Mid-Engine Toyota GR Yaris M Concept at 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon

The Toyota Yaris may traditionally be seen as a budget-friendly compact car, but the GR Yaris flips that script entirely. This high-performance version is a beast in its own right, boasting three hundred horsepower and an all-wheel-drive system. It is capable of holding its own against its sibling, the larger GR Corolla, which features the same three-cylinder, 1.6-liter engine. However, Toyota has taken things to an entirely new level for the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon by unveiling a mid-engine version of the GR Yaris.

This experimental model, called the GR Yaris M Concept, replaces the standard "G16E-GTS" engine with a larger, turbocharged "G20E" engine. This four-cylinder, two-liter powerhouse signals Toyota’s ambition to develop a new family of high-performance engines. Toyota refers to this engine as “underdeveloped,” suggesting it is still in the testing phase. The drivetrain configuration remains unclear, leaving enthusiasts wondering if it is rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive.

Although the idea of a mid-engine GR Yaris is thrilling, it is unlikely to hit production lines. This layout seems better suited for a dedicated sports car, possibly hinting at Toyota’s rumored plans to revive the MR2. Speculation also suggests this engine could find its way into other future Gazoo Racing vehicles, including a potential comeback for the Celica or the continuation of the Supra.

For now, Toyota is taking the GR Yaris M Concept to the track. It will participate in the Super Taikyu Series, where it will face rigorous racing conditions to test its limits, fail, and be repaired—an essential step in refining its performance.

#toyotagryaris, #midenginesports, #2025tokyoautosalon

[NetshadeX]

A powerful mid engine for such a compact car with that short of a wheel base. That's asking a lot of skill from the driver. I predict a lot of these cars will end up on scrapyards prematurely.