Toyota has been making waves in the sports car segment in recent years, and its momentum shows no signs of diminishing. They reintroduced the 86, followed by the Supra, and introduced the impressive GR Yaris and GR Corolla. Each of these models has been met with enthusiasm, which proves that Toyota remains adept at creating sports cars. Over time, rumors of the MR2’s return have persisted, generating excitement among enthusiasts.
Toyota’s MR2 is one of the most iconic cars in the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM). This compact sports car with a mid-engine layout was introduced in 1984, preceding another famous Japanese vehicle, the Mazda MX-5 Miata. The MR2 earned the nickname “poor man’s Ferrari” and ceased production in 2007 after three generations.
With the support of their renowned Gazoo Racing division, Toyota has been successful in introducing thrilling performance models. Although the upcoming Toyota MR2 is expected to be slightly different and might not carry the GR branding, it has generated a lot of excitement as an authentic, classic JDM icon.
Toyota has a history of collaborating with other brands to ensure the successful production of new cars, as seen with their partnership with BMW for the Supra and Subaru for the GT86. For the upcoming MR2, Toyota will be teaming up with Suzuki as the engine supplier. The chosen engine is the one-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, known as the K10C, which has already been utilized in Suzuki vehicles since 2015. This engine is considered suitable for the new MR2.
Additionally, there is a possibility that the car will feature mild hybrid assistance, which can help mitigate turbo lag and provide a smoother driving experience while reducing strain on the engine. Currently, Suzuki’s engine produces 109 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque.
It is worth noting that the previous MR2 was not known for its high power output, and the new iteration is not expected to be significantly more powerful either. The original car was not focused on raw performance figures, and its successor will follow the same approach.
In 1986, the original Toyota MR2 featured a supercharged 1.6-liter engine producing 145 horsepower and 137 pound-feet of torque. Despite its modest size, this engine enabled the car to achieve a 0 to 60-mph sprint in 6.5 seconds. It’s worth noting that the classic model was also heavier, with a curb weight of 2,494 pounds in its supercharged configuration.
Therefore, don’t let the smaller engine of the future MR2 discourage you, as history has shown that the MR2 can deliver impressive performance even with a smaller engine.
Toyota did not opt for their more powerful three-cylinder engines seen in models like the GR Yaris and GR Corolla for the MR2. However, Toyota may reserve such engines for a potentially more powerful version of the MR2 in the future.
Car enthusiasts are consistently thrilled when a new car is equipped with a manual transmission, as it has become increasingly rare, particularly among affordable sports cars from German and Italian manufacturers, except Porsche. However, Japanese sports cars, including the new Nissan Z, Mazda Miata, and recent Toyota sports cars, still offer manual transmissions. Initially, Toyota did not offer a manual option for the new Supra, but due to strong backlash from fans, they eventually developed one that is reportedly superior to BMW’s manual transmission.
Given this context, it is highly anticipated that the MR2 will also come with a manual transmission. This would place it in a distinctive position among the limited selection of mid-engine sports cars on the market that offer manual transmissions. Porsche and Lotus are the only brands that have recently provided manual transmissions in their modern mid-engine cars. Toyota’s manual cars are renowned for delivering an exceptional driving experience, and the advancements made in creating a new manual transmission for electric vehicles could potentially be applied to the new MR2, further enhancing its performance and appeal.
The previous generation of the car weighed only 2,200 lbs., which meant it didn’t require a significant amount of power to achieve performance. It was lighter than its two predecessors and boasted superior speed. Toyota is aiming to achieve the same weight target with the new MR2. If successful, it would make the MR2 the lightest sports car on the market, excluding extremely lightweight options like the Caterham Seven 170, which weighs less than 1,000 pounds, the Mazda Miata, and even the Toyota GR86. However, the MR2 would be comparable to the Lotus Elise, which boasts a slender weight of 2,053 pounds.
While sports cars typically feature more exotic foundations compared to regular models within a brand’s lineup, the upcoming Toyota MR2 breaks that expectation. Considering Toyota’s recent performance models and the goal of making the next-generation MR2 as compact and lightweight as possible, one would anticipate it to share underpinnings with the rally-inspired GR Yaris.
The new MR2 will likely be built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, but unlike the GR Yaris, which combines elements of the GA-B platform at the front and the GA-C platform at the rear, the MR2 will have completely new underpinnings. However, it is possible that the MR2’s front suspension could be derived from the GA-B platform utilized in the regular Yaris.
One of the advantages of pursuing a lightweight design is that it enhances the car’s agility and handling. With less mass to contend with, there is no need for complex systems to ensure excellent handling or driving performance. The MR2 does not require a complex suspension setup because lighter vehicles generally have better road compliance and forgiveness. The combination of being lightweight, compact, and nimble contributes to an enjoyable and engaging driving experience at moderate speeds. Traction will also not be an issue, as the mid-mounted engine assists in delivering power to the wheels. We anticipate that this car will offer handling capabilities on par with those of a Lotus while providing the simplicity and joy characteristic of a modern sports car.
As part of the ongoing collaborations, Daihatsu is involved in the development of the new MR2 and is tasked with its design. While we are uncertain whether the MR2 will only come as a soft-top like the previous generation or include a hardtop option, we can be confident that it will offer roof detachment. The design of the Toyota MR2 could draw inspiration from the Sports EV concept, which has been showcased by Toyota and Lexus. Both brands have made significant efforts to display these concepts, and elements from the EV pickup and bZ concepts have already been incorporated into existing production cars. Given that Lexus has stated that its Electrified Sport Concept provides a genuine preview of its upcoming supercar, it is reasonable to expect that the new Toyota MR2 will bear a strong resemblance to the Sports EV Concept.
In 2002, the third-generation MR2 was priced at $24,645, while the Miata cost $28,050. The anticipated price range for the new MR2 is around $16,000 to $25,000. If the expected MSRP of around $20,000 comes true, the new Toyota MR2 could become the most affordable new mid-engine sports car by a significant margin. However, due to the collaboration between Toyota, Suzuki, and Daihatsu in sharing development costs, achieving this price point may be feasible or at least closer to that of the Miata. Having an MSRP below $30,000 for any mid-engine sports car is quite an achievement. The Honda S660, which starts under $20,000, is the only car in recent times to achieve this, but it is primarily sold in Japan and classified as a “Kei car.” While the MR2 may not be as fast as the upcoming affordable mid-engine car, the Porsche Cayman, that is not the primary focus.
The objective here is to provide buyers with a fun mid-engine car experience at the price of an entry-level sports car. The upcoming Toyota MR2 has generated considerable excitement among car enthusiasts, as Toyota aims to revive this iconic sports car. With potential collaborations, such as partnering with Suzuki for the engine and Daihatsu for the design, Toyota has demonstrated its commitment to delivering a thrilling and affordable mid-engine sports car experience.
While specific details about the MR2 remain limited until 2025, the anticipation of a lightweight design, a potential manual transmission option, and inspiration from Toyota’s concept vehicles, including the Sports EV, fuels the anticipation for a remarkable driving experience. As we eagerly await further information and the eventual release of the new MR2, it is clear that Toyota’s dedication to performance and innovation continues to fuel its pursuit of creating exceptional sports cars.