It's bitter sweet. I loved my 1984 Celica GTS (260K miles), 1991 MR2 (130K Miles) and 2000 Celica GTS (160+K Miles). I have a feeling those were the last years of the poor mans sports cars.
I know the GR86 isn't exactly "cheap" but it's not that expensive for a modern sports car. The turbo and such shouldn't cost too much more for Toyota so I'd think MSRP should definitely remain under $40k for base. If anyone can still do it, Toyota can.
You could reverse the drivetrain of a GR Corolla, slap the MR2 body on, and call it a day. Easy way to share parts and drive the price down. Then, make a high-end model.
@FACTSI1I 50k would hopefully be a top of the line model, IMO, if either one started in the 30k range, to compete with the Hyundai Elantra N, Civic Si, etc. If they do start somewhere there then they would be incredibly competitive. They aren't a Mustang or IS500 with a 500 horsepower V8, but they also aren't a standard Camry. So somewhere above a camry but below a Corvette.
I never imagined Toyota would build fun cars again. The GR Corolla made me so thrilled. I also thought about how they are brave enough to put the Corolla name on a fun car. They must have great confidence in the reliability of it. It is rare to have a fun car that is also very reliable.
@@chezzyperson3339 It's good to have multiple options for a reliable and fun car. Many people do not like the Miata for various reasons. I prefer having something larger and with 4 doors, that is why I like rally cars for example.
I highly doubt it will be as reliable as the regular, simple, NA Corolla. They just wanted a hot hatch for the North American market that would sell. I feel like they did not think the GR Yaris was going to be successful so they turned to the Corolla chassis to build off of since they generally sell well already because they are practical. Who doesn't want a practical rally car?
@@kiefershanks4172 It may not be as reliable. However, it would still need to be good, otherwise the Toyota Corolla name would be written on it. I mean not every Corolla is exactly ideal.
@@eugenuxAgreed. I’m actually thinking the specs provided are not reliable as it is too early, and the mr2 will be RWD only. Either way, I feel like both cars are going to price themselves out of the hands of most (unlike how they used to be in their previous era)
@@randygonzalez5758 If it's RWD, that's even better, imo. 6MT, RWD, mid engine w/turbo on a new car with pure Toyota manufacturing, reliability, and warranty would be godlike. I will absolutely be putting some money away over the next couple years as we get more information.
@@user-sp4yj3cp6c He kept the Supra DNA, RWD sportcar with a beefy straight six. The B58 is one of the most reliable modern straight six engines, lots of room for more power (of course... nothing like the 2JZ). Also.... without him we would never have Gazoo Racing in the first place.
You mean the new Z is not worth $65,000 ?! 🤣🤣🤣 Nissan has bigger problems in my opinion… their absolute OBSESSION with JATCO transmissions is beyond stupid 🤮🤮
Yea, i’ve always thought that nissan is delusional thinking that the Z is going to be a success at 50-70K with a recycled interior and no true intention of the car being competitive in it’s class, and their excuses are even more pathetic. But Jatco is to Nissan what Aisin is to Toyota. The only problem is there cvt. Nissan’s true problem is them not honoring there warranties. Which will still hurt them even if their reliability does improve.
Well no one is a fan of new Nissan cars... Arguably no one is a fan of new Toyotas either, other than the casual buyer. Nissan has CVT issues, and overall built shit, and Toyotas are Turboed and have oil issues.
Anyone know how newer Nissan manual transmissions hold up? I'm a broke boy considering getting a base model versa to get out of the used grind. Through my own quick research I did find that they have Renault engines in them which is a little disappointing but not necessarily a bad thing.
@@venelinkeremedchiev9643 It seems the GR86 will fill the slot of the 2.0l Supra after 2025. If they could make the MR2 start at $49k, it would sell like crazy. Especially with the ICE Porsche 718 going away.
From what they implied a few years back Celica is going to replace the GT86, and the MR2 is going to slot in between that and the Supra, also why the 4cyl Supra was killed off. Anyone thinking the the GR86/BRZ id going to live beyond this cycle has been ignoring or is blind to the neon writing on the wall.
An AWD MR2 that’s not hybrid, comes with a manual, some real hp & torque and stays lightweight!! As a MR-S owner this is a dream come true. Guess I need to start saving for a $70k purchase though.
