<div id="caas-art-1bd5f625-24a8-3eae-b6f5-5cb127fc5180"><article><div><div>Gear Patrol and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Pricing and availability subject to change.</div></div><div>Read full article<i></i><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>Gear Patrol</div><div><h1 id="caas-lead-header-1bd5f625-24a8-3eae-b6f5-5cb127fc5180">Did Toyota Just Confirm the Revival of an Iconic Sports Car?</h1></div><div><div><div><div><span class="caas-author-byline-collapse">Chris Chin</span></div><div><time datetime="2025-12-04T19:38:22.000Z">December 4, 2025 at 2:38 PM</time><span class="caas-attr-meta-separator">·</span><span class="caas-attr-mins-read">4 min read</span></div></div></div><div><div><div><a title="Reactions" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span class="flickrComment icon"></span><span class="reactions-count  caas-dynamic-count dynamic-no-count"></span></a><div id="caas-consolidated-share-btn"><span class="arrowUpAndOut icon"></span><div id="caas-share-popup"><div><span class="copylink icon"></span><span class="caas-copylink-success">Link Copied</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><p>The MR2 just moved one step closer to being official.</p><figure class="caas-figure"><div><div><div><span class="caas-img-wrapper"><img alt="Red two-door sports car with rear spoiler and white wheels parked against a gray wall." src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/spsxHnxaWGqEPSc92AqMfg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/gear_patrol_593/52a71b2f5db3d260dae3fe20fb7e80d3?x-oss-process=image/auto-orient,1/interlace,1/resize,w_1440,h_1440/quality,q_95/format,jpg" width="960" height="540" original-src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/spsxHnxaWGqEPSc92AqMfg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/gear_patrol_593/52a71b2f5db3d260dae3fe20fb7e80d3"/><span class="openArrows icon"></span></span></div></div></div><div><figcaption>Red two-door sports car with rear spoiler and white wheels parked against a gray wall.</figcaption></div></figure><p>Toyota’s rumored MR2 revival potentially just got nudged a little closer to reality. Multiple sources report that the Japanese automaker just filed a trademark protection application for the names “GR MR2” and “GR MRS” at intellectual property offices in more than 10 countries.</p><p>One of the most obvious applications surfaced after being published at Japan’s Patent Office. But several other outlets, including Japan’s domestic auto publication, <em>BestCar</em>, also discovered the same filing through public records.</p><p>While trademark and patent protections don’t typically guarantee the arrival of new models, circumstantial evidence preceding the filings already suggested Toyota is reviving its iconic mid-engine sports car.</p><h2>Calling dibs in over 10 countries</h2><figure class="caas-figure"><div><div><div><span class="caas-img-wrapper"><img alt="Gray Toyota MR2 Spyder convertible with red interior parked on asphalt." src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/RktlGQKvmRG0VRYWVKgJcg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY4NA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/gear_patrol_593/7a3a3d23e97f4dbe5ed78696f9c8c9d5?x-oss-process=image/auto-orient,1/interlace,1/resize,w_1440,h_1440/quality,q_95/format,jpg" width="960" height="684" original-src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/RktlGQKvmRG0VRYWVKgJcg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY4NA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/gear_patrol_593/7a3a3d23e97f4dbe5ed78696f9c8c9d5"/><span class="openArrows icon"></span></span></div></div></div><div><figcaption>It’s been almost two decades since Toyota gave the world an MR2. - Credit: Toyota</figcaption></div></figure><p>Over the past several weeks, several automotive outlets discovered Toyota’s patent filing for the GR MR2 and GR MRS names. While the MR2 one seems quite obvious, the MRS name is slightly lesser known, but not any less substantial.</p><figure class="caas-figure"><div><div><div><span class="caas-img-wrapper"><img alt="Blue Toyota MR2 sports car with rear spoiler parked on a road with grass in the background." src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/npP6KgkMpneSE8KfvfOrtQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/gear_patrol_593/edcdf7af18650857d9546f656c80a945?x-oss-process=image/auto-orient,1/interlace,1/resize,w_1440,h_1440/quality,q_95/format,jpg" width="960" height="540" original-src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/npP6KgkMpneSE8KfvfOrtQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/gear_patrol_593/edcdf7af18650857d9546f656c80a945"/><span class="openArrows icon"></span></span></div></div></div><div><figcaption>The second-gen MR2 was one of the 1990s’ most definitive sports cars. - Credit: Toyota USA</figcaption></div></figure><p>Back when it was still in production, Toyota used the “MR-S” name to designate and market the Japanese Domestic Version of the third and last generation model. Other markets, like North America and Europe, retained the “MR-2” badge.