Mid-engined GR Yaris hints at MR2 return?

Toyota unveiled this interesting mid-engined GR Yaris concept at the Tokyo Auto Salon recently. Is this some kind of Renault 5 turbo / Clio V6 homage or a testbed for the rumoured revival of the MR2 sports car?

Probably more the latter as Toyota intends to maintain momentum with its GR brand. Toyota is expected to revive the MR2 and Celica nameplates while devising new generations of Supra and GR86. 

Read our 2022 Toyota GR86 review

The ‘M Concept’ replaces the front-mounted 1.6-litre turbo three-cylinder engine with a version of Toyota’s new 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder, which is mounted in the boot. 

Toyota says the mid-engined GR Yaris concept is intended to “pursue even greater potential for the GR Yaris,” and will be entered into Super Taikyu races in Japan to test the engine’s durability.

“In order to pursue even greater potential for the GR Yaris, the team will compete in the S-Taikyu with the “GR Yaris M Concept.” This uses a midship-mounted, in-line 2.0L turbo engine currently under development,” Toyota Gazoo Racing said in a media release.

“In the extreme environment of a race, the team will repeatedly “break and fix” the car, putting into practice “driver-first car-making” that reflects feedback from Morizo, professional drivers, and gentleman drivers.”

Toyota executives have been reported as saying it is the company’s hope that this concept spawns a new road car, although nothing has been confirmed either. Toyota revealed the FT-Se concept a few years back. At the time it was thought it would be an all-electric model. However, Toyota will likely focus on hybrid tech for its range of new sportscars. 

The new G20E engine is destined to replace the firm’s existing 2.4-litre turbo engine and is said to offer improved outputs with reduced emissions. It is likely to be offered in hybridised versions too.