- Toyota plans a diverse GR lineup, spanning from hot hatches to flagship supercars and SUVs.
- While incorporating the latest tech, it commits to maintaining gas engines and manual gearboxes.
- The strategy includes high-performance models like the Celica, with a 2.0-liter turbo and AWD.
Toyota Gazoo Racing is preparing for what might be its most ambitious expansion of the GR sports car lineup in recent memory—if not ever—making it a hot topic among enthusiasts. With a mix of rumors, speculation, and conflicting reports circulating, it can be tough to keep track of what’s actually in the pipeline. That’s why we’ve gathered everything we know so far about the upcoming GR-branded models in one place.
The GR portfolio includes a range of products, but for this discussion, we’re skipping over the GR Parts accessories and the mildly sportier GR Sport trims. Instead, we’re focusing on the real performance machines: the high-performance GR models and their even more track-focused GRMN counterparts.
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Currently, Toyota’s GR lineup consists of two all-wheel-drive hot hatches—the GR Yaris and GR Corolla—and two rear-wheel-drive sports cars—the GR86 and the soon-to-be-discontinued GR Supra. But Toyota isn’t stopping there. Alongside developing next-generation versions of some (if not all) of these cars, the automaker is working on at least three brand-new GR models.
As a boon to enthusiasts, Toyota has signaled that combustion gas engines and manual transmissions will remain a priority for GR vehicles well into the future. A Toyota Australia executive confirmed as much, though hybrid assistance isn’t off the table as a means of boosting power and efficiency.
After this brief introduction, let’s check out the upcoming sports cars one by one.
Toyota Celica: The Icon Returns
The return of the Celica is one of the most anticipated debuts from the GR catalogue. After years of persistent rumors, Toyota has officially confirmed that a new Celica is under development, and even trademarked the GR Celica name. The model will continue the legacy of its predecessors that remained on sale between 1970 and 2006 spanning seven generations.
The reborn Celica is expected to pack Toyota’s newly developed turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering up to 400 hp (298 kW / 406 PS) in street-legal form and over 600 hp in track-focused applications. Power will reportedly be sent to all four wheels through an AWD system, much like the legendary rally-bred Celica GT-Four models of the past.
Toyota remains tight-lipped about the Celica’s debut date. However, the two-door coupe will likely arrive before the next generations of the GR86 and GR Supra, potentially in 2025 or 2026. Given its heritage, it’s also possible that the new Celica could serve as the foundation for a future WRC race car, taking the torch from the GR Yaris.
Toyota MR2: A Mid-Engine Revival
Another long-rumored comeback is that of the MR2. Toyota gave us a taste of its mid-engine ambitions with the GR Yaris M Prototype at the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon, and while some speculate this layout could make its way into the Celica, an earlier teaser—hidden in a Toyota anime, of all places—hints at the return of the MR2 instead.
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The new MR2 is expected to take the form of a an ICE-powered, mid-engined, AWD sports car, sticking to its original formula but with modern updates. While its exterior may take inspiration from the all-electric Toyota FT-Se concept, it will reportedly be powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, available in two output levels: 296 hp (221 kW) and 395 hp (294 kW).
Toyota has revealed that development of mid-engined prototypes will continue throughout 2025, including their participation in motorsport activities in Japan starting this summer. This will eventually lead to the debut of the production-spec MR2, which could happen sometime in 2026.
Toyota GR86: Sticking Around
While the arrival of the new Celica and MR2 might lead some to believe the GR86 is on the chopping block, Toyota isn’t letting go of its affordable sports car just yet, as a new generation is already in development. Unlike its predecessors, the next GR86 doesn’t appear to be twinned with the Subaru BRZ. Instead, Toyota is reportedly developing it in-house, with reports suggesting input from Mazda.
