Toyota brought the heat at the Tokyo Auto Salon (TAS) 2025 with a mix of the unexpected and the extraordinary.
Beyond the usual rally beasts and track warriors, one intriguing prototype is slipping in under the radar: the Toyota GR Yaris M Concept. This mid-engined hot hatch isn’t just showing off—it’s rewriting the playbook.
The GR Yaris M Concept’s unconventional engine placement has already caused a stir, but it’s the engine itself that’s grabbing headlines. Say goodbye to the standard GR Yaris’ 1.6-litre 3-cylinder turbo and say hello to a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged powerhouse.
And the power figures? While Toyota remains tight-lipped, whispers suggest up to 395 HP for the street version and an eye-popping 592 HP for the track. That’s some serious muscle packed into a hatchback!
The mid-engine setup has sparked speculation, with many wondering if this is a preview of the long-anticipated MR2 revival, expected in 2026.
Adding fuel to the fire, there’s chatter that this potent engine could also power a modern-day Celica. Imagine two iconic nameplates roaring back to life with this engine—the excitement is palpable.
Officially, Toyota describes the GR Yaris M Concept as a platform to “explore the potential of the GR Yaris,” with plans to push it to its limits in Japan’s Super Taikyu Series.
Under the guidance of Master Driver Morizo (a.k.a. Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda) and a team of professional drivers, this prototype will undergo rigorous testing to extract maximum performance, even if it means driving it to the edge of failure.
But that’s not all. Toyota also unveiled the the GR Yaris Aero Package prototype, featuring six new aero components—a vented hood, side gills, rear bumper openings, and a multi-angle roof spoiler—all engineered to enhance the GR Yaris’ rally capabilities.
It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about slicing through the air with precision.
And then there’s the GR Yaris Nur 24h, Toyota’s contender for the 24 Hours of Nürburgring endurance race.
Outfitted with an aggressive body kit and a towering spoiler, this car marks Toyota’s return to the Green Hell after a six-year hiatus. The Nürburgring is a brutal proving ground, and Toyota’s making a statement with this formidable entry.
Toyota’s showcase at TAS 2025 doesn’t end there. They’re also presenting the Land Cruiser GR Sport Dakar Rally 2025 Spec, a fleet of GR racecars, and a collection of classics from the Morizo Garage, promising to impress and inspire. From desert dunes to winding racetracks, Toyota has something for every adrenaline junkie.
Toyota went full throttle at TAS 2025, and it was indeed a spectacle that surprised many!
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