Toyota Revealed an Unexpected Mid-Engine Two-Seater: TDS

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      Good morning and welcome to The Downshift, or TDS for short.

      TDS is concise, engaging, and packed with information. It compiles the latest global automotive news and presents it all in one place. Each story is summarized in a single, sometimes lengthy sentence, with a link provided for those wanting more details.

      We’ve made it through the first week post-holiday break, and it has been a busy week as automakers resumed activity. We appreciate your ongoing feedback and tips. Feel free to contact us anytime at [email protected].

      I've finished my first cup of coffee, and a second is definitely necessary, so let’s dive in.

      🚘 What I’m driving: I’m continuing my week with the 2026 Polestar 4 as I head into the weekend. I must say, I really appreciate its design both inside and out. However, I’m quite firm on my stance against mainstream cars lacking a real rear window and relying solely on a digital rearview mirror camera stream. The angles and perspective are just not right in parking lot situations, and it's particularly problematic at night in dark conditions.

      😔 Earlier this week, Akio Toyoda, Toyota's Chairman and his racing persona Morizo, announced that a mid-engine two-seater would make its debut on Friday at the 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon. However, the car, which many expected to utilize the Toyota GR MR2 trademark, turned out to be a modified Daihatsu Kei truck, likely disappointing enthusiasts, although they can take comfort in knowing that a Celica is in the pipeline and that the trademark is expected to be utilized at some point.

      🔥 Toyota further stirred excitement among U.S. enthusiasts with the introduction of a GR Yaris Morizo RR, which can essentially be likened to the 911 GT3 RS of hot hatchbacks from the Japanese brand.

      💥 Honda unveiled a Civic Type R HRC Concept at the 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon alongside a Prelude HRC Concept; the former will likely feature similar enhancements as the Acura Integra Type S with HRC modifications from over a year ago.

      😢 Subaru hinted at the return of the STI nameplate on the WRX during the holidays but then revealed a prototype referred to as a concept. The WRX STI Sport# prototype is a Japan-only WRX S4 STI that replaces the current CVT with a manual transmission.

      🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 The chairman of the Audi National Dealer Council stated that the forthcoming three-row Q9 flagship SUV, set to debut this year, will include six captain's chairs and referred to it as “the vehicle for soccer moms that we've been unable to offer.”

      💰 The 2027 Kia Telluride will retail at $40,735 with a $1,545 destination fee when it hits dealerships later this year.

      💸 GM announced it would be writing off $7.1 billion as a loss as it adjusts EV production in response to market conditions.

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