Rebirth of a Legend: Toyota Confirms New Mid-Engine Model Under Gazoo Racing Brand

Car enthusiasts have received the news they have been waiting for for almost two decades: Toyota has officially confirmed that it is working on a new mid-engine performance model. Considered by many to be the spiritual successor to the legendary MR2, this project marks a new stage in the expansion strategy of the Gazoo Racing (GR) brand, which has evolved from a simple sports division to a standalone manufacturer within the Japanese group.

The information, recently confirmed by Tomoya Takahashi, president of Gazoo Racing, puts an end to years of speculation. While fans had hoped for an imminent launch, the technical reality is complex. The new model is currently in the first of four development phases, meaning the production version could not hit the roads until after 2029 or 2030.

The G20E engine: The heart of the new generation

The centerpiece of the upcoming model will be the G20E powertrain. Unlike the current 1.6-liter 3-cylinder engine in the GR Yaris, the new powertrain is a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder. It has already been tested on the "GR Yaris M" prototype, where it was experimentally mounted behind the front seats, confirming the mid-engine configuration.

Toyota engineers are aiming for over 400 horsepower, but the platform is designed to be extremely versatile. The engine will be compatible with various forms of electrification (hybrid) to meet Euro 7 regulations and could also be adapted for future front-engine models, such as a possible return of the Celica.

Gazoo Racing Presence in Romania: Models and Prices

While we wait for the new "MR2", Toyota already offers a solid range of sports models in Romania under the GR logo. These have gained popularity due to their analog character and pure-blooded performance.

• GR Yaris: It is the brand's most sought-after performance model in Romania, with stocks often running out quickly. The updated variant brings more power and the option of an extremely fast automatic transmission.
• GR86: Appreciated for its handling and rear-wheel drive, it is considered one of the last "pure" sports cars affordable on the local market.
• GR Supra: The flagship of the range, developed in collaboration with BMW, remains the choice of those looking for a true Grand Tourer with supercar performance.

In addition to dedicated models, Toyota also sells GR Sport trims for volume models such as Corolla, C-HR or Hilux in Romania. These do not bring radical changes to the engine, but offer recalibrated suspensions and an aggressive design, representing an important part of the brand's sales volume.

Conclusion

The confirmation of a new mid-engine model shows that Toyota is not ready to give up on its sporty spirit, despite the pressure to fully electrify the industry. Although we still have a few years to wait until the official debut, the use of a 2.0-liter internal combustion engine developed in-house promises a car that will honor the MR2 legacy while offering performance adapted to 2030 standards.