Toyota’s Mid-Engined GR Yaris Prototype Looks Increasingly Like the New MR2

Toyota has been testing a mid-engined GR Yaris prototype for over 18 months, and the latest version looks more like the MR2 it’s expected to spawn. The car features a traditional mid-engined sports car shape, with a larger radiator and fan beneath the hood, and a fixed rear wing and unique diffuser.

The rear half of the car has boxy, flared wheel arches and quarter panels with larger air intakes to feed the engine. Toyota is developing a new turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine for this model, which is expected to produce around 300 HP and 295 lb-ft of torque in standard form, and up to 400 HP and 406 lb-ft in higher-performance versions.

The car will pair the new engine with an all-wheel-drive system and Torsen limited-slip differentials at the front and rear axles. Toyota’s commitment to high-performance sports cars is evident in this prototype, which may revive the MR2 or Celica nameplate.