Toyota is electrifying the automotive world with plans for a sports car renaissance, and the revival of the beloved MR2 is sending enthusiasts into overdrive. While new iterations of the GR Supra and GR86 are already generating buzz for their upcoming 2025 releases, whispers of a resurrected MR2 sports coupe – a model absent since 2007 – are capturing imaginations worldwide. According to Japan’s Best Car magazine, the next-generation MR2 might just pay homage to Italian icons in a surprising and thrilling way.
Initial expectations pointed towards the futuristic, all-electric FT-Se concept, unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show, as the blueprint for the MR2’s comeback. However, recent insights from Best Car’s scoop hunters suggest Toyota is taking a different, arguably more traditional, route. Instead of full electrification, the new MR2 is rumored to retain its signature mid-engine layout, but with a powerplant borrowed from an unexpected source: the award-winning GR Yaris. This rally-bred, 1.6-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine, known for delivering a potent 320 horsepower, could inject a significant dose of performance into the reborn MR2.
A Nod to Ferrari Heritage
The second-generation MR2, launched in 1989, quickly earned the affectionate nickname “the poor man’s Ferrari.” This moniker stemmed from its striking resemblance to Ferrari’s 308 GTB, boasting similar proportions and seductive curves. That generation paved the way for the third iteration in 1999, which ultimately ceased production in 2007. Now, as Toyota prepares to potentially unleash a new MR2 in 2026, it appears history might be repeating itself in terms of design inspiration.
While the FT-Se concept hinted at a Lotus Evora-esque aesthetic, Best Car suggests the production MR2 concept will lean more heavily into Ferrari’s design language, specifically drawing nuances from the stunning Ferrari 296 GTB. This blend of Italian flair with perhaps subtle Lotus undertones promises a visually captivating sports car. The mid-engine configuration allows designers greater freedom to sculpt an eye-catching silhouette, and the rumored Ferrari influence suggests Toyota is aiming for a design that is both beautiful and impactful.
Exclusive Performance and Pricing
Set to potentially arrive in showrooms in 2026, the next-generation MR2 is anticipated to be produced in limited numbers by Toyota’s in-house GRMN (Gazoo Racing tuned by Meister of Nurburgring) studio. This exclusive production run hints at Toyota’s intention to maintain a degree of exclusivity and justify a premium price point, rumored to be upwards of $65,000.
This positions the new MR2 as a high-end offering, reflecting its performance aspirations and limited availability. The combination of a potent GR Yaris-derived engine, a striking Ferrari-inspired design, and the exclusivity of GRMN production suggests Toyota is aiming to create a truly special and desirable sports car with the resurrected MR2. Enthusiasts eagerly await official confirmation and further details about this exciting potential addition to Toyota’s GR lineup.