</p><figure class="caas-figure"><div><div><div><span class="caas-img-wrapper"><img alt="a photo of an orange toyota concept car in a studio" src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/rGIZDJkMACRRxBgEAvzXjg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTc2OA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/gear_patrol_593/bbeb580a0f13161c836748401972343d?x-oss-process=image/auto-orient,1/interlace,1/resize,w_1440,h_1440/quality,q_95/format,jpg" width="960" height="768" original-src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/rGIZDJkMACRRxBgEAvzXjg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTc2OA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/gear_patrol_593/bbeb580a0f13161c836748401972343d"/><span class="openArrows icon"></span></span></div></div></div><div><figcaption>Toyota teased the prospect of a new mid-engine sports car with the FT-Se Concept in 2024. - Credit: Toyota</figcaption></div></figure><p>That said, there’s a possibility that two versions of the sports car may be baking in the oven. Alternatively, it could also be Toyota continuing the theme of selling the car in its home market as the GR MRS, while the rest of the world gets the GR MR2.</p><p>While the MR2 and MRS portions of the name aren’t new, the GR obviously designates “Gazoo Racing,” or Toyota’s in-house performance and motorsports division.</p><h2>All roads lead to a new MR2</h2><figure class="caas-figure"><div><div><div><span class="caas-img-wrapper"><img alt="Toyota GR racing car with red, white, and black geometric camouflage and black wheels on a dark floor." src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ixTdaAzCYxoRG6an7fobOg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/gear_patrol_593/7a60e8635a745d92b360c98d65ab0ce4?x-oss-process=image/auto-orient,1/interlace,1/resize,w_1440,h_1440/quality,q_95/format,jpg" width="960" height="540" original-src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ixTdaAzCYxoRG6an7fobOg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/gear_patrol_593/7a60e8635a745d92b360c98d65ab0ce4"/><span class="openArrows icon"></span></span></div></div></div><div><figcaption>Toyota shocked the world with its GR Yaris M prototype earlier this year. - Credit: Toyota</figcaption></div></figure><p>Hearsay about an MR2 revival has been floating around for some time. But it wasn’t until earlier this year when Toyota revealed a unique GR Yaris M prototype with a turbocharged gasoline four-cylinder mounted midship.</p><p>At first, many speculated it was a test bed for a future racecar. But then, speculation ran rampant about a potential MR2 revival. Because why else would Toyota be testing a new high-performance mid-mounted four-cylinder?</p><figure class="caas-figure"><div><div><div><span class="caas-img-wrapper"><img alt="Rear view of a Toyota Gazoo Racing car with open trunk showing exposed engine and red, white, and black geometric patterned body." src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/oSysOBDPEbzM.k2zLkP85Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/gear_patrol_593/2883eaf5e072b5b405fccb9ff531c84e?x-oss-process=image/auto-orient,1/interlace,1/resize,w_1440,h_1440/quality,q_95/format,jpg" width="960" height="540" original-src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/oSysOBDPEbzM.k2zLkP85Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/gear_patrol_593/2883eaf5e072b5b405fccb9ff531c84e"/><span class="openArrows icon"></span></span></div></div></div><div><figcaption>Why else would Toyota be testing its new turbo-four with a midship placement? - Credit: Toyota</figcaption></div></figure><p>Additionally, Toyota’s been on a sports car revival kick. It first started with the 86/Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ, which we still get as the GR 86.</p><p>Then came the Supra, and late last year at the annual Rally Japan event, Toyota’s Executive Vice President for Product, Yuki Nakajima, confirmed that they’re reviving the Celica.</p><figure class="caas-figure"><div><div><div><span class="caas-img-wrapper"><img alt="Silver car engine with a red valve cover and turbocharger mounted on a black platform." src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/MzB1RI35BnA2C2Nl0nM9jw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTc2OA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/gear_patrol_593/3b1ca8555ce0d9e847cc7c6824aad7de?x-oss-process=image/auto-orient,1/interlace,1/resize,w_1440,h_1440/quality,q_95/format,jpg" width="960" height="768" original-src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/MzB1RI35BnA2C2Nl0nM9jw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTc2OA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/gear_patrol_593/3b1ca8555ce0d9e847cc7c6824aad7de"/><span class="openArrows icon"></span></span></div></div></div><div><figcaption>Toyota announced its new range of gasoline four-cylinders last year. - Credit: Toyota</figcaption></div></figure><p>That leaves the MR2 as only car left needing a reboot.