Japanese auto giant Toyota has finally lifted the veil on one of the most talked-about projects in recent years. Following a series of rumors and leaks, it has now been confirmed: the company is indeed developing a new mid-engine sports car. However, despite this long-awaited confirmation, enthusiasts will need to be patient—the production model is still a long way off.
Talks about such a model first ignited after the presentation of the GR Yaris prototype featuring an unusual layout. Many speculated at the time that it signaled the revival of the legendary MR2, which disappeared from production nearly two decades ago. Now, Tomoya Takahashi, president of Toyota Gazoo Racing, has officially announced: the project is underway, but the road to the final product will be long and challenging.
First details
At this stage, development is only at the very beginning—three more phases remain before the car reaches the assembly line. According to Takahashi, it will take at least four to five years to bring the idea to life. So even under the most optimistic scenario, the debut of the new model won’t happen before 2030.
Still, the wait promises to be worth it. For the upcoming sports car, Toyota engineers are developing an entirely new powertrain labeled G20E. This is a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with four cylinders, already undergoing tests in prototypes. Its first trial run was on an experimental version of the GR Yaris M, and according to developers, the results are impressive.
Technology and ambition
The main goal is to push the engine output beyond 400 horsepower. For racing versions not bound by emissions standards, the target could go as high as 600 horsepower. This approach clearly signals Toyota’s serious ambitions in the high-performance vehicle segment.
Interestingly, the new engine will be not only more powerful but also more compact than the current 2.4-liter turbo unit. According to estimates, its dimensions will shrink by about 10%, with an even lower height. In addition, engineers promise up to a 30% increase in efficiency—though this figure primarily applies to hybrid versions.
An important point: the G20E will be electrified and can be installed not only in mid-engine layouts but also with a front-engine configuration. This opens up opportunities for several new models to be built on its platform.
In search of a successor
Currently, the G20E engine is being tested in the GR Yaris, though it’s unlikely that this hatchback will get a mid-engine layout in production. The much more logical candidate is the return of the MR2—the iconic sports car produced from 1984 to 2007 that attracted a global following.
Nonetheless, Toyota is not ruling out other scenarios. Cooper Ericksen, Vice President of Product Planning for North America, hinted that other legendary models, such as Celica, could also be involved in the project. Prototype testing is already underway on public roads, and some dealers have even seen preliminary sketches of the future vehicles.
Interestingly, the new engine is designed not only for compact sports cars. According to Takahashi, it will also suit larger vehicles, including all-wheel-drive versions. This could mean that Toyota is preparing an entire lineup of high-tech models capable of impressing even the most demanding car enthusiasts.
What to expect next
In the coming months, more details are expected regarding the technical specifications and possible versions of the future sports car. However, the model’s name and its final appearance remain a mystery for now. As always, the Japanese keep the intrigue alive until the very end, fueling the anticipation of both the public and experts.
Fans of the brand are already speculating: will this be a revival of the MR2, a new Celica, or something completely different that marks a new chapter in Toyota’s history? One thing is certain—the company has no intention of giving up its position in the sports car segment and is ready to surprise with unconventional solutions.
RUSSPAIN reminds that Toyota Gazoo Racing is an independent sub-brand specializing in the development and production of vehicles focused on sports technologies and high performance. In recent years, the division has become a symbol of innovation and bold engineering experiments, with its projects consistently creating a buzz among car enthusiasts worldwide. The Gazoo Racing portfolio already includes models like the GR Supra, GR Yaris, and GR Corolla, each recognized for their dynamics and unique character.
