Toyota Unveils GR Yaris M Concept: Mid-Engine, 592 HP, And A Nod To The MR2

At the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon, Toyota grabbed everyone's attention by unveiling the GR Yaris M Concept, a mid-engined prototype powered by a brand-new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the G20E.

Set to make its racing debut later this year in the Super Taikyu series, this prototype has all-wheel drive and is seen as a testbed for Toyota's future performance cars. It’s available in two power versions—296 hp and 395 hp—with a race variant cranking out around 592 hp.

The shift to a mid-engine layout aims to solve handling issues that arose with the previous front-engined AWD setup, especially during moments when the car would become unresponsive. This change was inspired by Toyota Gazoo Racing’s chief engineer, Naohiko Saito, who wanted to make the car more agile by moving the engine toward the back, resulting in better balance and quicker responses.

Racing driver Hiroaki Ishiura, known for his work on the GR Corolla, tested the prototype and was impressed by its improved handling and lack of understeer. He also loved the feeling of the engine’s sound and vibration coming from the rear—a rare experience in today's cars due to strict noise regulations.

As for the future, there are hints that this mid-engined GR Yaris could pave the way for a new MR2. While there’s no official confirmation yet, Toyota has already teased a revival of the MR2, alongside a return of the Celica, which will likely stick with a front-engine AWD setup.

Toyota is also teasing the return of the GR Supra and GR 86, and there are rumors about a new flagship supercar, possibly based on the GR GT3 concept.