Is Toyota Secretly Testing The MR2 With This Wild Mid-Engine GR Yaris Prototype?

Toyota brought out the big guns at this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon, showcasing a rich lineup that includes everything from rally-ready hatchbacks to desert-dominating SUVs. Among the highlights is a mid-engined hot hatch prototype that could double as a testbed for the rumored revival of the MR2 roadster.

At first glance, the Toyota GR Yaris M Concept looks like a beefed-up version of the road-going model, with different wheels, a carbon rear wing, and a camouflage wrap. However, a hole on the tailgate reveals a huge difference to the standard GR Yaris – a mid-mounted powertrain.

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Furthermore, instead of relocating the turbo 1.6-liter three-cylinder of the standard GR Yaris, the concept is equipped with Toyota’s all-new turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which is currently under development. The new powertrain is expected to power the reborn Celica and MR2 sports cars. Toyota hasn’t given us any output figures, but reports from Japan claim it will generate up to 395 hp (294 kW / 400 PS) in roadgoing flavor, and 592 hp (441 kW / 600 PS) in racing form.

According to Toyota Gazoo Racing, the GR Yaris M Concept was designed to “further explore the potential of the GR Yaris”, with plans on competing in the Super Taikyu Series in Japan. The prototype will be “repeatedly driven to failure and then repaired in the extreme conditions of racing”, incorporating feedback from Morizo (Akio Toyoda) and professional drivers.

Toyota GR Yaris M Concept

Toyota GR Yaris Aero Package Prototype

While the company makes no mention of future production plans, the mid-engined prototype could serve as an early mule for a future MR2. A new generation of the model is rumored to arrive in 2026, combining a turbo engine with all-wheel-drive. As for the exterior design, our best indication is the fully electric FT-Se concept from 2023.

New Aero Package For The GR Yaris

Besides the mid-engined concept, Toyota has also introduced the GR Yaris Aero Package prototype. The model is fitted with six new aero components, developed with the help of professional drivers on the track. The highlight is the variable rear wing with a “situation-responsive adjustable angle”. Other visible upgrades include the vented hood, the side gills, and the extra openings on the rear bumper.

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These parts could end up being offered as options for the Japanese-spec GR Yaris. The prototype is also fitted with the vertical handbrake, which has been optionally available for the RC trim of the hot hatch since the 2024 facelift.

Toyota Is Back At The 24 Hours of Nurburgring

The third GR Yaris that will be showcased at the Tokyo Auto Salon is a racing model designed for the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. The modified hatchback with the redesigned bodykit and the fancy livery will mark Toyota’s return to the grueling race in 2025 after a six-year hiatus. Besides the Nürburgring Langstrecken Serie (NLS), the GR Yaris will be competing at the Super Taikyu Series by the Toyota Gazoo Rookie Racing team.

To celebrate its return to the famous race, Toyota also brought various racecars from past Nürburgring events, alongside a weathered prototype of the Toyota Supra which served as a training vehicle at the Green Hell.

Nurburgring 24H Specials – Tokyo Auto Salon 2025

The Land Cruiser Corner

The Tokyo lineup doesn’t end there, as the Land Cruiser couldn’t be missing from the show. The Land Cruiser 70 Series Overseas Custom adds optional accessories to the off-roader, making it even more appealing. On the other hand, the Land Cruiser 300 GR Sport Dakar Rally 2025 Specification is ready to tackle the deserts of Saudi Arabia with a racing livery and numerous off-road modifications.

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The company has also announced the Land Cruiser Base, a specialty store designed to serve owners of the iconic model. Starting this February, the new business entity will offer “various services and activities based on customer feedback”, such as selling original parts and hosting special events.

Finally, Akio Toyoda brought some of his favorite classics to the Tokyo stand, as part of the famous Morizo Garage collection. This year’s lineup includes the 1957 Land Cruiser BJ, the original 1966 Toyota Corolla, the curvy 1967 Subaru 360, the cute 1962 Daihatsu Midget, and the tiny 1960 Mazda R360 Coupe.

Toyota Land Cruiser 300 GR Sport – Dakar Rally 2025 Specification

Morizo Garage – Tokyo Auto Salon 2025