Toyota Exec Announces Upcoming Mid-Engine Sports Car, Expected in 5 Years
After a long period filled with speculation, Toyota has officially announced the development of a new mid-engine sports car. Tomoya Takahashi, president of Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division, confirmed this exciting addition to the lineup, following previous rumors and a presentation at the 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon. However, prospective buyers may have to wait, as the car is currently in its early engineering stages.
Timeline and Development Stage
The new mid-engine sports car is in the first of four engineering phases leading to mass production. Takahashi indicated that this process typically spans four to five years. Therefore, the vehicle is expected to reach the market no earlier than 2031.
Specifications and Features
- Engine: The car will be equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine.
- Configuration: The engine can be mounted at the front, middle, or rear of the vehicle.
- Power Output: This engine is designed to produce more power than Toyota’s existing 2.4-liter turbo-four.
- Drive Type: It is likely to feature an all-wheel-drive system.
Takahashi emphasized that the engine development aligns with stringent emissions standards, such as the upcoming Euro 7 regulations. Although Toyota aims to meet these regulations without resorting to full electrification, hybrid technology is anticipated in future variants.
Commitment to Enthusiast Vehicles
The revival of a mid-engine sports car by Toyota reflects the vision of Chairman Akio Toyoda, who has consistently prioritized the creation of vehicles with character. This decision follows the recent reintroductions of enthusiast-driven models, including the Lexus LFA and the GR GT.
During discussions at the Tokyo Auto Salon, Toyoda highlighted the significance of mid-engine layouts, indicating a personal affinity for this configuration. He also referenced the GR Yaris as an example of Toyota’s commitment to fun-to-drive vehicles.
While further details about the design and specifications of this new sports car remain unclear, the confirmed development is a thrilling prospect for automotive enthusiasts. This marks Toyota’s first foray into the mid-engine sports car market since 2007.
What to Expect Moving Forward
As Toyota progresses through the engineering stages, the automotive community eagerly anticipates further announcements. The introduction of a mid-engine sports car after such a long hiatus promises to rekindle excitement within the brand and among car enthusiasts worldwide.
