Toyota remains committed to high-performance internal combustion (ICE) cars, even as the industry shifts towards electrification.
Sean Hanley, Vice President for Sales and Marketing at Toyota Australia, assured enthusiasts that "combustion engines and manual transmissions will be around for a long, long time".
Gazoo Racing expands its vision
Toyota’s performance arm, Gazoo Racing (GR), is determined to be a "one-stop shop for every car enthusiast and performance fan".
To sustain the longevity of ICE models, Toyota is actively exploring synthetic fuels. Additionally, the brand is investing in electric sports cars, exemplified by the FT-Se concept - an all-wheel-drive, dual-motor electric vehicle (EV) designed for spirited driving.
Legacy model rumours gain traction
Speculation continues to mount over the potential return of legendary nameplates like the Celica and MR2.
Chief Technology Officer Hiroki Nakajima confirmed a new Celica last November, and an MR2 teaser appeared in Toyota’s Grip anime series.
While Toyota has not officially announced the revival of these models, ongoing developments suggest their return is more than wishful thinking.
Yaris M concept hints at mid-engine performance
The Yaris M concept, revealed at the Tokyo Auto Salon, has fuelled further speculation. Hanley teased, "I'll leave it to you to speculate as to what that might mean, but who knows what the future might hold."
The concept swaps the GR Yaris’ front-mounted 1.6-litre three-cylinder engine for a newly developed mid-mounted 2.0-litre turbocharged unit, raising the possibility of a modern MR2.
Toyota has also confirmed work on a new high-output turbocharged four-cylinder engine, internally named "G20E".
Capable of producing over 400kW and 500Nm of torque, the unit is designed for flexible mounting - transversely or longitudinally- enabling integration into a variety of performance models.
Supra nameplate to continue
Toyota has assured fans that the Supra will not be discontinued, even after the current A90 model reaches the end of its life cycle.
While there is speculation about Toyota seeking a new development partner post-BMW, no official announcements have been made.
Additionally, Toyota is working on a high-displacement engine for the upcoming 'LFR' supercar, which is expected to feature a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8. The Lexus-branded version will likely see racing action under the Toyota banner in GT3 competition.
Among Toyota’s upcoming performance vehicles, the LFR is expected to debut first - possibly within the year.
A future for ICE enthusiasts
Toyota’s strategy balances traditional performance with technological advancements.
As Hanley put it, Gazoo Racing will continue to prioritise "the sounds, the smells and the feel of a combustion engine".
With a clear focus on both ICE and sustainability, Toyota aims to keep driving passion alive while preparing for an electric reckoning.