Toyota recently resurrected the Supra and now it appears the company could do the same to the MR2.

Nothing appears to be set in stone, but Car & Driver suggests the MR2 could return in the future and complete Akio Toyoda’s dream of having a sports car lineup that consists of three different models.

Details are limited, but the publication suggests car is still several years off and won’t arrive until 2024 at the earliest. That’s a long ways away and little is known about the model at this point.

However, the publication noted the company has partnered with BMW and Subaru to create the Supra and 86. With that in mind, they believe the MR2 revival could potentially involve a partnership with another automaker. That remains unclear and so does the MR2’s powertrain.

Toyota has previously said it intends to offer an electrified version of all its models by around 2025. Given this, it’s likely the MR2 would at least be offered with a hybrid powertrain. Of course, there’s also the possibility of conventionally powered variant and even the chance that the vehicle could be an EV.

If the model does indeed use the MR2 moniker, it would likely embrace some of the things that made the original so great. These would likely include a low curb weight, sporty handling and a stylish design.

Electric vehicles aren’t known for being particularly lightweight and that would definitely be a challenge if Toyota decided to go that route. However, the publication seemed to suggest this is the most likely option and the even mentioned the possibility that the MR2 could be positioned as a rival to an electric Porsche Boxster and Cayman. That sounds a bit odd, as Toyota already bills the Supra as a Cayman competitor, but C&D says the MR2 would cost less than $45,000. Assuming, it comes at all.

Toyota once had a reputation for only making boring cars, but the company's sports car lineup keeps getting better and better with the reborn GR Supra, the new and improved 86, and the rally-inspired GR Yaris pocket rocket. But some enthusiasts are still clamoring for the Toyota MR2 to return after the Japanese mid-engine sports car was discontinued back in 2007.

There have been conflicting reports about Toyota's plans for the MR2. Rumors have suggested the MR2 will make a comeback, but last year Toyota's vice president of Europe, Matt Harrison debunked these rumors when he said a new MR2 is "not a priority." One year later, the Toyota MR2 rumor mill is in full swing again.

According to Japan's Spyder7, the development of a new Toyota MR2 has been given the green light. Allegedly, the next-generation MR2 will be inspired by the Toyota Alessandro Volta, a concept that debuted way back in 2004 at the Geneva Motor Show. If the report is true, the new MR2 will look sharper and more aggressive than its humble-looking predecessor.

However, in an industry where sports car sales are declining, justifying the resources required to build a new sports car like the MR2 won't be easy. To reduce costs, Toyota teamed up with BMW to jointly develop the GR Supra, which shares components with the BMW Z4. Likewise, the new Toyota 86 was co-developed with Subaru.

According to the publication, Toyota wants to adopt a similar strategy for the new MR2 and is looking for a technical partner to help resurrect the mid-engine sports car. Allegedly, Toyota has approached Porsche and Lotus.

As for the powertrain, the publication claims the new MR2 will be a plug-in hybrid combining either a 2.9-liter or 3.0-liter V6 with an electric motor to produce a combined output of 345-395 hp. That would put it in Nissan Z territory. In Japan, the new MR2 is expected to cost around six million yen ($52,700). This would slot it above the Toyota GR Supra, which starts at $40,000 in the US.

If development goes according to plan, the new Toyota MR2 will launch in 2024, but until we hear something official from Toyota we'll have to take these rumors with a pinch of salt for now.

​​​​​​​A rumor from the Japanese site Spyder7 claims that Toyota is preparing to revive the MR2. Honestly, this sounds too good to be true because automakers are increasingly investing in next-gen technology rather than performance-oriented vehicles. Let's hold out a little hope this speculation turns out to be correct, though.

The report claims that Toyota is looking for a partner on the project in a similar strategy as working with Subaru on the 86 and with BMW on the Supra. Specifically, the story claims the Japanese brand is possibly negotiating with Porsche and Lotus, which sounds too good to be true.

Power allegedly comes from a plug-in-hybrid system. Spyder7 says a mid-mounted 2.8-liter or 3.0-liter V6 would also be part of the setup. The total output would potentially be 345 horsepower (257 kilowatts or 350 metric horsepower) to 395 hp (294 kW or 400 metric hp).

Aesthetically, Spyder7 says the revived MR2 evokes the Toyota Alessandro Volta concept. This model dates from the 2004 Geneva Motor Show. While attractive, it seems odd to us for Toyota to bring this vehicle's look back nearly two decades after the original debut.

