Toyota GR Yaris M Concept: Mid-Engine 2.0L Turbo Revealed
Toyota has made a bold statement at the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon, unveiling an impressive lineup of performance-focused models under the theme “Car Making at the Nürburgring.” The showcase demonstrates how Toyota’s racing experience, particularly at the challenging Nürburgring circuit, directly influences their vehicle development and enhancement processes.
The Star of the Show: GR Yaris M Concept
The highlight of Toyota’s presentation is undoubtedly the GR Yaris M Concept, featuring a revolutionary mid-mounted 2.0-liter turbocharged engine (G20E). This unconventional configuration for a compact car pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in this segment. The new powerplant, designed for both transverse and longitudinal mounting, aims to deliver more than 400 horsepower, marking a significant leap in Toyota’s performance engineering capabilities.
The concept car isn’t just for show – Toyota plans to put it through its paces in Japan’s Super Taikyu series, where it will be tested to its limits to refine the design and engineering under real racing conditions.
Return to the Green Hell: GR Yaris NLS
After a six-year hiatus, Toyota is making a triumphant return to the Nürburgring 24 Hours with the GR Yaris NLS. This specially prepared version features Toyota’s new performance-oriented automatic transmission, specifically developed for the demanding Nürburgring Langstrecken Serie (NLS). The choice of the Nürburgring as a testing ground reinforces Toyota’s commitment to developing cars that excel under the most challenging conditions.
Aerodynamic Innovation: GR Yaris Aero Package
The GR Yaris Aero Package introduces Formula 1-inspired technology to the street-legal segment. The standout feature is an adjustable rear wing with DRS-like functionality, actively reducing drag when needed. Toyota is already offering certain components of this aerodynamic package as optional upgrades for customers seeking enhanced performance.
The Heart of Innovation: G20E Engine
At the core of Toyota’s performance evolution is the new G20E 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. This powerplant represents a significant milestone in Toyota’s engineering prowess, with potential applications across future sports car models. While the street version targets over 400 horsepower, racing variants could potentially exceed 600 horsepower, showcasing the engine’s impressive adaptability and potential.
Toyota Gazoo Racing Philosophy
The presentation emphasizes Toyota’s “driver-first” approach, where vehicles are pushed to their absolute limits to identify and address any weaknesses. This philosophy, championed by Akio Toyoda (known by his racing pseudonym “Morizo”), demonstrates Toyota’s commitment to developing cars that excel not just on paper, but in real-world conditions.
Heritage Meets Future
Toyota‘s display isn’t solely focused on the future. The inclusion of Akio Toyoda’s personal collection of 1960s vehicles provides a thoughtful connection between Toyota’s rich heritage and its forward-looking approach to performance engineering. Additionally, Toyota is supporting its existing enthusiast base by offering software updates and replacement parts for popular models like the GR86 and classic vehicles such as the AE86 and Supra.
Impact on Toyota’s Future
This presentation at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2025 signals Toyota’s strong commitment to performance vehicles and motorsport involvement. The development of the new G20E engine, combined with innovative aerodynamic solutions and racing-derived technology, suggests an exciting future for Toyota’s performance division.
The comprehensive approach – from racing development to street applications, from modern technology to heritage support – demonstrates Toyota’s understanding that true performance engineering requires a holistic approach that honors the past while pushing toward the future.
Through this showcase, Toyota has effectively demonstrated how their racing experience directly translates into better road cars, maintaining their position at the forefront of automotive performance innovation while staying true to their engineering principles and racing heritage.
