Toyota constructed a mid-engined prototype packing a brand new turbo-4
- Toyota unveiled a mid-engined GR Yaris prototype on the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon
- The prototype is powered by a newly developed 2.0-liter turbo-4
- The prototype’s reveal has reignited rumors of the return of the MR2
Toyota shocked guests on the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon on Friday with a GR Yaris prototype that includes a brand new 2.0-liter turbo-4 engine in a mid-engined structure.
Toyota said that the prototype is a part of a set of take a look at autos engineers are utilizing to develop what the automaker describes as “ever-better motorsports-bred vehicles.”
The opposite vehicles within the assortment embrace a GR Yaris utilized in endurance races on the Nürburgring and a GR Yaris with an experimental aerodynamic bundle at the moment being evaluated by Toyota engineers and several other skilled racing drivers.
The mid-engine prototype, formally named the GR Yaris M, is especially intriguing, as Toyota has not indicated plans to launch a mid-engined automobile—regardless of persistent rumors concerning the return of the MR2. Notably, in 2023, Toyota unveiled an electrical sports activities automobile idea, the FT-Se, with proportions that may align properly with a mid-engined platform.
Toyota FT-Se idea
Toyota’s official touch upon the GR Yaris M is that it was constructed to discover the potential of the GR Yaris platform. The automaker plans to additional develop this potential by coming into the automobile in Japan’s Tremendous Taikyu racing collection.
Toyota has confirmed that new sports activities vehicles are within the works. A senior Toyota official introduced final November {that a} fashionable Celica is coming, though it isn’t anticipated to characteristic a mid-engined design.
Moreover, an episode of Toyota’s self-published cartoon, “Grip,” launched final 12 months, confirmed a whiteboard itemizing a number of potential new fashions. These included a brand new Supra, a brand new Celica, a brand new MR2, a brand new GR86, and a GR GT3. Of those, the GR GT3 has already been noticed present process exams, each as a race automobile and as a highway automobile. The highway automobile might ultimately be marketed below the Lexus model.
The GR Yaris in inventory kind is already a potent monitor machine. Bought outdoors the U.S., the newest model encompasses a turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-3 mounted below the hood and spitting out 276 hp. The engine will be paired with both a 6-speed guide or Toyota’s newly developed 8-speed Direct Computerized Transmission.