The projected pricing would start at 6 million yen ($52,761 at current exchange rates). To put that number in perspective, the Supra in Japan starts at 4.995 million yen ($43,930). If true, this indicates the MR2 might take a position in the lineup that would be one step above the Supra.

The revived MR2 could debut as soon as 2024, according to Spyder7. Although, that date means the project would already need to be in development to arrive on time.

In 2020, Toyota Motor Europe Executive Vice President of Sales Matt Harrison said that bringing back the MR2 was "not a priority" at that time. While that throws cold water on this hot rumor, there is precedent for auto execs in one region not necessarily knowing what product planners in another place are doing.

Toyota, or specifically Toyota Motor Corporation Australia, has listed a document that can pique your interest if you're into old, defuncted sports cars.

The automaker's Service Information and Repair Manuals website has posted a service bulletin entitled "MR2 New Air-Conditioner Kit." The document is dated June 24, 2022, and was brought to light courtesy of the YouTuber Kirk Kreifels. When viewed, the bulletin leads to a dead "Error 404" link.

Why is this important? Well, rumors of the Toyota MR2's return have been swirling around for quite some time – even way before the launch of the new-generation Supra in 2019. The document somehow supports those age-old speculations, though we impose that you take these things with a tad grain of salt.

To further fan the proverbial flame of a returning mid-engine Toyota, it's important to note that the said Service Information and Repair Manuals website doesn't contain legacy information for old cars.

However, it's also important to note that Toyota started making parts for old vehicles a few years ago. A70 and A80 Supra parts were reissued last year, while the latest addition to the list was earlier this year, namely for FJ40, Corolla, and 2000GT. The service bulletin could align to this scenario, which meant that old MR2s could get service for their air-conditioning, or at least Toyota could be planning to.

As mentioned, there have been several reports that align with the MR2's supposed return, but nothing's certain at this point. The latest that has surfaced was the Toyota Sports EV (pictured above) that was previewed in December 2021. It has the proportions of a compact performance vehicle, even wearing the Gazoo Racing badge.

In the same month, a wild rumor from Japan about Toyota, Suzuki, and Daihatsu working on a mid-engine sports car also surfaced.

We'll keep an ear to the ground with any latest development about the MR2's return but as of the moment, don't hold your breath yet – at least not until an official confirmation from Toyota arrives.

Sports models hold a special spot at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, where the Toyota FT-Se Concept breathes the same air as the Nissan Hyper Force study.

Mind you, the FT-Se is a weird name, even for a concept car, but that's the only controversial thing when it comes to this creation that we dare call stunning. After all, just look at it!

It has a wedge-shaped design with a pointy nose. There is an intricate front bumper design with three air intake lower parts and a pair of LED DRLs stretching vertically from the top all the way to the bottom. The profile kind of reminds us of what Lotus used to make until recently, and the shoulders are just as muscular as they should be.

Things are just as sexy when it comes to the rear end, which kind of sends Ferrari Testarossa vibes. The LED taillights have a horizontal positioning, and an integrated ducktail spoiler contributes to the sporty character of the show car. The wheels are just as sporty, and we can see the large brakes behind them with red calipers. Finally, the GR logo proudly decorates the hood, rear spoiler, and front fenders.

Toyota went for a very simple interior when it comes to the new FT-Se Concept. The study has a two-layer dashboard panel and a main screen behind the yoke-like steering wheel. And if you're curious about those flashy kneepads, the automaker says they protect the body from the gravitational acceleration while on the go.

Elsewhere, it features bucket seats with integrated headrests that sport the same GR logo, which were wrapped in blue Alcantara. It appears a good portion of the door cards and dashboard panel have black Alcantara wrapped around them. The minimalist air vents, simple center console design, and the occasional carbon fiber-like touch complete the interior design.

Save for the fact that we are looking at a battery-electric vehicle, the company based in the Land of the Rising Sun hasn't said anything about the powertrain of the FT-Se Concept. Judging by the rather small proportions of the show car and the simple yet effective design, it probably doesn't boast a jaw-dropping amount of power.

Now, does that styling look familiar? That's because some of it was apparently inspired by the GR Sport Concept that Toyota showcased almost two years ago. Both of them could be offering a glimpse into a future production model, perhaps the successor to the iconic MR2 that's said to be in development with rear-wheel drive and the same engine powering the GR Yaris and GR Corolla mounted behind the seats.

The rumor mill speaks about the model possibly being limited to Japan, but we hope that's a misunderstanding.