en.Wedoany.com Reported - Toyota's next-generation mid-engine GR sports car prototype has entered the testing phase. Based on the latest spy shots, this model is believed to be an early test mule for the all-new MR2. Industry analysts suggest that Toyota may be simultaneously advancing both the MR2 and Celica sports car projects, with development work running in parallel.
Judging by the exterior, the test vehicle is a fabricated engineering mule, with body panels largely borrowed from existing production models, meaning it does not represent the final production design. The vehicle features a compact two-door coupe silhouette, with proportions highly consistent with the FT-Se concept car unveiled in 2023. The front and rear lighting units are directly sourced from the GR Yaris, complemented by an oversized front splitter, widened wheel arches, and a large fixed swan-neck rear wing, indicating a clear track-oriented focus.
The rear fenders feature large cooling air intakes, and the hood is equipped with ventilation ducts—both design elements directly confirm the mid-engine layout, consistent with the design logic of the earlier GR Yaris M Concept mid-engine test vehicle. In terms of body details, the test mule's A-pillar and door profile reference the Lexus LC. The overall compact dimensions suggest this model aligns more closely with the MR2's two-seat positioning, while the rumored concurrently developed Celica is expected to adopt a larger 2+2 coupe format, differentiating the two models.
Previous generations of the MR2 featured a mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, but the all-new model will make a core change, confirmed to adopt a mid-engine, all-wheel-drive (AWD) system with Torsen limited-slip differentials on both axles. The transmission is mounted at the rear, sending power to the front axle via a driveshaft. This system has been validated on a GR Yaris test mule, capable of delivering 100% of power to the rear wheels or distributing up to 50% to the front wheels to balance cornering performance and launch traction. The transmission configuration remains uncertain; only an 8-speed automatic option has been confirmed so far, with Toyota yet to reveal whether a manual transmission will be offered. Many enthusiasts, based on engine sound from track videos, speculate the vehicle likely features a manual gearbox, though official clarification is still pending.
The new car's powertrain core is Toyota's newly developed G20E 2.0-liter direct-injection turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This engine will eventually replace the 1.6-liter three-cylinder unit used in the GR Yaris and GR Corolla. Compared to Toyota's existing 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, it offers greater structural strength and a more compact size to meet the low center of gravity requirements of a mid-engine sports car. Power output is divided into three versions: a standard civilian version targeting 300 hp and 400 Nm of torque; a high-performance version with 400 hp and 550 Nm; and a track-focused competition version delivering up to 600 hp.
Based on the current test mule's condition, Toyota's mid-engine sports car project has moved beyond the concept validation stage and entered real-world track calibration. However, the current mule's exterior and body panels are temporary assemblies, leaving room for adjustments in the production model's design, interior, and final powertrain configuration. As the GR performance lineup continues to expand, Toyota is likely to unveil a new concept car in the future, announcing the official name, production timeline, and complete specifications for either the MR2 or Celica.
