Fifteen years ago, it was difficult to imagine Toyota as a leader in creating fun, performance-driven cars for the mass market. At that time, the Japanese automaker’s lineup primarily consisted of practical, uninspiring vehicles that didn’t exactly stir excitement in driving enthusiasts. Cars like the Camry, Corolla, and Avalon focused more on comfort and reliability than performance, which made it hard for many to see Toyota as a brand for driving thrills.
Fast forward to today, and Toyota now has one of the most diverse and performance-oriented car lineups among Japanese automakers. This transformation began in the 2010s when Toyota redefined its identity. The company started by building more engaging cars for enthusiasts, beginning with the Toyota 86. Launched in 2012, the 86 was Toyota’s answer to affordable, rear-wheel-drive sports cars that emphasized driver engagement. The 86 quickly gained a loyal following, and Toyota followed up with the introduction of the new Supra. Despite the Supra’s success, production is expected to end soon, raising uncertainty about the future of Toyota’s performance lineup.
Now, rumors of a Celica revival are circulating. Enthusiasts are also speculating about the potential return of another beloved Toyota sports car: the MR2. Speculations had been brewing for some time, but Toyota dropped a major hint at the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon. They showcased a special version of the GR Yaris.
This GR Yaris, however, isn’t just any ordinary hot hatch. Toyota engineers have placed a mid-mounted engine where the rear seats would typically be, creating a mid-engined GR Yaris. Called the GR Yaris M Concept, the “M” likely stands for “Mid-ship” or “mid-engine.” It’s proposed as Toyota’s entry in Japan’s Super Taikyu racing series. Unlike the standard GR Yaris, which has a 1.6-liter, three-cylinder turbo, the GR Yaris M Concept features a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. Power figures remain undisclosed.
The Super Taikyu series enforces strict regulations, including a requirement for vehicles to be homologated for production before they can enter. This means that, in order to compete, Toyota would need to produce a production version of this mid-engine GR Yaris. Toyota hasn’t officially announced plans for a mid-engine production car. However, the GR Yaris M Concept has sparked speculation about the MR2’s return. If Toyota is serious about pursuing a mid-engine platform for the GR Yaris, it could very well pave the way for a modern version of the iconic MR2, a sports car that has been absent from the Toyota lineup for years.
The MR2 has long been a fan-favorite for driving enthusiasts, with its lightweight, mid-engine design offering a unique driving experience. Enthusiasts have long yearned for a modern take on the MR2. Given Toyota’s recent focus on performance, it seems like a perfect fit for a revival. It’s too early to confirm whether the MR2 will make a comeback. Toyota’s recent movements indicate a shift towards performance. The GR Yaris M Concept’s mid-engine platform suggests the brand is considering a return to its performance roots.
The GR Yaris M Concept not only demonstrates Toyota’s ambition to embrace more exciting performance offerings, but it also hints at a new direction for the brand as a whole. If Toyota moves forward with mid-engined cars, it could signal a new chapter for the automaker, one that embraces both advanced engineering and the thrill of driving. For now, though, fans will have to wait and see whether the GR Yaris M Concept leads to something even more exciting in the form of a new MR2. Only time will tell, but with the clues already dropped, it’s safe to say that Toyota’s performance future is looking increasingly thrilling.
