Because the 2024 calendar 12 months attracts to an in depth, rumors proceed to flow into from inside the automotive grapevine concerning the revival of Toyota’s iconic ‘MR2‘ nameplate.

We’ve been handled to a variety of correct renderings during the last couple of years, which have actually saved the dialog related amongst lovers. Not something official per se, granted these creations have been very skillfully and faithfully crafted—however they have been extra of a proficient artist’s dream than a Toyotan actuality.

Rendering by @Halo oto through YouTube

Issues Are Beginning To Get Actual

Earlier this season it appeared like an MR2 revival—if there was going to be one in any respect—would most likely be headed down the EV path, given the instances we’re now in. In contradiction, Toyota’s FT-Se idea automobile did depart so much as much as interpretation, as its mid-ship design cues actually begged the query of why a petroleum (or hybrid) engine wouldn’t be sitting flush behind the cabin.

The FT-Se idea (above) has been marketed as considered one of Toyota’s future EV sports activities vehicles, with a design that additionally seems to make concerns for a doable petrol-powered MR2 rebirth

Whereas millennials particularly would absolutely welcome its return, an electrical model forgoes the very essence that gave the MR2 its title, fairly actually. Official information state that “Midship Runabout 2-seater” is the nomenclature behind this well-known Toyota acronym, although it’s extra universally interpreted as a nod to the game compact’s mid-engine and rear-wheel drive format. A smaller crowd amicably refers to it as a “mister two“, in a dad joke kind of means.

The newest trade ramblings now appear to point that the MR2 is extra more likely to retain a extra intimate reference to its heritage, and two faculties of thought are rising from the kerfuffle. One, is that the brand new MR2 will characteristic some iteration of the 1.6L turbocharged 3-cylinder engine utilized in GR Corolla, which looks as if a smart marriage in all honesty.

Teamwork Makes The Dream Work

Breaking information signifies that growth would possibly find yourself changing into a syndicated endeavor involving Toyota and two subsidiary corporations—Suzuki and Daihatsu—with the previous renown for constructing each compact vehicles and compact engines. With this newest information, it additionally appears to be like as if there would be the provision to supply the platform with a handbook transmission. Good.

These components will likely be crucial from each an emissions and efficiency perspective, as Toyota will try to deal with each side of the equation with the identical fervor. Daihatsu is claimed to be taking part in a key position within the normal design course of, whereas some longshot speculations have proposed {that a} partnership with Porsche can also be on the playing cards. Now, wouldn’t that be fascinating?

Rendering by carscoops – nothing official but on the subject of the way it would possibly look, however right here’s a beautiful interpretation of the upcoming MR2 full with all of the GR fixings

The Future Is What They’ll Make Of It

At this level, we are able to say that there are fairly good odds that the ‘MR2‘ title plate will make its return for a Fifth-gen run, with sure sources saying it may arrive as quickly because the 2025 mannequin 12 months. It’s slightly bit tougher to foretell in earnest how intently it should embody the spirit of MR2s passed by, however the newest information signifies that we are able to count on good issues from Toyota. The aforementioned collaborations depart the door open for a wide range of engine and trim choices. Don’t be shocked if there’s a Lexus spin-off down the highway both.

Can the brand new Toyota MR2 be as charismatic as its predecessors? We’ll simply have to attend and see…

Afterall, sports activities automobile lovers have been eager for the return of an accessible mid-engine efficiency automobile since, effectively, the final MR2. Some would say that the MR-S needs to be a part of the dialog, nevertheless it was by no means fairly the hit again then, nor has it ever managed to usurp the MR2 and its timeless stature.

If something, the Pontiac Fiero needs to be getting an honorable point out right here as a pioneer on this house, and it wouldn’t be till Toyota injected their repute for construct high quality into this goal that we really have been capable of expertise exceptional mid-ship efficiency at an inexpensive worth—these days look like on their means again, if every part falls into place because it ought to. Keep tuned!