10 Reasons We’re Excited About The Upcoming Toyota MR2 Sports Car

Toyota’s sports car resurgence is nothing short of thrilling. With the revival of iconic models like the 86 and the Supra, they’ve proven they still know how to create automotive magic. But the excitement doesn’t stop there. It’s quite possible that the legendary MR2 is making a comeback, slated for a release in the next few years as per speculation. For those who remember the original MR2 – a compact, mid-engine sensation that delivered quality across three generations – this news is electrifying.

RELATED: Why This Mid-Engined Toyota MR2 Is One Of The Last Affordable Japanese Sports Cars Left

While the market brims with sports cars, there’s a notable gap for an affordable, mid-engine option. Toyota seems poised to address this void, fueled by its Sports EV concept and potential collaborations within the industry. With the stage set, anticipation builds for the MR2’s return. Here are some of the most thrilling features of the new Toyota MR2 that may change the game forever.

10 The New MR2 May Not Get A Toyota Engine

The 2024 MR2, continuing Toyota’s collaborative trend, may join hands with Suzuki and Daihatsu. Toyota owns 4.9% of Suzuki and wholly owns Daihatsu, making Suzuki a likely engine source. The spotlight is on Suzuki’s 1.0-liter turbocharged inline-three engine, which can typically offer an output of 109 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque. However, it is also rumored that for the MR2, this engine may be tweaked all the way up to provide as much as 150 horsepower.

Expected MR2 Engine Specs

Toyota’s history of partnerships, like with BMW for the Supra and Subaru for the GT86, may lead to the MR2 leveraging Suzuki’s engine expertise. The reliable K10C engine, in use since 2015, could potentially feature mild hybrid technology to reduce turbo lag.

9 The 2024 MR2 May Bring Manual Transmission Back

Car enthusiasts always perk up when a new vehicle comes with a manual transmission. Many affordable sports cars, particularly from German and Italian manufacturers, have moved away from manuals. The manual transmission is still available in some American cars, but it appears to be fading away.

On the flip side, Japanese sports cars are still manuals, with models like the new Z, Mazda MX-5 Miata, and certain Toyota sports cars. Interestingly, Toyota initially didn’t offer a manual for the new Supra, but fan demand led to its creation, reportedly surpassing BMW’s manual in quality. There’s currently speculation that the new MR2 Toyota will possibly get a manual transmission, which would be the perfect addition to get the best out of this sports car for racing enthusiasts.

8 The New MR2 May Also Get An Optional Lotus Engine

A potential collaboration could see Lotus supplying power to the Toyota MR2, reminiscent of their past partnerships, such as the Lotus Evora’s use of Toyota’s 3.5-liter V6 in 2016. Lotus recently introduced the Emira, seen as the spiritual successor to the iconic MR2. The Emira offers two engines: a 360-horsepower Mercedes-AMG 2.0-liter turbo-four and a 400-horsepower Toyota 3.5-liter turbo-six.

Possible Lotus Engine Options For The MR2

That is all we have heard as of now. However, aligning the more expensive Emira’s V6 with the affordable MR2 seems challenging. It could be possible that this engine could be kept as an optional upgrade, available for those who are willing to pay a premium.

7 We May See Some Built In Porsche Components In The MR2

The 2025 Toyota MR2 is generating buzz in Japan, with varied speculations. Some mention a Suzuki-designed engine, while others suggest Porsche involvement. There are also reports that Toyota is exploring partnerships with Porsche and Lotus to honor the MR2’s legacy.

Today, collaboration is common among automakers. If Porsche contributes its hybrid tech, like the Cayenne’s, the MR2 could be a revolutionary sports car. A logical choice is a hybrid setup, blending the engine configuration with an Electric Motor, 5-speed Manual Transmission, and All-Wheel Drive. With tweaks, possibly from Gazoo Racing, the 2025 MR2 could shine in the sports car segment.