AWD may help with the directional stability in corners, but I'd love to see Toyota do a 'track day' edition, with RWD only and strip as much weight as possible out.
@@takcleberry But seriously, no it wouldn't. By the time it would mess up your car it would no longer be ice 😂. The water on the other hand would definitely do some damage!
A 400hp, awd, lift back, 2+2 Celica would be amazing. Hope the styling has more influence from the ‘90 alltrac which was just a gorgeous car at the time.
I guarantee that this car will not be better that the GT4 ST165, 185, or 205. If you give a 3SGTE 40lb of boost like that idiotic little 3-cylinder engine (as good as it is), it will launch to the moon, The killed off good cars just to bring it back.
As long as they can produce at scale and have something like three trim models. like GT with base model NA, GT-S with more power, mild and a GT-Four with the turbo AWD drivetrain. If they don't offer multiple trim models it'll get canned after one run, I guarantee it.
Toyota is going to win big because of it too. Most customers worldwide simply do not want to go with plug-in hybrids/electric. And there's still a decent amount of people who want affordable sports cars.
I heard that! I also heard that Mercedes is going to start making ICE again for their cars because of the 25% drop of EV sales they have so they're already saying no to EVs so im hoping this goes towards porsche and every other car brand out there.
@@Bristecom I was looking at a Cayman but something came up so couldn't go ahead with my order. Now the Cayman can only be ordered as an EV in Australia (and Europe, still available as an ICE powered car in the US), so a new MR2 with an ICE would be very highly on my shopping list if its similar to what is in this video
Great video Kirk! We both love talking about these vehicles... thanks for mentioning me a few times. I think it's great that we both provide slightly different perspectives so that viewers get a balanced view. Look forward to going to Japan next year with you again!
That 2L engine looks great, sounds great, I like its old-school design appearance, and hope in stock form it does not look like heaped spaghetti as does the 2.4 turbo.
@@Sheltur_0311 The red valve cover looks nice but if you look at those photos, it does still have the plastic cover mounts on it so it'll almost certainly ship with one but I guess you could always take it off and it would still look alright.
My dream was to always help Mitsubishi redesign a new Eclipse GSX. But Mitsubishi stopped caring about sporty cars a long time ago so it'll likely never happen. At least Toyota might make it right with the Celica. Although I'm happy with my GR86 now, I do still sometimes miss the torquey feel and sound of the turbo 4G63T engine, and the amazing AWD traction of my 99 Eclipse GSX.
Things to note about that test drive video: 1) Sounds like a inline 4 for sure, but the sound seems like a yamaha head. 2) The shifts are MUCH faster than the current Aisin 8 speed auto, so shifts are very quick, seems like a DCT, the jolts are obvious that there is no torque converter. 3) The interior is obviously the IS (or at least the parts of the interior they have left) 4) I did some image scaling in bluebeam to see how quick it was, it seems its around the 0-60 in 4.9 second mark.
Thanks for these comments. However, “Jolts” are more likely to happen on a torque converter than a dual clutch. The entire purpose of a dual clutch is to shift without interruption.
It sounds like AMG, toyota won't use DCT as a reliability point of view, so this transmission could be aisin torque converter step AT but it's modified like GR yaris DAT.
Why would it be that much? I'm sure they'd keep it under $40-50k. It's not that different from a Camry/Corolla/etc. The MR2/MRS weren't all that expensive before either.
@@Bristecom I mean, you have to remember they still make the Supra. The MR2 is going to be more expensive than the Supra without a doubt otherwise they are cutting into their own profit margins of the Supra, since this thing is rear engine and likely more powerful than the Supra.
One thing I noticed about the design of the MR2 I haven't seen anyone touch on: It appears to have the recessed rear window design of the SW20, but has the roof swoop over it, seemingly to prevent the turbulence/disrupted airflow the SW20 had, if you've ever seen one in a wind tunnel or the model in a simulation. Seems to show a lot of thought being put into this design by people that actually understand the foibles of the car. I want to believe so hard.
also the vent in the hood allowing the air out and over the top will stop the SW20's isue of the front lifting at high speed and steering going light, sounds like a cool car but lets be honest a 4x4 is not an MR2
the power to weight on these is immense!!!! this is the best news and i hope the 2.0t lives up to the reliability and stout designs of the 90s 3s-5s engines and the 2jz i hope toyota keeps the trend going with 100 hp per cylinder and comes out with a double stacked g32e-gts inline 6 for a supra!!!
