[Dippy]

Toyota is all set to launch a big assault in the sports car market by reviving the iconic MR2 and Celica nameplates. These names send a tingle down the spine of every car enthusiast, Additionally, the carmaker is also working on a flagship model under its Lexus arm, the successor to the mega LFA supercar.

The new models will fill the gaps left by the GR Supra, which is at the end of its production lifecycle, and the GR86, which is no longer on sale in Europe due to EU safety regulations.

The Celica and MR2 are expected to be powered by a new turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. Codenamed the G20E, reports say the motor can put out 400 BHP in the road-going spec and 600 BHP in motorsport applications. The G20E engine made its public debut in a heavily modified GR Yaris, called the M Concept, where it was mounted not upfront but behind the rear seats.

Speaking about the M concept at the Tokyo Auto Salon, Tomoya Takahashi, president of the GR (Gazoo Racing) division, said the company would “find a place to introduce it”. The new MR2 could be the production version because of its mid-engine layout. The new MR2 could arrive in production form in 2028, but Toyota could introduce it earlier due to upcoming restrictions on the sale of pure-petrol cars in key markets such as the UK.

The Celica is expected to use the same G20E engine but mounted up front and feature four-wheel drive. Japanese publication Best Car has said that the GT-Four name that was used for homologation of special versions of the Celica for the World Rally Championship in the 1980s and 1990s could be revived. This hints to the Celica returning to the World Rally Championship as well.

Coming to the Lexus, it will be powered by a full-blown V8 engine with two turbochargers. It is likely to develop 500-600 BHP in racing applications and weigh not more than 1300 kg. The road car is expected to come with some hybrid tech. Autocar’s spy photographers have reported that prototypes that have been spotted move ahead silently from a standstill with the engine firing up a few metres later. The car has been spotted in race and road-going trim at circuits like Spa-Francorchamps and the Nürburgring and should be ready by 2026.

No name has been finalized but Lexus has trademarked ‘LFR’ which by default hints that the new car will be positioned as an LFA successor.

Source: Autocar UK

Link to Team BHP news

[volkman10]

Equipped with a newly developed [2L inline 4 NA engine], the new Toyota GR86 will appear in 2026!





The development will be led by Toyota instead of Subaru, and it was reported.

The new GR86, which is the third generation, will have a significantly different development system than before.

The power unit will no longer be Subaru's horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engine. The latest information is that it will be equipped with a 2L inline 4-cylinder NA engine.

This 2L is an NA version of the new 2L turbo that was revealed to be under development at the Multipathway Workshop held in May 2024. One of the features of the compact design is that the hood height can be lowered.

The drive system is, of course, inherited from the FR model. The platform has also been redesigned, and it is expected to be developed based on the FR floor of the Lexus IS by introducing TNGA technology.

-Toyota GR86 [Specifications]
・ Overall length 4265 × overall width 1775 × overall height 1310 mm
・ Wheelbase: 2575 mm
・ Horizontally opposed 4, 2.4L ・ NA (235ps / 25.5kgm)
・ WLTC mode fuel economy: 11.9km / L (RZ, 6MT)

Link:

[PreludeSH]

MR2 and Celica looks more like Nissan's Z ! But they do look great. Surprising they are going with IC engines rather than electric power trains.

[14000rpm]

Originally Posted by volkman10

The development will be led by Toyota instead of Subaru, and it was reported.

The new GR86, which is the third generation, will have a significantly different development system than before.

The power unit will no longer be Subaru's horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engine. The latest information is that it will be equipped with a 2L inline 4-cylinder NA engine.

I have a feeling Subaru may continue with their Boxer Engine in their version of the GR86. If so, it would be hilarious.

Reminds me of a Joint Development Agreement that Lancia, SAAB and Alfa Romeo had eons ago for the Thema, SAAB 9000 & Alfa Romeo 164. All had the same platform but all had completely different engines.

[argho]

2L NA instead of 2L Turbo, in a sports car?

How much power can a 2L NA engine develop?

[DicKy]

Since Akio Toyoda took control, rumours were afloat of a sportscar triumvirate. Starting from an MR2 successor (though the S-FR was a MX-5 rival), the 86 and revival of the Supra nameplate. The 86 was developed alongwith Subaru and sold for two generations. Supra was done in partnership with BMW.

Now, not just three, looks like like there will be almost half a dozen sportscars from Toyota.

MR2 would be mid engined. So will the MX-5 rival planned to be developed alongwith Suzuki and Daihatsu shelved? Or sit below the MR2?

Celica makes a comeback. Wait. So does the 86 being developed alone by Toyota for this generation. So the Celica slots between the 86 and Supra? Or replace either one?

The LFR could be the last time we would see a V8 with a Toyota or Lexus badge.

Originally Posted by argho

2L NA instead of 2L Turbo, in a sports car?

How much power can a 2L NA engine develop?

The 86 has been panned since it was released for being underpowered and buyers have been waiting for a turbo version.

Though, guess the engine being NA was one of the core criteria during development. Something to do with easy control during drifts or at the limit.

[volkman10]

Mazda jointly develops the new GR Supra.

Toyota and Mazda may be jointly developing a sports car. And it was that it could be the next GR Supra, which is expected to appear in 2027.

It is a hybrid equipped with a next-generation 4-cylinder 2-liter turbo that Toyota is diligently developing and is a 2-seater FR sports car that uses a carbon propeller shaft. The transmission is an 8-speed AT or a 10-speed AT, and it is likely to debut in 2027.

Toyota and Mazda will adopt their own designs even though the chassis and engine will be the same, and like the current GR Supra and BMW Z4, the concept and settings will be different to show the individuality of both companies.


Link:

[DicKy]

Originally Posted by volkman10

Mazda jointly develops the new GR Supra...It is a hybrid equipped with a next-generation 4-cylinder 2-liter turbo

Since Mazda has come, we can expect an inline-6 to come. instead of/ in addition to the turbo four.