Toyota files the GR MR2 trademark, hinting at a new 2.0L turbo mid‑engine, all‑wheel‑drive sports car – stay tuned for the comeback!
Toyota has taken a bold step toward reviving one of Japan’s most beloved sports cars. The automaker recently filed trademark applications for GR MR2 and GR MR‑S in Japan and Australia, sparking fresh speculation about a new generation of the iconic mid‑engine coupe.
Heritage of the MR2
First introduced in the late 1980s, the MR2 (standing for “Midship Runabout 2‑seater”) became a benchmark for affordable, driver‑centred sports cars. In its final domestic iteration, it was marketed as the MR‑S. Both names carry a strong emotional resonance among enthusiasts.
Trademark Filings Signal a New Chapter
By registering the GR‑branded names, Toyota signals that any future MR2 would sit under its high‑performance Gazoo Racing (GR) umbrella. This aligns the potential model with the brand’s current sports‑car portfolio, which includes the GR86, GR Supra, and GR Yaris.
What Could the New GR MR2 Look Like?
Insiders suggest the upcoming model may break from the rear‑wheel‑only legacy of earlier MR2s and adopt a permanent all‑wheel‑drive system. The powertrain is rumored to be a brand‑new 2.0‑liter turbocharged inline‑four, delivering substantially more horsepower than any current GR offering. Such a setup would target drivers who crave raw performance and pure, balanced handling.
Concepts That Pave the Way
The possibility isn’t far‑fetched. Toyota previously showcased the GR Yaris M Concept – a test‑bed featuring a mid‑engine layout combined with all‑wheel drive. Though a pure concept, it acted as a “mobile laboratory” for engineering solutions that could eventually trickle down to a production MR2.
Tying Into Toyota’s Broader Sports‑Car Strategy
In recent years, Toyota has reaffirmed its commitment to internal‑combustion sports cars, even as the industry accelerates toward electrification. The GR lineup demonstrates that the company still values the visceral driving experience, and the GR MR2 would reinforce that philosophy.
What to Expect Next
At present, details remain speculative. However, given Toyota’s history of protecting iconic model names and its investment in GR performance technology, the emergence of a GR‑badged MR2 seems increasingly plausible. Stay tuned for official confirmations as the decade draws to a close.