Toyota is having all the performance series revived,it has the 4wd hot hatch,the light weight RWD coupe,now the MR2s & Celica are coming,but I can’t afford them😢😢😢
I am with you. I would like to get a GR Corolla but I can't afford one brand new. It would make more economic sense to just take care of my 2005 WRX and restore it as it needs be.
Still have my 95 Celica 1.8. 330k miles original engine and trans. Its the backup car of the family and it refuses to die. Outlasted other Toyotas as well
The sweet irony if what you show for the Celica front end comes to fruition. If you are unaware, the Camry was born as a Celica Camry when it was first introduced in Japan. Now to have the Celica return looking like a Camry is a pretty sweet circle.
Omg if the Celica becomes a Mustang killer with RWD 2.0TH base model and a 3.5TT GRMN model and the MR2 goes Corvette killer with the 3.5TT and hybrid. Its freaking on!
The “new” Celica is a mish mash of my favourite aesthetics of each generation, from the Mustang-esque taillight, fastback looks, and window louvre of 1st gen, to the soft body of the GT4, to the bumper looking like the final gen, this sure looks like a step up from the regular 86. Between this and the “new” RX7 cars are becoming cool again and I’m SUUUUUUPER jealous of people who gets to play with these.
I've owned every generation of MR2, love them all. I certainly hope it's not AWD lol the best mr2s are the lightest ones. The sw20 looks great and has a roomy interior but it drives the worst due to weight. The new 4 cylinder sounds good, definitely not a long stroke diesel powerband like current Toyota turbos. If they really have a manual MR2 in 2026, I'll be the first in line. The gr86 and supra are so compromised and lame. This could be awesome!
All promising from Toyota for car enthusiasts… I love the sound of the new engine. I do hope that the MR2 gets RWD option as well as AWD… or did I misunderstand you that it’s only the GRMN version that would be AWD?
Wait a second bro, Toyota hasn't won engine of the year, go look up the engine in a 488 and its accolades then come back to us. Toyota is good don't get me wrong, but your statement. lol...
I've got my Milk Duds and my Coke Zero and I'm buckled in !!! Let's go !!! I love the MR2 !!! With that said, ugh... I know I sound like a broken record, Kirk, but look at that awful cheap plastic infotainment screen from Walmart's toy aisle. Toyota won't improve it. For me, the best part of this video is seeing Kirk's wry smile as he was watching the MR2 test drivers on the track. So much fun.
Im happy that lexus is updating their is and keeping the v8 was hoping to buy an is500 in the next year or two, but i guess ill wait till they release the next one
Kirk, We need this engine and AWD powertrain in family-friendly vehicles as well. I really want a GRMN Corolla Fielder or ProBox but I am willing to compromise with a GRMN Corolla Touring wagon. 🤩🤩
Currently have a 3is with the 2.0t 8speed rwd and there’s not much you can do with the platform. Just hope that the new engine has tuning potential. Great video Kirk!
As a kid I used to dream about owning a boosted car. As an adult I am tired of seeing yet another boosted car. That car that was blurred out kinda looks like that celica scan, at least silhouette.
I think about how the Nissan 300zxtt came out when I was 5. I instantly wanted one. It was probably because in the 1980s, turbo power sounded like magic. Twin turbo sounded like super awesome magic.
With the inline 4 sounding this good, being that small and powerful, and being hella efficient, I really hope Toyota returns to the inline 6 at some point. The b58 is such a good engine and I'm surprised Toyota has never used their partnership with bmw to develop their own engine. They did an amazing job with the inline 3 in the GR Corolla. Just slap two of those engines together and you already have a pretty good blueprint.
I can't remember, but a few years ago I remember you covered the Celica name bring re-patented in the US. This now at least concludes the Celica coming state side.
I'm buying both of those. They are probably going to the last final models from Toyota before everything is eventually electric. Just watch bet ya in 4 years from now I was right!
I'm glad that Toyota is getting back to making real sports cars again with 4-cylinder turbocharged engines. Build it strong enough to use 40 lbs of boost like you do with that 3-cylinder thing, with Maps included. Please remind me what was wrong with the 3SGTE or the ST205 Celica?
