Toyota Teases Mid-Engined Two-Seater, Fueling MR2 Revival Rumors Ahead of Tokyo Auto Salon
A mysterious mid-engined sports car is set to debut at the Tokyo Auto Salon, sparking fervent speculation about a potential revival of Toyota’s iconic MR2. In a teaser released by Toyota Gazoo Racing, Chairman Akio Toyoda (under his racing alias “Morizo”) hinted at his latest project—a customized two-seater with a mid-engine layout—raising hopes for a new chapter in Toyota’s sports car legacy.
Key Details from the Teaser:
- The Car: A newly acquired mid-engined, two-seat sports car, to be customized for the Tokyo Auto Salon exhibition.
- The Hype: Fans speculate it could be a reborn MR2, a modernized classic, or a GR Yaris M follow-up.
- The Clues: Recent Toyota trademarks for “GR MR2” and design cues from the 2023 FT-Se electric concept add fuel to the rumor mill.
The Morizo Teaser Video Breakdown:
In a cryptic exchange on Toyota Gazoo Racing’s X (Twitter) account, Morizo and a staff member discussed his plans for an unnamed car:
Staff: “What kind of car is it?”
Morizo: “A mid-engined two-seater!”
Morizo: “I want to do something more with it… Let’s exhibit it at Tokyo Auto Salon!”
Is the MR2 Making a Comeback?
The MR2, last produced in 2007, remains a cult favorite among enthusiasts for its lightweight, mid-engine agility. Recent developments have reignited hopes for a fourth generation:
- Toyota’s FT-Se concept (2023) showcased an electric sports car design eerily reminiscent of the MR2’s profile.
- The GR Yaris M prototype (2025) featured a mid-mounted turbocharged 2.0L engine and AWD, hinting at scalable sports car architecture.
- Engineers hinted the Yaris M could evolve into an “MR-something,” while Toyota’s GRIP anime series teased silhouettes resembling the FT-Se.
The Celica Wildcard
Speculation also swirls around the upcoming Celica revival, which Toyota confirmed but left shrouded in mystery. Rumors suggest it could adopt a mid-engine layout, potentially blurring the lines between the Celica and MR2 nameplates.
What’s Next?
All will be revealed at Toyota Gazoo Racing’s Tokyo Auto Salon press conference on January 9, where Akio Toyoda himself will unveil the mystery car. Whether it’s a reborn MR2, a GR-branded classic, or a new flagship sports car, Toyota is poised to make waves in the performance world.