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The compact coupe will almost certainly retain its rear-wheel-drive layout, distinguishing it from the AWD GR Celica, even though both have front-mounted engines. It’s expected to ride on a newly developed platform, possibly related to the Lexus IS. As for power, the new GR86 could inherit the GR Yaris’ turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder unit, potentially with hybrid assistance, though a lower-output version of the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder remains a possibility.
While Toyota hasn’t provided a launch timeline yet, the next GR86 is expected to arrive sometime around 2027 or 2028.
Toyota GR Supra: A New Chapter
The A90-generation GR Supra, developed in partnership with BMW, is wrapping up production later this year with a Final Edition. But the Supra name isn’t going anywhere. A next-generation GR Supra is already in the works, and this time, it may not rely on BMW’s engineering.
Instead, the new Supra could feature a hybrid-assisted 2.0-liter four-cylinder, though there are whispers of a collaboration with Mazda that might bring an inline-six into the mix. Regardless of its powertrain, the Supra will remain rear-wheel drive, ensuring it doesn’t step on the toes of the AWD Celica or undercut the smaller GR86.
As for transmission options, reports from Japan suggest Toyota is considering an eight-speed or 10-speed automatic. Meanwhile, the company has been experimenting with simulated manual gearboxes for hybrids and EVs, potentially offering an alternative for purists who lament the loss of a traditional stick shift.
The next-gen Supra is expected to launch in 2027, leaving a brief gap in the range following the current model’s discontinuation.
Toyota GR GT3: A Supercar Is Coming
Sports cars are exciting, but Toyota Gazoo Racing has its sights set even higher. The company is preparing to enter the supercar arena with a spiritual successor to the Lexus LFA, set to be offered in both race-spec and street-legal forms. Rumored to carry the Lexus LFR badge, this halo car could also debut under the Gazoo Racing brand as a standalone model.
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Camouflaged prototypes have been spotted testing on several occasions, showcasing dramatic proportions reminiscent of the 2022 GR GT3 Concept. A long hood, low roofline, and sharp aerodynamic elements give it an unmistakably aggressive stance. The carbon fiber bodywork is expected to sit atop an aluminum chassis, while the roadgoing version will reportedly pack a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 paired with a self-charging hybrid system, delivering a combined output of at least 900 hp (671 kW / 912 PS).
Some sources suggest the supercar—whether badged as a Lexus, a Toyota GR, or both—could be unveiled as early as this year, though first deliveries likely won’t arrive until 2026. Japanese media have speculated a starting price of around 30 million yen (roughly $197,000 at current exchange rates), but we’d take that with a pinch of salt.
For context, the Lexus LFA launched at 37 million yen in Japan 15 years ago, and given inflation, advancements in technology, and the increasing costs of high-performance engineering, it’s hard to imagine Toyota pricing its modern successor significantly lower.
Toyota GR Corolla: Hot Hatch Evolution
The GR Corolla is keeping the hot hatch flame alive together with the VW Golf R and Honda Civic Type R. Launched in 2022, it has already seen a few updates, including the addition of an automatic transmission alongside the manual gearbox. But while the GR Corolla still feels fresh, its underlying platform dates back to 2018, raising questions about when Toyota will roll out its replacement.
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With a new generation of the Corolla on the horizon for a 2026 debut, there is a good chance that Toyota will update the GR Corolla to keep them in sync. Rather than a full redesign, the next iteration of the performance compact model could be a comprehensive refresh, refining key aspects while building on its existing strengths.
Toyota has two likely options for the next GR Corolla’s powertrain: sticking with the turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder in an improved form or upgrading to the new 2.0-liter turbo-four. Either way, it’s expected to keep the GR-Four AWD system and a manual transmission. As for timing, Toyota hasn’t confirmed anything yet, but given the standard Corolla’s upcoming redesign, we wouldn’t expect an updated GR Corolla before 2027.