Wonder if they are gonna address the overheating issue on track that is plaguing the GR Corolla... Was quite disapointed with my GR Corolla on track and I think I'd be quite angry to get a much more expensive MR2 with the same issues...
Those days are over. Owning a new car is a luxury now, as no one can afford them anymore. So manufacturers have leaned into this and targeted the upperclass/luxury market. Affordable cars are a dead market. That’s why the 1990s work horse hooptys are back on the road lol. People making due with what they got.
And i love my celica GT4 ST205 twin entry turbo 1994 wrc ... it is done 120000 miles and still going like a horse .with a screamer pipe fitted and straight down pipe . It screams like a fighter jet causing heads to turn
As strange as it may seem, I hope Toyota makes an MR2 that uses the Prius or Camry's THS with eAWD. I am a massive fan of Toyota's hybrids so maybe I'm biased, but I think it has potential for a sports car, especially with the engine on the rear axle. Regardless of how they do it, it'll be great to have it back.
Toyota is the only Japanese manufacturer still making exciting cars when for the longest time they were the only ones NOT making anything exciting and I’m so fucking here for it
I’m actually happy Toyota is replacing their 2.4 turbo engines with the 2 liter because it’s going to be more refined, more compact, more fuel efficient and more power.
The idea of a bulletproof Toyota Turbo 4cyl with AWD is tempting to wait for but ONLY if both the Celica and the MR2 are not stupid expensive right out of the gate! Has Toyota not learned from dealer gouging recently that offering a good car at a reasonable price will sell more cars than creating a smaller number of cars at an expensive price/plus dealer markups. I can do without a lot of the halo car treatment especially on the MR2 just so that it can be accessible to the masses…not just a handful of wealthy people.🙄💰💰💰
I prefer some vibration for more of a raw power feel. That sense of grabbing the nest gear is nice for the same reason, even if it comes at the expense of a few 1/10ths of acceleration time.
I Used to have a few mr2s , and this engine at idle sounds so much like the 3sgte at idle . I hope its a similar engine if the mr2 comes out i will definitely buy it. i love mr2s and i had a few before. Even the acceleration sounds very similar to the 2.0 3sgte.
Excited to see your review of the GR Corolla 8 AT. Also, these new cars look great! I can see they will have to discontinue Supra coz it just doesn't look good and very expensive.
It's bitter sweet. I loved my 1984 Celica GTS (260K miles), 1991 MR2 (130K Miles) and 2000 Celica GTS (160+K Miles). I have a feeling those were the last years of the poor mans sports cars.
US Car Dealerships gonna be selling them 60-70k after everything. Sad times we live in
I know the GR86 isn't exactly "cheap" but it's not that expensive for a modern sports car. The turbo and such shouldn't cost too much more for Toyota so I'd think MSRP should definitely remain under $40k for base. If anyone can still do it, Toyota can.
You can still get a 370z for a reasonable price
@07wrxtr1 Unfortunately, there is a reason for that.
You could reverse the drivetrain of a GR Corolla, slap the MR2 body on, and call it a day. Easy way to share parts and drive the price down. Then, make a high-end model.
Nice to see the return of the MR2. But if it's going to be $100k I don't need to pay attention to it any longer.
For that much, I'd just get the Lexus LC500 Convertible.
Right! Might aswell get a c8. Mr2 at 50k would be unstoppable
I surely will never spent 50k on a car. I just took another look at the 2003 - mr. That is a lot more my thing. Small light and topless.
@FACTSI1I 50k would hopefully be a top of the line model, IMO, if either one started in the 30k range, to compete with the Hyundai Elantra N, Civic Si, etc. If they do start somewhere there then they would be incredibly competitive. They aren't a Mustang or IS500 with a 500 horsepower V8, but they also aren't a standard Camry. So somewhere above a camry but below a Corvette.
@duckdestroyer2412 From what ive read its gonna be around the 70 to 80k range. Way to pricey since it'll be 100k after dealer markups and options
I never imagined Toyota would build fun cars again.
The GR Corolla made me so thrilled. I also thought about how they are brave enough to put the Corolla name on a fun car. They must have great confidence in the reliability of it. It is rare to have a fun car that is also very reliable.
MX 5 Miata takes the cake for it
@@chezzyperson3339 It's good to have multiple options for a reliable and fun car.
