Toyota sports car renaissance: the Celica, MR2, Supra and GR86

Toyota sports cars have a long history that spans several iconic models. From the debut of the Celica to the Supra's emergence as a performance icon and the rebirth of the GR86, Toyota has continued to provide passion and fun for drivers.

Recently, Toyota's animated GRIP promo series on YouTube hinted at a trio of Toyota sports-car possibilities: future Toyota MR2 sports cars, a third-generation GR86 sports car, and even a possible resurrected Celica sports car. This article reviews Toyota's future sports-car and performance-model direction through the Celica, MR2, Supra, and GR86.

Toyota performance direction

1. Toyota Sporty Cars#

Toyota has been a notable presence in the sporty-car segment, showing commitment and innovation in the performance-car market through the introduction of the GR series.

With the GR series, Toyota has revived part of its sports-car heritage while also showing its ability to innovate for modern performance models. The success of the GR Yaris, GR Supra, and GR86 signals Toyota's continued commitment to sporty cars and its focus on driving enjoyment. It also reinforces the brand's sporty image.

MR2 and Celica are back with a vengeance

2. MR2 and Celica: Two Classics People Want Back#

Toyota introduced the MR2 as a mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive compact sports car. The second-generation model launched in 1989. Known by some enthusiasts as the "poor man's Ferrari" because of its Ferrari 348-like lines, the MR2 stayed in Toyota's lineup until Toyota discontinued the third-generation convertible in 2007.

Toyota first introduced the Celica in 1970. It went through seven generations before Toyota discontinued it in 2006. It was a popular model, and in 1976 the Celica Liftback GT won Motor Trend's Car of the Year award.

The new MR2 and Celica are rumored to use a 400-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and are expected to accelerate from 0-60 mph in as little as 4 seconds. The MR2 would use a mid-engine 2.0-liter turbocharged layout, while the Celica would mount the same engine at the front of the hood. The rumored output is 400 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque.

That level of performance would be enough for a 0-60 mph time of about 4 seconds, especially considering that the MR2 is rumored to weigh more than 2,860 pounds at launch.

Toyota Supra

3. Toyota Supra: Heritage and Innovation Go Hand in Hand#

Since Toyota launched the Supra in 1978, the name has represented Toyota performance cars. The fourth-generation Supra is especially important. Launched in the 1990s with a turbocharged engine, it became a dream car for many automobile enthusiasts.

A new GR Supra would be interesting because the fifth-generation model appeared decades after the fourth-generation model disappeared in the late 1990s. If a sixth-generation Supra appears in the next few years, it would mark the Supra's return as a regular member of Toyota's lineup.

According to Japan's Best Car Magazine, Toyota plans to develop the next-generation Supra entirely in-house. Other reports in the Japanese press indicate that the 2.0-liter engine could produce nearly 400 horsepower.

GR86 movement philosophy

4. GR86: Small and Flexible Movement Philosophy#

GR86 is a small sports car developed by Toyota and Subaru. It continues the classic rear-wheel-drive layout and driving pleasure. Inspired by the 1980s AE86, it has become a favorite sporty model for modern young car owners.

Rumor has it that the GR86 could see a future generation separate from the Subaru BRZ, meaning Toyota would develop the model independently. That could also mean Toyota might move away from Subaru's four-cylinder engine and potentially adopt the GR Corolla's turbocharged three-cylinder, as foreshadowed by the GR86 Rally Legacy concept shown at SEMA.

The future of Toyota sports cars

5. The Future of Toyota Sports Cars#

The future of Toyota's sporty cars is full of challenges and opportunities. Toyota needs to blend classic driving pleasure with new technology as the automotive industry changes.

The brand is finding ways to combine electric and hybrid powertrains with the driving experience while keeping the appeal of its sports cars. This means future Toyota sports models may continue the legacy of cars like the Supra and GR86 while also offering all-new electric or hybrid versions.

Which models are you looking forward to returning? How will they change the landscape of the modern automotive market? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

Sources#

• Toyota official websiteToyota Sports Cars
• CarExpertToyota Celica, MR2 revival one step closer

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