Toyota GR Sports Concept Could Become The MR2 Of The Electric Era

One of the most interesting concept cars unveiled today by Toyota and Lexus is this yet-unnamed sportscar bearing the GR emblems. The two-seater will likely evolve into a production car in the coming years, making the case for an MR2 successor with a focus on driving dynamics.

The first fully electric model from Gazoo Racing will be one of the 30 new EVs arriving in production form by 2030 from Toyota and Lexus.

See Also: Lexus To Go Fully Electric By 2035, Future Range Includes LFA Successor

The concept looks like a mid-engined sportscar with a heavily sculpted body and a targa-style roof. At the front, the angular fenders are protruding from the bonnet, while the LED headlights are hugging the low nose and the large honeycomb intakes.

Similarly, the bulged rear fenders incorporate side intakes, possibly for cooling the rear brakes or the batteries. Sadly, Toyota didn’t publish any pictures of the rear end of the concept car, although we can see Ferrari FXX-style rear spoiler.

Akio Toyoda didn’t go into specifics, so we don’t know if the sportscar will be based on an electrified variant of the GA-B architecture that is underpinning Toyota’s smaller offerings or the dedicated e-TNGA which is likely destined for the bZ family.

In any case, the most fitting layout for a car of this segment would be rear-mounted e-motors and possibly a different kind of battery placement allowing for a low seating position. Toyota could use solid-state technology for lower weight, although an older type would make the sportscar more affordable. The black and red badge on the front splitter suggests that Gazoo Racing will undertake the chassis and suspension setup, giving the model a fun-to-drive character.

The MR2 moniker was used between 1984 and 2007 for three generations of mid-engined rear-wheel-drive sportscars. Rumors for a fourth-generation model have been circulating the web for more than a decade, although last year it was ranked “not a priority” by Matt Harisson, Toyota Europe’s Vice President. Thankfully, this concept suggests that Toyota is working on expanding its sportscar range next to the GR Yaris, GR86, and GR Supra.