2028 Toyota MR2 – Everything We Know So Far

Toyota has not officially announced the return of the MR2, but the evidence surrounding a new mid engine sports car is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. Toyota Gazoo Racing is already testing technology that could provide the foundation for a modern successor, and our exclusive DPCcars renders imagine how a production version could look.

One of the biggest clues is the GR Yaris M Concept, an experimental machine with Toyota’s new G20E 2.0 liter turbocharged 4 cylinder engine mounted behind the driver. Toyota is using motorsport to develop this unusual layout, giving engineers valuable experience with cooling, weight distribution, handling and durability.

The G20E engine is especially interesting. Reports suggest Toyota designed the compact turbocharged engine with considerable performance potential, with output beyond 400 horsepower possible depending on its final application. Toyota has also experimented with a mid engine 4 wheel drive configuration, which could give a future MR2 dramatically different capabilities from its rear wheel drive predecessors.

Recent reports have pointed toward a possible 2028 introduction, although the timeline remains uncertain. Toyota has not confirmed the production name, specifications, horsepower or launch date, so much of the MR2 discussion remains based on development activity and industry reports.

Our DPCcars renders take inspiration from the Toyota FT-Se concept while imagining a more production ready combustion powered sports car. The result is a compact, low and wide machine with aggressive cooling openings, pronounced rear haunches and proportions suited to a mid mounted engine.

If Toyota does revive the MR2 using its latest Gazoo Racing technology, it could become one of the most interesting Japanese performance cars of the decade.