Who would have thought Toyota would become the champion of performance cars? Yet, with models like the GR Yaris, GR Corolla, and GR 86, the brand has firmly established itself as a driving enthusiast’s favorite. Now, Gazoo Racing has hinted at the return of some of its most iconic models.
Last November, Toyota’s Chief Technology Officer confirmed that the Celica is making a comeback. There’s even speculation about the MR2, as its name appeared in the first episode of Toyota’s Grip anime series. Adding to the excitement, an executive from Toyota Australia has reassured fans that these beloved performance models aren’t going anywhere.
In an interview with Auto Sales Magazine, Toyota Australia’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing made a bold statement: “Internal combustion engines and manual transmissions will be around for a long time.” He emphasized that even as the industry shifts toward electrification, Toyota—ranked the world’s number-one automaker for five consecutive years—understands the deep emotional connection enthusiasts have with traditional engines.
The executive was clear about GR’s direction: “Even as we move toward electrification, there will always be a place for hardcore performance car enthusiasts. They are not a dying breed.”
He elaborated further: “While we focus on electrifying future models, GR will continue to deliver the sound, smell, and feel of internal combustion engines—we all love the sound of gunfire.” Toyota fans can rest assured: the brand won’t rely on artificial engine sounds or gasoline-scented fragrances in its electric vehicles.
Toyota’s vision for Gazoo Racing is to create “a one-stop shop for every car and performance enthusiast.” To extend the life of internal combustion engines, GR is investing in synthetic fuels. Additionally, the company is exploring hydrogen-powered performance models while also considering electric sports cars—best exemplified by the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive FT-Se concept.
The Toyota Australia executive also teased the Yaris M Concept, showcased at this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon: “I’ll let you guess what this might mean, but who knows what the future holds?”
This high-performance hatchback swaps its 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine for a 2.0-liter four-cylinder mounted behind the seats. While its connection to a possible MR2 revival remains unclear, Toyota has confirmed that its next generation of performance models will feature a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
Dubbed the G20E, this engine supports both transverse and longitudinal layouts, making it suitable for various sports cars. Rumored to produce over 400 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque, its racing application could push those numbers even higher.
Toyota has also reassured fans that the Supra nameplate will continue, even after the current A90 model is retired. However, it’s uncertain whether Toyota will collaborate with another manufacturer for the next-generation Supra. Some reports—such as those from Best Car magazine—suggest a possible partnership with Mazda, which is also planning to revive the RX series. While intriguing, such rumors should be taken with caution.
Meanwhile, Toyota is developing a high-performance supercar, codenamed LFR (final name TBD). This model will feature a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8, likely under the Lexus badge. However, its GT3 racing variant may compete under Toyota’s name. Among the upcoming GR models, the LFR is expected to debut first. Road tests are already underway, and sources suggest an official launch later this year.