Toyota GR Yaris: Staying Sharp Amid an Uncertain Future
The GR Yaris is currently the oldest member of Toyota’s GR lineup, having debuted in 2020. However, this rally-bred hot hatch received a major refresh in 2024, gaining more power, updated styling, a revamped interior, and an eight-speed automatic option alongside the six-speed manual. Looking ahead, a new version of the sharper GRMN Yaris is expected to launch in spring 2025, featuring a more focused chassis setup and aggressive aero.
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These updates, combined with the lack of direct rivals, should keep the GR Yaris relevant for several more years. That said, Toyota has yet to confirm whether it will develop a true successor when the current model reaches the end of its lifecycle later this decade.
The biggest challenge for the future of the model could be its high R&D costs, given the extensive modifications required compared to the standard Yaris lineup—including a bespoke platform, drivetrain, and bodywork. Still, Gazoo Racing may be keen to keep the GR Yaris in the mix as a baby brother to the next-gen GR Corolla, even if the Celica takes over as Toyota’s next-generation WRC rally car.
Toyota Century GRMN: Ultra-Luxury Performance SUV
The Century GRMN is officially happening, and unlike the GR Sport treatment given to the Land Cruiser 300, this is a full-fledged GRMN model promising real performance upgrades.
For those unfamiliar, the Century SUV is essentially Toyota’s answer to the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, blending ultra-luxury with a 3.5-liter plug-in hybrid V6. The GRMN version is expected to take things further, with a sportier chassis setup, upgraded bodywork, and a more potent powertrain, though Toyota hasn’t revealed specific performance figures yet.
A prototype debuted in 2023, and the production model is expected to reach Japan and China soon. Whether Toyota will sell it in other markets remains to be seen, but a high-performance luxury SUV from Gazoo Racing is definitely an interesting experiment.
Toyota’s Mysterious GR SUV
Beyond its sports cars and flagship supercar, Toyota has confirmed it’s developing a full-fledged GR variant of one of its SUVs. This model could become the most practical member of the GR lineup, offering a performance-focused option with everyday usability, perfect for enthusiasts who need room for more than just a helmet and a weekend bag.
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Company officials didn’t share specifics, but one possible candidate is the Yaris Cross, given its close ties to the GR Yaris and Lexus LBX Morizo RR. However, its subcompact size is unlikely to appeal to North American buyers, prompting consideration of larger options. If Toyota is indeed aiming for a model with broader global appeal, strong contenders include the Corolla Cross and the upcoming RAV4, both prime candidates for the GR treatment.
More GR Rumors: Starlet, Prius, and Crown
Toyota’s GR expansion doesn’t stop with the vehicles we mentioned above, as there are whispers of high-performance variants of some unexpected models.
GR Starlet: A Budget-Friendly Rally Hatch?
One intriguing rumor suggests Toyota is developing a GR Starlet, potentially launching in 2026 as its most affordable model—a rally-inspired hot hatch positioned below the GR Yaris. Reports from Japan indicate it may feature a turbocharged 1.3-liter engine producing around 150 hp in roadgoing form, with a more powerful Rally 4-spec version also in the works. However, as exciting as this sounds, Toyota has yet to confirm whether the project is real.
GRMN Prius: A Hybrid Performance Experiment?
Back in 2023, reports surfaced that Toyota might be working on a GRMN Prius, featuring a boosted plug-in hybrid powertrain, chassis upgrades, and enhanced aerodynamics. The speculation stemmed from the GR Prius Concept shown that year, but since then, Toyota has remained silent. So far, there’s no indication that a hotter Prius will ever make it to production, which is a shame given how good the current generation of the model is.
GR Crown: A Sportier Take on the Crossover?
Finally, there were rumors last year about a GR version of the Crown Crossover, reportedly featuring a more powerful hybrid powertrain and all-wheel drive. However, if we had a say in Toyota’s corporate decisions, we’d argue that the Ferrari Purosangue-style Crown Sport is a far better candidate for the GR treatment, as demonstrated by several speculative renders over the past year.
