In an exciting revelation for sports car enthusiasts, Toyota's Gazoo Racing president, Tomoya Takahashi, has officially announced that the company is working on a new mid-engine sports car that will soon join its lineup. However, before you get your hopes up or start looking into financing options, it's important to note that the production version of this vehicle may not be available for another five years.
According to a fresh report from Automotive News, Takahashi elaborated that the new mid-engine sports car is currently in the initial stage of a four-part engineering process that typically takes around four to five years to complete. This development signifies that while there is excitement regarding the return of a model reminiscent of the MR2, we are still quite some time away from seeing it hit the market. In fact, Toyota has even begun prototype testing on this upcoming performance vehicle, demonstrating their commitment to the project.
Takahashi revealed to Automotive News that the higher-ups at Toyota, including the chairman, have expressed a strong desire to continue producing internal combustion engines. He noted that with the introduction of a new 2.0-liter engine, the decision was made to incorporate it into a mid-engine layout. This innovative approach could redefine what consumers expect from Toyota’s sports cars.
The anticipated mid-engine sports car is expected to feature an all-wheel-drive system and will be powered by a newly crafted 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine. This engine is versatile enough to be installed in various positions within the vehicle—front, middle, or rear—and is designed to deliver more power than Toyota's current 2.4-liter turbo-four engine. Moreover, this powertrain is being developed to comply with increasingly strict emissions regulations, such as the forthcoming Euro 7 guidelines. While it currently aims to function without electrification, hybrid technology may eventually be incorporated, aligning with Toyota's broader strategy to modernize its range of vehicles.
"If we are going to mount this engine on many different vehicles, it’s almost mandatory to be able to combine it with hybrid technology," Takahashi stated. This indicates a forward-thinking approach that balances performance with environmental responsibility.
Toyota’s chairman, Akio Toyoda, has consistently emphasized the importance of creating vehicles that offer a unique character. His pledge to reintroduce a proper mid-engine sports car underscores this vision. Other initiatives reflecting this enthusiasm-driven aim include the revival of the Lexus LFA, the introduction of the newly unveiled GR GT, and even the mid-engine GR Yaris M Concept rally car. Toyoda personally highlighted the significance of the mid-engine configuration during his remarks at the Tokyo Auto Salon, stating, "You need to have a midship to master the next stage," revealing how much this design choice resonates with him.
Despite the confirmation regarding the mid-engine sports car, specific details about its design remain under wraps. Takahashi mentioned that the GR Yaris M Concept serves as an initial step in accommodating the new 2.0-liter engine while also hinting at possibilities for larger vehicles. Officially, this announcement marks the first time since 2007 that Toyota will be introducing a mid-engine sports car, which undoubtedly generates a buzz in the automotive community, even if we may have to wait until 2031 to see it come to fruition.
Emmet White, who transitioned from the Pacific Northwest to New York, is a true automotive aficionado, embracing everything from cars and bicycles to planes and motorcycles. After learning to ride at the age of 17, he gained experience in the motorcycle industry before joining Autoweek in 2022 and subsequently Road & Track in 2024. Living in Queens, he navigates the challenges of urban parking with a modest fleet that includes a 2014 Volkswagen Jetta GLI and a classic BMW 318i E30.
