Toyota MR2 revival edges closer as mid-engine prototype is spotted testing

The long-rumoured revival of the Toyota MR2 appears to have taken another step towards production, with a heavily disguised prototype spotted testing around Fuji Speedway in Japan.

Short video clips and photos shared on social media show a low-slung two-door coupe wearing a mishmash of production Toyota components, but featuring proportions and cooling openings consistent with a mid-engine layout.

While Toyota hasn't confirmed exactly what the prototype is, speculation continues to centre on either a reborn MR2 or the equally anticipated next-generation Toyota Celica, with earlier reports suggesting both models are currently in development.

The prototype looks substantially different to the mid-engine GR Yaris M Concept Toyota has been using as a rolling test bed, suggesting development may have progressed to a dedicated prototype or an early engineering mule.

From the outside, the mystery coupe features what appear to be GR Yaris headlights and tail-lights, aggressive front and rear bumpers, flared guards, a prominent front splitter, swan-neck rear wing, and large air intakes behind the doors feeding what is almost certainly a mid-mounted engine.

Its overall proportions also bear a resemblance to the brand's 2023 FT-Se concept, which has long been tipped as a preview of a future halo sports car.

If Toyota does revive the MR2, it appears it won't stick to the formula that made the original famous. Instead of the traditional mid-engine, rear-wheel drive layout used by all three previous generations, the new model is widely expected to feature a mid-engine, all-wheel drive configuration.

Toyota engineers have already confirmed the drivetrain architecture being tested in the GR Yaris M Concept can vary torque distribution between the front and rear axles, sending all available drive rearward or directing up to 50 per cent to the front wheels when required.

Reports from Japan suggest the production car could also feature Torsen limited-slip differentials at both axles.

It's still unclear whether Toyota will offer a manual transmission alongside an eight-speed automatic, though enthusiasts will undoubtedly be hoping the former survives.

Power is expected to come from Toyota's all-new G20E turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine.

The new engine has been designed to replace the current 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder used in the GR Yaris and GR Corolla.

Toyota has previously indicated the version fitted to the GR Yaris M Concept produces around 300kW to 340kW, while engineers have claimed higher-performance variant with bigger turbochargers could deliver much more performance.

A racing version has reportedly been engineered to produce as much as 450kW, highlighting the engine's development potential, though such outputs are unlikely to appear in a road-going models.

Rather than relying solely on computer simulations, Toyota has been developing its new performance hardware through motorsport.

The mid-engine GR Yaris M Concept has been competing in Japan's Super Taikyu endurance championship, allowing engineers to test the new engine in anger on track.

Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda has repeatedly championed this philosophy, arguing the company's best sports cars are developed through racing rather than boardroom meetings.

The strategy also reflects Toyota's broader commitment to offering multiple powertrains, with the company continuing to invest in internal combustion engines, hybrids, battery-electric vehicles, and hydrogen rather than focusing exclusively on EVs.

Toyota remains tight-lipped about exactly where this new sports car fits into its expanding Gazoo Racing lineup.

The company has already confirmed the Celica nameplate will return, while trademark filings for the 'GR MR2' name overseas have added further fuel to speculation that both iconic sports cars are on the way.

If reports prove accurate, the reborn MR2 would join the GR86, GR Corolla, GR Yaris, the next-generation Supra, and the upcoming GR GT flagship as part of Toyota's rapidly expanding performance range.