</p><p>So far, details still remain sparse. But more speculation suggests the new GR MR2 could get that high-po turbo four from the GR M Yaris prototype.</p><figure class="caas-figure"><div><div><div><span class="caas-img-wrapper"><img alt="mr2" src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/94Ug9laaXb3yladyoRWTLw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYzMA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/gear_patrol_593/e29f33ada948344a87a01420fd3b412d?x-oss-process=image/auto-orient,1/interlace,1/resize,w_1440,h_1440/quality,q_95/format,jpg" width="960" height="630" original-src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/94Ug9laaXb3yladyoRWTLw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYzMA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/gear_patrol_593/e29f33ada948344a87a01420fd3b412d"/><span class="openArrows icon"></span></span></div></div></div><div><figcaption>The revival of the MR2 could mean the affordable sports car wars are coming back. - Credit: Toyota</figcaption></div></figure><p>But <em>BestCar</em> supposedly got the scoop, suggesting the GR MR2 could get all-wheel drive. Furthermore, Toyota apparently also assigned an “710D” as the model’s internal chassis code.</p><p>Expected debut date? Sometime in 2028.</p><section><span>About the Author: </span>Chris Chin is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, trucks and anything else with four wheels. He has over a decade of experience writing news and reviews but considers himself an enthusiast first, with a passion for classics and European cars. His daily driver is a 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL with nearly 250,000 miles (87,000 are his).</section><p>Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.</p><figure class="caas-figure"><div><div><div></div></div></div><div><figcaption>add as a preferred source on google</figcaption></div></figure><div id="view-cmts-cta-1bd5f625-24a8-3eae-b6f5-5cb127fc5180"><span class="flickrComment icon"></span><span> View comments </span><span id="reactions-count-copy-1bd5f625-24a8-3eae-b6f5-5cb127fc5180"></span></div></div></div><aside><div><div><div><div><div id="sda-LREC-1bd5f625-24a8-3eae-b6f5-5cb127fc5180"><div id="LREC-1bd5f625-24a8-3eae-b6f5-5cb127fc5180"></div></div></div></div><div><div><div id="sda-LREC2-1bd5f625-24a8-3eae-b6f5-5cb127fc5180"><div id="LREC2-1bd5f625-24a8-3eae-b6f5-5cb127fc5180"></div></div></div></div><div><div><div id="sda-LREC3-1bd5f625-24a8-3eae-b6f5-5cb127fc5180"><div id="LREC3-1bd5f625-24a8-3eae-b6f5-5cb127fc5180"></div></div></div></div><div><div><div id="sda-LREC4-1bd5f625-24a8-3eae-b6f5-5cb127fc5180"><div id="LREC4-1bd5f625-24a8-3eae-b6f5-5cb127fc5180"></div></div></div></div><div><div><div id="sda-LREC5-1bd5f625-24a8-3eae-b6f5-5cb127fc5180"><div id="LREC5-1bd5f625-24a8-3eae-b6f5-5cb127fc5180"></div></div></div></div><div><div><div id="sda-LREC6-1bd5f625-24a8-3eae-b6f5-5cb127fc5180"><div id="LREC6-1bd5f625-24a8-3eae-b6f5-5cb127fc5180"></div></div></div></div><div><div><div id="sda-LREC7-1bd5f625-24a8-3eae-b6f5-5cb127fc5180"><div id="LREC7-1bd5f625-24a8-3eae-b6f5-5cb127fc5180"></div></div></div></div><div><div><div id="sda-LREC8-1bd5f625-24a8-3eae-b6f5-5cb127fc5180"><div id="LREC8-1bd5f625-24a8-3eae-b6f5-5cb127fc5180"></div></div></div></div><div><div><div id="sda-LREC9-1bd5f625-24a8-3eae-b6f5-5cb127fc5180"><div id="LREC9-1bd5f625-24a8-3eae-b6f5-5cb127fc5180"></div></div></div></div></div></div></aside></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></article><i></i><div id="caas-wafer-image-lightbox"><span class="closeArrows icon"></span><figure><img alt="" src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://s.yimg.com/g/images/spaceball.gif?x-oss-process=image/auto-orient,1/interlace,1/resize,w_1440,h_1440/quality,q_95/format,jpg" width="1" height="1" original-src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://s.yimg.com/g/images/spaceball.gif"/><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div></div>

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<p>Toyota has filed trademark applications for "GR MR2" and "GR MRS" in over 10 countries, hinting at the revival of the iconic MR2 sports car. The filings suggest two versions may be in development, with "GR" indicating Gazoo Racing, Toyota's performance division. Speculation points to a debut in 2028, possibly featuring a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive.</p>

- Toyota has filed trademark applications for the names “GR MR2” and “GR MRS” in over 10 countries, indicating a potential revival of the MR2 sports car.  
- The MR2, a notable mid-engine sports car from the 1990s, may be joined by a new model alongside the GR MRS for the Japanese market.  
- Speculation suggests the new GR MR2 could feature a high-performance turbocharged engine and possibly all-wheel drive, with an expected debut in 2028.