Toyota’s Mid-Engine Sports Car Has Encountered a Significant Setback | Carscoops

      The mid-engine GR Yaris M concept has encountered several challenges, which may affect the anticipated MR2 revival.

      Toyota has acknowledged experiencing difficulties with the GR Yaris M concept, specifically regarding “braking, steering, and driving.” These issues prevented the car from racing at Autopolis last weekend.

      Unveiled at the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon, the GR Yaris M concept resembles the standard model but is equipped with a mid-mounted turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The purpose of this concept was to “explore the potential of the GR Yaris” and compete in the Super Taikyu Series to collect feedback under “extreme racing conditions.” However, nearly seven months later, progress has stalled.

      In a racing update, Toyota briefly discussed the GR Yaris M, stating that it is “undergoing full team development to explore more possibilities for the GR Yaris, with aims to participate in the Super Taikyu Series.” They acknowledged that “many challenges have been identified.”

      The company is working on resolving these issues but noted that “midship-mounted vehicles present unique difficulties in braking, steering, and driving.” Consequently, the car was unable to compete at Autopolis last weekend.

      Toyota opted to skip the race to allow for further refinement of the vehicle. Despite the setback, they intend to participate in future races as part of their commitment to developing better “motorsports-bred cars.”

      While this transparency is appreciated, the challenges are disheartening, especially given rumors about the concept potentially serving as a testing platform for a new MR2 and its engine, suggesting that any delays or issues could affect upcoming production models.