The Toyota The GR range is one of the most exciting in the sports and performance car world right now. The line includes models such as the GR Yaris, GR Corolla and GR Supra plus the GR86.
While the GR family already looks good, new Toyota CEO Koji Sato has suggested that more GR sports cars will come in the future, according to Autocar. What this could mean is the return of the Toyota MR2, a car we last saw in 2007.
Rumors have been flying about what form a new MR2 could take, with a possible electric version on the horizon. But the addition of new cars to the Toyota GR range is very exciting in itself as Toyota looks to keep sports cars firmly on the map. This is great in a rapidly changing automotive world.
Toyota Sports Car Fanatic CEO wants to expand the GR family
Autocar’s report includes quotes from Sato, and he is keen to keep sports cars firmly part of the Toyota range. He said that “The Gazoo brand will be recognized for the future, and maybe we can even accelerate it.” Sato took over as CEO and president of Toyota from Akio Toyoda, who has now become the chairman. Toyoda himself is a sports car fanatic, and Sato has suggested that he will now have more time to develop dominant sports cars for the Gazoo Racing range.
The GR range already includes some spectacular cars. The GR Corolla is the latest to arrive in the lineup. While firm favorites like the GR86, Supra and Yaris continue to shine. The GR Supra recently received a manual transmission, proving that Toyota still has some love for the endangered clutch pedal.
This is also something that has been highlighted by the fact that the 2024 Tacoma pickup truck will also have a manual transmission. But an extended GR range may even see the MR2 return. And there are plenty of rumors about what will be under the hood of the new MR2.
Will there be a new Toyota MR2 sports car?
Rumors have been flying for at least a year about what form a new MR2 might take. Some of those coming from Japan suggested that there will be a 138 hp engine under the hood. And that will be combined with a hybrid powertrain to get more performance. Potentially, the total power output could be about the same as the GR86. Lotus is rumored to become a partner for the next-generation MR2, with a design based on the electric sports car concept from 2021.
This would see a 3.0-liter hybrid powertrain under the hood of the new sports car. But we also know that the electric concept suggests that the new MR2 will carry electric power if it actually comes to fruition. The concept sported the GR badge, suggesting a new two-seater sports car is coming to the GR range at some point. The question is whether this is an all-electric MR2 or a hybrid. But the GR range is the perfect stage to introduce a new MR2 regardless of what’s under the sports car’s hood.
What makes the Toyota GR line of sports cars so cool?
Sports cars are a rarer breed than they used to be. So to see Toyota’s range still full of them and other performance cars is incredibly refreshing. The GR range is arguably the strongest range of performance cars from any manufacturer today. The GR Yaris is a globally acclaimed hot hatch that defies all expectations, while the GR86 is just as satisfying.
The GR Supra has grown into itself and has become very respectable. And the addition of a manual transmission means the gears can have even more fun. Manuals clearly have life. It’s remarkable to think that the GR range can still be strengthened. Not to forget the GR Corolla, another hot hatch that has been garnering applause since its unveiling. Even if the new MR2 is electric, there’s still plenty to get excited about.
Why should Toyota make a new GR MR2?
While the rumors continue to fly, we live in hope that we will get our hands on a new Toyota MR2 at some point. Rumors would suggest that something is stirring at Toyota regarding a new MR2. And it certainly helps if your new boss is a big fan of sports cars.
Gearheads, of course, would prefer at least some hybrid power. But an electric MR2 would be a fascinating glimpse into the future of sports cars as a whole. If it’s anything like the 2021 concept as well, it’ll be a very spectacular addition to the GR range, further increasing its strength.
