Toyota Is Quietly Building A Mid-Engined, All-Wheel-Drive Sports Car

June 10, 2026 - 17:32

Toyota is working on a new mid-engine sports car with all-wheel drive, but fans will have to wait several years before it reaches showrooms. The project, widely believed to be the successor to the iconic MR2, has been the subject of speculation for years. However, recent reports indicate that the Japanese automaker is actively developing the vehicle, though it remains in the early stages of design and engineering.

The new model is expected to feature a compact, lightweight platform with the engine positioned behind the driver, a layout that made the original MR2 famous for its sharp handling. Unlike its predecessor, which was rear-wheel drive, the upcoming car will reportedly use an all-wheel-drive system. This change could improve traction and stability, making it more competitive with modern sports cars like the Porsche 718 Cayman or even the Toyota GR Supra.

Toyota has not officially confirmed the project, but insiders suggest the car could debut sometime after 2025. The company has been reviving its performance lineup with models like the GR Yaris and GR Corolla, both of which use all-wheel drive and turbocharged engines. A mid-engine sports car would complete the lineup, offering a pure driver-focused experience.

While details remain scarce, the car is expected to borrow technology from Toyota's hybrid systems, possibly combining a small gasoline engine with electric motors for added power and efficiency. This would align with Toyota's broader push toward electrification, though a fully electric version seems unlikely at this stage.

For now, enthusiasts will have to be patient. The car is still years away from production, and Toyota is likely taking its time to ensure it meets the high expectations set by the MR2 name. When it finally arrives, it could be one of the most exciting affordable sports cars in decades.