New Toyota MR2 Set to Arrive Earlier Than Expected
According to reports, the development of the new Toyota MR2 is progressing faster than initially anticipated. While a typical four-year development cycle would suggest a release around 2028, Toyota may expedite the process to ensure the MR2 hits the market sooner. This accelerated timeline is driven by the impending restrictions on the sale of pure-petrol cars in key markets like the UK and the EU, set for 2030 and 2035 respectively.
The earlier arrival of the MR2 would not only align with these regulatory changes but also fill the void left by the current-generation Supra in Toyota’s line-up. The A90 Final Edition of the Supra, limited to just 300 units worldwide, was recently unveiled, hinting at a potential successor in the works.
Reports from Japanese publication Best Car suggest that the new Supra is slated for a 2027 debut, likely featuring a hybridized version of the G20E engine with rear-wheel drive. This configuration aims to set the Supra apart from the Celica while improving efficiency, a key factor in the car’s performance in GT4 racing.
The Celica, expected to be the first of the trio to launch, is rumored to adopt a front-mounted powerplant with four-wheel drive. Best Car speculates that it could revive the iconic GT-Four moniker, paying homage to the Celica’s rally heritage from the 1980s and 1990s.
Excitingly, there are whispers of a potential return to the World Rally Championship for the Celica, as the FIA has expanded regulations to allow a wider range of body styles starting in 2027. This includes saloons, hatchbacks, SUVs, and even “bespoke” designs, opening up new possibilities for manufacturers to showcase their performance capabilities on the rally stage.
