New Toyota MR2 Rumored With GR Corolla Turbo Engine, But Will We Get It?

A brand new report claims that Toyota is toying with the thought of bringing the MR2 again from the lifeless and powering it with the GR Corolla’s engine, however there is a twist: it might solely be bought in Japan

For those who’ve received a great engine, you may as nicely discover as some ways to make use of it as attainable. Contemporary off its starring roles within the GR Yaris and the GR Corolla, Toyota’s wild G16E-GTS three-cylinder turbocharged engine might doubtlessly discover its approach into the revival of the much-loved and missed, mid-engine MR2.

Rumors of the MR2’s much-anticipated comeback have been circulating for what appears like an eternity. Most just lately, stories even instructed that Toyota could be within the means of growing a mid-engine micro sports activities automobile powered by a 1.0-liter Suzuki engine.

Whereas this appears like a rival to the Daihatsu Copen — which, by the way, is about to re-emerge as a conceptual rival to the Mazda MX-5 on the Japan Mobility Present later this month — a brand new report from Best Car provides new life to the rumors surrounding a correct followup for the MR2. On this case, a “dependable supply” informed the Japanese publication that the car will likely be powered completely by an inside combustion engine, not a hybrid, as has been instructed for the smaller mid-engine car talked about earlier.

Learn: Toyota’s Rumored Mid-Engined Hybrid Sports Car Could Be Built With Suzuki And Daihatsu

Toyota’s 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine makes 300 hp (224 kW/304 PS) and 273 lb-ft (370 Nm) of torque within the GR Corolla, which might be loads for a small, mid-engine sports activities automobile. Not like the hatchbacks, it’s instructed that the engine would completely energy the MR2’s rear wheels.

Though speculations in regards to the return of the MR2 might seem overly optimistic, they aren’t solely unfounded. In 2021, Toyota unveiled an impressive looking concept that includes GR badging, showcasing the distinctive proportions harking back to a mid-engine sports activities automobile.

Illustrations Carscoops

Automakers, notably these from Japan, are additionally cashing on the wave of ’90s nostalgia. Acura just lately resurrected the Integra nameplate, while Toyota revived the Supra, proving that there’s an urge for food for retro sports activities vehicles amongst millennials who’ve some cash to spend.

Restricted to Japan solely?

Nevertheless, in contrast to these automobiles, the journal means that the MR2 might have a restricted launch completely within the Japanese market—although this info needs to be taken with a grain of salt. If Toyota is certainly planning to revive this iconic nameplate, limiting it to Japanese fans alone wouldn’t solely be a merciless blow to followers in different components of the world, but additionally current a major monetary problem, given the worldwide demand it might doubtlessly generate.

Be aware: The illustrations on this story aren’t formally endorsed by Toyota.

Three generations of the Toyota MR2 constructed from 1984 to 2007