Who would’ve thought that it would be Toyota to lead the charge in Japanese sports cars? It would’ve been unimaginable 15 years ago, but its chairman, Akio Toyoda, did promise that they wouldn’t make boring cars anymore.
Fast forward to today and the company is one of the leaders in motorsports and attainable performance cars. At the same time, it’s keen on reviving esteemed sporting nameplates from its storied history.
While there’s no official word yet, Toyota has practically admitted that it’s working on a Celica revival. On top of that, it also seems like they want to bring back the MR2. Yes please.
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Recently, Japan’s largest automaker has registered the MR2 trademark twice in the last six months. The first application was filed back in November 2024 in the US, while the second was on April 18, 2025 in the African Intellectual Property Organization. Prior to those, the Toyota MR2 name was last trademarked in 2004.
It’s a glimmer of hope for fans of the mid-engined sports car. At the same time, Toyota may have dropped hints prior to this development. Earlier this year, the company displayed a mid-engined GR Yaris prototype featuring its new 2.0-liter turbo at the Tokyo Auto Salon. Then, if you go back to November 2024, Toyota released an anime that saw the words Supra Mk. 6, Celica Mk. 8, GR86 Mk. 3, and MR2 Mk. 4 in one scene.
But the biggest signal of intention was way back in 2023. During the Japan Mobility Show of that year, Toyota showed off the FT-Se concept, hinting that it wanted a low-slung sports car in its lineup soon. It was touted as an EV, but knowing Toyota’s commitment to saving internal combustion, the real deal could have a turbocharged four-cylinder…but that’s if the MR2 revival plans push through.
It’ll be a massive challenge, though. Unlike the Supra, GR86, GR Yaris, and GR Corolla, the MR2 won’t have a car to share a platform with. After all, Toyota doesn’t have anything mid-engined in its stable unless you count the flatnose Hiace. Obviously, that can’t be the basis of a new MR2. But if Toyota manages to overcome that hurdle, it’ll be a massive deal, indeed.
We’re rooting for you, Toyota.