Many people do not like the Miata for various reasons.
I prefer having something larger and with 4 doors, that is why I like rally cars for example.
God bless Akio Toyoda!
I highly doubt it will be as reliable as the regular, simple, NA Corolla. They just wanted a hot hatch for the North American market that would sell. I feel like they did not think the GR Yaris was going to be successful so they turned to the Corolla chassis to build off of since they generally sell well already because they are practical. Who doesn't want a practical rally car?
@@kiefershanks4172 It may not be as reliable.
However, it would still need to be good, otherwise the Toyota Corolla name would be written on it.
I mean not every Corolla is exactly ideal.
400 hp AWD w/ 6MT is going to be so freakin awesome!!!
Very nice Toyota!
That is a wicked sweet spot! Respectably fun
for the celica, not the mr2. an awd mr2 is a weird thing do make.
@@eugenuxAgreed. I’m actually thinking the specs provided are not reliable as it is too early, and the mr2 will be RWD only.
Either way, I feel like both cars are going to price themselves out of the hands of most (unlike how they used to be in their previous era)
Never going to happen
@@randygonzalez5758 If it's RWD, that's even better, imo. 6MT, RWD, mid engine w/turbo on a new car with pure Toyota manufacturing, reliability, and warranty would be godlike. I will absolutely be putting some money away over the next couple years as we get more information.
Akio Toyoda is the best thing to happen to the sports car industry in modern time.
of course. They revived the supra by using a bmw. 🙄 how is he the best thing to happen to sport car industry?
@@user-sp4yj3cp6c He kept the Supra DNA, RWD sportcar with a beefy straight six. The B58 is one of the most reliable modern straight six engines, lots of room for more power (of course... nothing like the 2JZ).
Also.... without him we would never have Gazoo Racing in the first place.
@@NiiKey he kept the spirit of JDM supra by slapping Toyota badges on a BMW. Very Japanese
@@NiiKey In fact. Nissan deserves the credit for making GTR from scratch even with all financial troubles.
@@user-sp4yj3cp6cshut up ungrateful b*tch
As a Nissan fan, I am absolutely envious of what Toyota can do right now.
You mean the new Z is not worth $65,000 ?! 🤣🤣🤣
Nissan has bigger problems in my opinion… their absolute OBSESSION with JATCO transmissions is beyond stupid 🤮🤮
@@07wrxtr1 Yes exactly! 😂
Yea, i’ve always thought that nissan is delusional thinking that the Z is going to be a success at 50-70K with a recycled interior and no true intention of the car being competitive in it’s class, and their excuses are even more pathetic. But Jatco is to Nissan what Aisin is to Toyota. The only problem is there cvt.
Nissan’s true problem is them not honoring there warranties. Which will still hurt them even if their reliability does improve.
Well no one is a fan of new Nissan cars... Arguably no one is a fan of new Toyotas either, other than the casual buyer. Nissan has CVT issues, and overall built shit, and Toyotas are Turboed and have oil issues.
Anyone know how newer Nissan manual transmissions hold up? I'm a broke boy considering getting a base model versa to get out of the used grind. Through my own quick research I did find that they have Renault engines in them which is a little disappointing but not necessarily a bad thing.
2:33 - Yep that's a Lexus IS interior alright. They even kept the analog clock!
They’re probably just using spare parts for the prototypes
I’m just keeping my fingers crossed Toyota puts this MR2 in the Supra price range and not the Corvette price range.
Should be less than the Supra. My wild guess is they prepare for the GT86(or whatever is the right name) replacement.
@@venelinkeremedchiev9643 It seems the GR86 will fill the slot of the 2.0l Supra after 2025. If they could make the MR2 start at $49k, it would sell like crazy. Especially with the ICE Porsche 718 going away.
Aren't they both the same?
60k for a turbo4?, nope.
From what they implied a few years back Celica is going to replace the GT86, and the MR2 is going to slot in between that and the Supra, also why the 4cyl Supra was killed off. Anyone thinking the the GR86/BRZ id going to live beyond this cycle has been ignoring or is blind to the neon writing on the wall.
An AWD MR2 that’s not hybrid, comes with a manual, some real hp & torque and stays lightweight!! As a MR-S owner this is a dream come true. Guess I need to start saving for a $70k purchase though.
awd in an mr2 is a unfortunate idea; lightweight, manual, mid-engine and rwd.., that's an mr2(or should be!)
