Toyota has filed trademarks in Japan and Australia for the names MR2 and MR-S, raising speculation about a possible revival of its iconic mid-engine sports car. The automaker’s latest moves follow years of hints that it might bring back the model.
Key Takeaways
- Toyota has filed trademarks for MR2 and MR-S in Japan and Australia, respectively.
- The company introduced several mid-engine concept cars over recent years, including a Yaris M Concept with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine.
- Toyota hasn’t confirmed the return of the MR2 or provided any timeline, but enthusiasts hope to see it by 2027-28.
The trademarks come as Toyota continues its tradition of developing sports cars with a focus on performance and engineering innovation. The automaker has been teasing potential future models through anime series like Grip and concept vehicles such as the Sports EV, FT-Se Concept, and Yaris M Concept.
Toyota’s MR2 was originally produced from 1985 to 2007 across three generations, featuring a range of engines including a 1.8-liter four-cylinder unit in its final iteration. It started at $25,685 for the 1984 model year, which is equivalent to around $43,158 today.
While Toyota hasn’t confirmed if MR-S will be a separate name or variant of the potential new sports car, it’s clear that the automaker sees value in reviving its legacy models. Competitors like Nissan and Mazda have also shown interest in mid-engine sports cars with their 370Z Nismo and MX-5 Miata, respectively.
Toyota’s latest trademarks suggest a focus on performance-oriented vehicles as it continues to innovate within the automotive industry. However, enthusiasts will need patience as there’s no official word yet from Toyota regarding production plans or timelines for these models.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the last time Toyota produced an MR2?
The third generation of the Toyota MR2 ended in 2007, with production stopping after the 2005 model year for North America.
What engines did previous versions of the MR2 use?
Prior to its discontinuation, the final version used a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that produced around 138 horsepower.
The filing of these trademarks shows Toyota’s interest in reviving or updating classic models but doesn’t provide concrete details about future production plans for an MR2 or MR-S model.
