, the automaker is set to unveil a new racing-inspired road car.
Last year, Toyota introduced the GR GT, a coupe designed to rival the likes of the Mercedes-AMG GT and Porsche 911, marking a significant milestone in its performance vehicle lineup. However, the company is not resting on its laurels. According to Tyler Gibbs, president of Toyota Racing Development USA (TRD), the North American motorsport division is actively developing a new vehicle, which is currently in the prototype phase.
“We have the opportunity to work with [Toyota Motor Corporation] on occasion to develop new vehicles,” Gibbs told Automotive News. “We are currently building a vehicle that won’t be on the road for four, five, six, seven years. We’re building the first mule vehicle and then we’ll build the second one and the third one.”
Speculation Surrounding the New Model
While Gibbs did not specify the model in development, speculation is rife that Toyota may be reviving the MR2. The MR2, a mid-engined sports car that enjoyed popularity in the late 20th century, has been the subject of rumors for years. Earlier this year, Toyota teased enthusiasts with the possibility of a mid-engined GR vehicle at the Tokyo Auto Salon, only to reveal a GR-modified Daihatsu HiJet truck instead.
The potential rebirth of the MR2 aligns with Toyota’s recent testing of a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the GR Yaris. This engine, when mid-mounted, could serve as a test mule for the MR2’s return. GR president Tomoya Takahashi indicated that the GR Yaris test mule is in the early stages of development, which could span four to five years, suggesting a launch in the late 2020s.
Exploring Other Possibilities
While the MR2 remains a strong contender, it is not the only possibility. The next-generation Toyota GR Supra is unlikely to be the vehicle Gibbs referred to, as its successor is expected to debut sooner than the timeline he mentioned. Meanwhile, rumors of a Celica revival have surprisingly quieted, despite previous confirmations of running prototypes and the new turbo-four engine being a suitable fit.
“Bottom line is we are working on a product that could theoretically go by the Celica name if we can figure out how to pull it off and it gets approved,” Cooper Ericksen, Toyota North America’s senior vice president of Product Planning and Strategy, told MotorTrend in June. “People are talking about it. It’s a pretty advanced development.”
The Broader Implications
The development of a new racing-inspired road car underscores Toyota’s commitment to innovation and performance. By leveraging its Gazoo Racing division, Toyota continues to fill the void left by many of its Japanese rivals who have stepped back from performance vehicles. This strategic move not only strengthens Toyota’s position in the market but also caters to a growing segment of car enthusiasts seeking high-performance, reliable vehicles.
As Toyota progresses with its prototype, the automotive world watches with anticipation. Whether it is the MR2, Celica, or another model altogether, the new vehicle promises to uphold Toyota’s legacy of engineering excellence and racing heritage.
Looking ahead, the introduction of this new model could redefine the landscape of performance vehicles, setting new benchmarks for innovation and driving experiences. As Toyota continues to push the boundaries, the future of its performance lineup appears brighter than ever.
