Top News

Toyota appears to be working on something remarkable, potentially even more exciting than the GR GT supercar that was unveiled late last year. The company has been openly discussing the development of a mid-engined vehicle ever since it showcased a GR Yaris prototype with a compact, high-output four-cylinder engine mounted at the rear more than a year ago. Now, thanks to a quick-thinking photographer at the track, we might finally be getting our first look at what could become Toyota’s next mid-engined sports car.

The car was spotted at Toyota’s own Fuji Speedway, in the same corner where the GR GT3 was tested two years before it was officially revealed. The images display a vehicle with the proportions reminiscent of the classic MR2, although its compact chassis could theoretically accommodate an engine either in front of or behind the driver. Distinctive features such as wide rear fenders, a fixed side window, and a swan-neck-mounted rear wing suggest that this might be a racing prototype rather than a production-ready road car.

Several visible components on the test car seem to have been borrowed from existing Toyota models. The headlights and tail lights appear nearly identical to those on the GR Yaris, while the wheels look very similar to the iconic Volk TE-37s or perhaps an equivalent design from another manufacturer. The A-pillar’s contour resembles that of the Lexus LC, indicating that this prototype might have been assembled primarily for testing purposes using parts already available within Toyota’s inventory.

The footage taken from the trackside doesn’t have perfectly clear audio, but the sounds captured in the clip point towards a smaller turbocharged engine. This would make sense if Toyota is testing its new four-cylinder powerplant; however, it’s also possible that the car is powered by a modified version of the three-cylinder engine currently found in the GR Yaris and GR Corolla models.

This recent sighting adds to a growing list of developments suggesting Toyota’s intentions to revive the MR2 nameplate—or at least to produce a sports car inspired by its spirit. Earlier this year, in January, Toyota teased its much-anticipated return to mid-engined sports cars before unveiling a customised Kei truck, which turned out to be a playful diversion. Later that same month, a company executive confirmed that Toyota is indeed developing a mid-engined model. However, enthusiasts eager for a new midship sports car might have to be patient, as the executive also mentioned that the development process could take up to five years before reaching production.