I miss my zzw30
awd should be reserved for the celica tbh, not mr2
I want a Hybrid, gets more torque and saves fuel
AWD may help with the directional stability in corners, but I'd love to see Toyota do a 'track day' edition, with RWD only and strip as much weight as possible out.
Gasoline(pure ICE) lives on with the Celica and MR2.
And hundreds of other vehicles.
If gasoline was pure ice it would mess up your car
@@takcleberry But seriously, no it wouldn't. By the time it would mess up your car it would no longer be ice 😂. The water on the other hand would definitely do some damage!
I doubt it but I know what you mean will see only future trends will determine what happens.
🤞 even though it probably won’t be under $50,000 and I’ll never afford one. Po boy 🤚
A 400hp, awd, lift back, 2+2 Celica would be amazing. Hope the styling has more influence from the ‘90 alltrac which was just a gorgeous car at the time.
Lol you’re asking for an $80k car
I guarantee that this car will not be better that the GT4 ST165, 185, or 205. If you give a 3SGTE 40lb of boost like that idiotic little 3-cylinder engine (as good as it is), it will launch to the moon, The killed off good cars just to bring it back.
As long as they can produce at scale and have something like three trim models. like GT with base model NA, GT-S with more power, mild and a GT-Four with the turbo AWD drivetrain. If they don't offer multiple trim models it'll get canned after one run, I guarantee it.
@@ROVA00it's pretty achievable nowadays
@@johnl.38 not for most car enthusiasts…
The Toyota Times host's excitement is contagious...
Love how Toyota is on a roll with ice sports cars when manufacturers like Porsche are just beginning to phase out engines.
Porsche didn't phase out anything. It announced a future restriction of ICE engines to it's sports cars.
Toyota is going to win big because of it too. Most customers worldwide simply do not want to go with plug-in hybrids/electric. And there's still a decent amount of people who want affordable sports cars.
I heard that! I also heard that Mercedes is going to start making ICE again for their cars because of the 25% drop of EV sales they have so they're already saying no to EVs so im hoping this goes towards porsche and every other car brand out there.
I see overpriced and underpowered vehicles. Bad brakes. Sub par suspensions. 😂
@@Bristecom I was looking at a Cayman but something came up so couldn't go ahead with my order. Now the Cayman can only be ordered as an EV in Australia (and Europe, still available as an ICE powered car in the US), so a new MR2 with an ICE would be very highly on my shopping list if its similar to what is in this video
Great video Kirk! We both love talking about these vehicles... thanks for mentioning me a few times. I think it's great that we both provide slightly different perspectives so that viewers get a balanced view. Look forward to going to Japan next year with you again!
😁
These vehicles have to battle the Prelude, so 2026 makes sense.
The prelude is not competition. The prelude is not going to be a sports car.
prelude will flop, look at the crz
no it doesn't
Bro look at it. Bet you're some kid without a drivers license who thinks a sportscar needs 500hp.
@@MuppetsSh0w The most fun car I´ve ever driven is the S2000, followed closely by the Miata. and i´ve driven GT-R´s, GT3, 488, Turbo S etc.
That 2L engine looks great, sounds great, I like its old-school design appearance, and hope in stock form it does not look like heaped spaghetti as does the 2.4 turbo.
I am not sure if that is going to be possible with stricter smog.
One maze of junk is the liquid cooled EGR.
What's old school about it?
@@ii_dynasty it looks like an actual engine and not a block of black plastic
Did we watch the same video? @@Sheltur_0311
@@Sheltur_0311 The red valve cover looks nice but if you look at those photos, it does still have the plastic cover mounts on it so it'll almost certainly ship with one but I guess you could always take it off and it would still look alright.
The new MR-2 is giving me 90s Mitsubishi Eclipse / Eagle Talon vibes.
I so miss DSM. Peak Chrysler and Mitsubishi.
Except it probably won't explode at the drag strip!
What about the Plymouth Lazer I think it was the same as well
My dream was to always help Mitsubishi redesign a new Eclipse GSX. But Mitsubishi stopped caring about sporty cars a long time ago so it'll likely never happen. At least Toyota might make it right with the Celica. Although I'm happy with my GR86 now, I do still sometimes miss the torquey feel and sound of the turbo 4G63T engine, and the amazing AWD traction of my 99 Eclipse GSX.
