Toyoda's Mid-Engine Sports Car SHOCKS Industry! What Happens Next?!

Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda, a man who clearly knows how to keep us guessing, is reportedly set to debut a rather intriguing addition to his personal collection at the upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon. And, get this, it's supposedly a mid-engine sports car. Now, that's something to get the petrolheads buzzing.

Toyoda's Mid-Engine Sports Car SHOCKS Industry! Wh...

Details, of course, are scarcer than hens' teeth. Toyota is playing this one close to the vest, releasing absolutely no teaser images or official statements confirming exactly what Mr. Toyoda has cooked up. All we know is that it's a two-seater, mid-engine design scheduled for a 2026 unveiling. The rumor mill, naturally, is working overtime.

The leading theory centers around a heavily customized version of the GR Yaris M, a mid-engine hot hatch that's been making waves in testing circles. This pocket rocket is rumored to be a rolling laboratory for Toyota's new "G20E" 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, an absolute monster said to be capable of churning out over 400 horsepower. Imagine that kind of power in a Yaris! While the GR Yaris M itself isn't likely to hit showrooms anytime soon, this powertrain is expected to become a cornerstone of Toyota's future performance lineup.

Now, the real speculation begins. Could this mean the long-awaited return of the MR2 or Celica? Toyota has certainly dropped hints about reviving those iconic names. And almost everyone is betting this engine will power the next-generation Supra, finally liberating it from its BMW-sourced origins. A mid-engine Supra? Yes, please!

Alternatively, and this is where things get really interesting, what if it's not even a Toyota creation initially? Remember the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon when Toyoda showed up in his own Suzuki Jimny? Perhaps he's gone rogue and acquired something like a Porsche Cayman GT4 or Boxster Spyder RS before Porsche pulled the plug on the 718. A man of his stature certainly has the means.

Whatever it is, the unveiling isn't likely to be a production model ready for dealership floors. The GR GT supercar is expected to be the star of the show, and launching another sports car alongside it would feel a bit… counterproductive. My gut tells me this is more about signaling intent. Toyoda is clearly passionate about keeping the spirit of performance cars alive at Toyota.

While a brand-new MR2 isn't expected to debut next week, this mysterious mid-engine machine could very well be a sign that Toyota is planning to slot a new mid-engine offering *below* the GR GT in their lineup. We'll be watching closely, ready to report back with the full scoop. Stay tuned!