The Revived Toyota MR2 Might Not Come Out For A While

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It’s unusual to hear Toyota is having some big engineering problems, but that’s apparently holding up the new MR2. Usually, the Japanese automaker has an aura of never messing anything up, always sticking the landing with developing new vehicles, and creating some of the most reliable cars on the market.

Toyota records record sales while Nissan suffers.

But it’s reportedly struggling with the mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout which would be used in the future MR2 sports car.

Not surprisingly, the test bed for that platform is being used in motorsports. For a long time, automakers have used racing as a way to truly test new designs, seeing how they react under repeated stress.

Early this year, Toyota unveiled its GR Yaris M Concept, which relocates the engine from under the hood to right behind the front seats. As you might expect, the concept is also RWD. The plan was to enter it into the Super Taikyu endurance series.

People got excited as some Toyota executives hinted at the concept’s platform being used to finally develop a new MR2. Enthusiasts are understandably hungry for an affordable mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car, since that layout usually means exotic pricing.

But last weekend it was revealed the GT Yaris M Concept wouldn’t enter the fifth contest in the Super Taikyu series thanks to “difficulties unique to midship-mounted vehicles in terms of braking, steering, and driving.” That’s what Toyota is telling the media, and it sounds not good.

At least Toyota isn’t pulling the plug on the concept racecar, as it says it will put it back on the track. But the question of when that will happen doesn’t have an answer at the moment.

Speculation is that this engineering setback with the Yaris M could mean a delay in developing, then launching the new Toyota MR2.

It shouldn’t affect the upcoming Celica, though, because even though that car is supposed to use the same engine, it should have the mill mounted up front, so the above-cited problems don’t apply to it.

Images via Toyota

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