Toyota Hints at Return of Celica/MR2

[Eunos_Cosmo]

Not necessarily. The engine is tiny, and the GR Yaris has an even shorter nose. If the radiator outlet skims the engine surface it might even be possible - not likely, but possible.

I don't think so. Something like the GR Yaris still has a decent amount of height at the engine compartment. With pedestrian safety regs, I really doubt they could package an upright inline-3 engine in the front with such a low cowl. Typically something this low in the front either has a boxer engine (GR86) or a compact V engine (AMG GT, C7). I could be wrong, but this prototype screams "midship" to me.

 

[CodeRedR51]

This is an MR2, possibly with the Yaris or Corolla's (or both) transverse engines mid-mounted.

It should have the new 2.0L 4-cylinder.

 

[Keef]

The very short dash to front axle ratio and obvious front mount radiator ventilation outlet in the hood would preclude this being a front engine car, no?

I could simply be a coupe version of the GR Yaris but somehow I think that makes even less sense than a new mid-engine sports car.

 

[GTboyz]

A buddy of mine who works directly with Lexus/Toyota NA teased this today on his personal page, hashtagging MR2, Celica & GTR, but refusing to clarify which. He did say this mule has been around since late 2024, so he's surprised it finally got spied.

GTR ? I don't remember there being a Toyota GTR genuinely wondering

 

[05XR8]

GTR ? I don't remember there being a Toyota GTR genuinely wondering

Might be Celica GT-R, as it was sold in Japan only.

 

[TheCracker]

I don't think so. Something like the GR Yaris still has a decent amount of height at the engine compartment. With pedestrian safety regs, I really doubt they could package an upright inline-3 engine in the front with such a low cowl. Typically something this low in the front either has a boxer engine (GR86) or a compact V engine (AMG GT, C7). I could be wrong, but this prototype screams "midship" to me.

The shot from the rear appears to show engine bay venting plus some transverse exhaust plumbing like you get on most compact middies.

 

[Greycap]

It's an odd combination. Huge side air inlets typical for a mid-engined car, but also a massive front mounted radiator or intercooler or both. Rivalling the Chiron in intake area with its engine four times as large and powerful.

 

[TheCracker]

It's an odd combination. Huge side air inlets typical for a mid-engined car, but also a massive front mounted radiator or intercooler or both. Rivalling the Chiron in intake area with its engine four times as large and powerful.

I suspect much of the cladding and the big wing is there to disguise it as a prototype/development* race car to hide its real road-going identity. The side intakes, if it has any at all, may well be considerably smaller.

*it could of course be a test mule of an actual racing version of the road car, but for what race series i don't know. Do they still have a GT300 class in Super GT?

 

[05XR8]

I suspect much of the cladding and the big wing is there to disguise it as a prototype/development* race car to hide its real road-going identity. The side intakes, if it has any at all, may well be considerably smaller.

*it could of course be a test mule of an actual racing version of the road car, but for what race series i don't know. Do they still have a GT300 class in Super GT?

MR2? 🤔 Appears that Toyota is going racing with it very soon.

Edit: this actually might be the front engine Celica since the fuel port on the side like that means a rear mounted fuel tank.

Toyota's New MR2 May Have Just Been Caught Testing For The First Time | Carscoops

Phone footage from Japan may be the closest look yet at the car meant to bring MR2 back with AWD and plenty of power

www.carscoops.com

Well, if it’s going to show up in Super Taikyu next year, make sure it’s running a Toy Story 6 livery.

Super Taikyu have an ST-Q class for teams to run prototypes, concept cars, alternate fuels, etc. for data gathering.

 

[Keef]

This account does incredible renders. Not sure if its AI because the consistency of the render is so good. They did a "story" of a potential GR MR2 timeline and it's making me happy:

 

[Eunos_Cosmo]

Obviously AI, otherwise that amount of imagery would be a herculean effort.

 

[McLaren]

This account does incredible renders. Not sure if its AI because the consistency of the render is so good. They did a "story" of a potential GR MR2 timeline and it's making me happy:

Purely AI & nothing more. They go as far as to offer "commissions" on their work for $10/month unless you're willing to shell out a laughable $50/month or even $320/month that claims you get a commercial license to use their work. Anyone that questions why people need to pay for others to use AI, is hit with excuses about how "detailed" & "in-depth" their rendering process is. A lot of their work has been doable with Adobe Photoshop for over a decade.


Neat stuff, but it's people high on goof juice.