RELATED: Here’s Why The Toyota MR2 Mid-Engine Sportscar Will Never Let You Down

6 The Upcoming MR2 Will Be Surprisingly Quick

The 2025 Toyota MR2 is taking a unique approach, similar to the GR86 and GR Supra. It won’t be all about the numbers, but that doesn’t mean it won’t pack a punch. Toyota’s next-gen mid-engine sports car aims for a light 2,000 to 2,200-pound weight despite its 150 horsepower. Toyota is considering partnering with Suzuki for this venture.

Curb Weight Comparison

The original AW10/11 Toyota MR2 in 1986 could sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds, even though it was heavier at 2,494 pounds in its supercharged form. If Toyota is planning to make this MR2 lighter, this could only mean that we could possibly see an insane 0 to 60 mph time, which will make it one of the quickest compact sports cars around.

5 We May Get To See An MR2 Twin

Apart from Toyota’s plans to make it one of the lightest sports cars and use Suzuki’s expertise in this regard, there are also reports that we may also see a Suzuki-badged twin of the upcoming MR2. This has happened before with the GT/GR86 and the Subaru BRZ. It won’t be a surprise at all, since Suzuki is accustomed to making affordable vehicles and Toyota is planning to keep the new MR2 pocket-friendly.

On top of this, a Japanese publication has also suggested that Daihatsu might also join the bandwagon with their own rebadged version of the sports car. With that being said, we’re certain that the Toyota version will definitely be the more upscale variant of the MR2 with the likes of Daihatsu and Suzuki targeting lower price brackets.

4 The New MR2 Will Be A Hybrid Sports Car

The latest insights from Best Car Web’s Japanese publication provide more details on the collaborative MR2 project. They suggest Suzuki’s K10C engine will be enhanced and incorporated into a mild-hybrid setup. It’s also being reported that a sufficiently powered electric motor will be part of this setup, aiming to ensure consistent power delivery, mitigating turbo lag and gear changes.

While this news does seem to deviate slightly from Toyota’s initial goal of an ultra-lightweight sports car, it aligns with stricter emissions standards. Importantly, a mild hybrid represents the lightest hybrid option, ensuring the MR2 maintains its focus on agility and performance.

3 The New MR2 Will Get A Specially-Tailored Suspension

In the world of sports cars, a well-tuned suspension is as vital as a powerful engine. Handling poorly in a fast car can be downright scary. Speculation surrounds the MR2’s suspension setup, hinting that the front suspension might borrow from the Yaris, likely the GR variant, while everything else will be brand new.

This approach aligns with the MR2’s unique mid-engine platform, which is not seen in Toyota’s current lineup. A specially tailored suspension is essential to optimize performance for a mid-engine vehicle. Given the MR2’s lightweight and compact profile, expect the use of narrower tires and lighter components for agility.

2 The 2024 MR2 Will Be The Safest Sports Car Around

Safety will be paramount in the upcoming Toyota MR2, as it aims to offer extensive protective features for both drivers and passengers. Equipped with advanced systems, the new MR2 might offer top-of-the-line safety features, much like all other existing Toyota cars across the globe.

Expected Safety Features In The New MR2

• Blind-spot monitoring
• Forward collision warning
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Lane-keeping assist
• Automatic emergency braking system
• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Advance Airbags System
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Pedestrian Detection
• 360-degree Rearview Camera

There’s no update on whether the upcoming MR2 will get the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. However, since Toyota is moving towards safer cars overall, we may see heightened safety features in the compact sports car, which will be something new for the segment.

1 The 2025 MR-2: An Affordable Enthusiast’s Dream

Toyota aims to keep the new MR2 refreshingly affordable. They’re teaming up with Suzuki and Daihatsu as reported previously, leveraging shared resources to achieve this goal. Expected to start around 2.2 to 2.8 million yen in Japan (approximately $16,000 to $21,000), the MR2 will prioritize affordability.

Price Point Comparison

While this might limit trim options for a lightweight, minimalist sports car, a starting price of around $16,000 makes it attractive for those seeking a robust and thrilling sports car experience which is unlikely to be found at the same price point in the segment.