Eclipse used to be my favorite car as a kid lol 😅
Things to note about that test drive video:
1) Sounds like a inline 4 for sure, but the sound seems like a yamaha head.
2) The shifts are MUCH faster than the current Aisin 8 speed auto, so shifts are very quick, seems like a DCT, the jolts are obvious that there is no torque converter.
3) The interior is obviously the IS (or at least the parts of the interior they have left)
4) I did some image scaling in bluebeam to see how quick it was, it seems its around the 0-60 in 4.9 second mark.
Thanks for these comments. However, “Jolts” are more likely to happen on a torque converter than a dual clutch. The entire purpose of a dual clutch is to shift without interruption.
It sounds like AMG, toyota won't use DCT as a reliability point of view, so this transmission could be aisin torque converter step AT but it's modified like GR yaris DAT.
Exciting, but this thing will be over $80k if it ever gets to the US.
Why would it be that much? I'm sure they'd keep it under $40-50k. It's not that different from a Camry/Corolla/etc. The MR2/MRS weren't all that expensive before either.
@@Bristecom HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
@@Bristecom I mean, you have to remember they still make the Supra. The MR2 is going to be more expensive than the Supra without a doubt otherwise they are cutting into their own profit margins of the Supra, since this thing is rear engine and likely more powerful than the Supra.
You have no idea what you’re talking about guy. No 2.0 four cylinder car is going to cost 80k you baffoon
@@razatiger22supra is going away. Might just slot where supra sits.
One thing I noticed about the design of the MR2 I haven't seen anyone touch on:
It appears to have the recessed rear window design of the SW20, but has the roof swoop over it, seemingly to prevent the turbulence/disrupted airflow the SW20 had, if you've ever seen one in a wind tunnel or the model in a simulation. Seems to show a lot of thought being put into this design by people that actually understand the foibles of the car.
I want to believe so hard.
Yeah, even the headlights try to imitate popups. I want to believe
also the vent in the hood allowing the air out and over the top will stop the SW20's isue of the front lifting at high speed and steering going light, sounds like a cool car but lets be honest a 4x4 is not an MR2
toyota is doing it right, love their approach to sports cars now. this is really the second wave of the golden age of the 80s and 90s.
With regulations, this resurgence is in name only. These cars are too heavy, expensive, and electronically assisted to be much fun.
the power to weight on these is immense!!!! this is the best news and i hope the 2.0t lives up to the reliability and stout designs of the 90s 3s-5s engines
and the 2jz
i hope toyota keeps the trend going with 100 hp per cylinder and comes out with a double stacked g32e-gts inline 6 for a supra!!!
No. They already had to collar with bmw for the Supra….. would cost way too much.
Ive owned 2 MR2s in my days and it looks like imma need to make it 3.
I have owned the Spyder....no way I will be able tonafford this new one sadly, since they went way up market.
I've owned a 2nd gen MR2. This new one shows no resemblance imo. That rear spoiler of that 2nd gen was awesome.
Don’t forget Lexus is bringing out the RC/LC successor around the same time as these are being released
Will that be forced an AWD too?
Toyota is having all the performance series revived,it has the 4wd hot hatch,the light weight RWD coupe,now the MR2s & Celica are coming,but I can’t afford them😢😢😢
I am with you. I would like to get a GR Corolla but I can't afford one brand new. It would make more economic sense to just take care of my 2005 WRX and restore it as it needs be.
With rumors that they may supply Haas F1 team, I wouldn't be surprised if they start making their own performance motors for consumers.
I pray to the billet gods that we get some wound tight consumer motors.
Still have my 95 Celica 1.8. 330k miles original engine and trans. Its the backup car of the family and it refuses to die. Outlasted other Toyotas as well
Toyota just decided to a sports car brand thats nuts
The sweet irony if what you show for the Celica front end comes to fruition. If you are unaware, the Camry was born as a Celica Camry when it was first introduced in Japan. Now to have the Celica return looking like a Camry is a pretty sweet circle.
Omg if the Celica becomes a Mustang killer with RWD 2.0TH base model and a 3.5TT GRMN model and the MR2 goes Corvette killer with the 3.5TT and hybrid. Its freaking on!
huh? the mustang and corvettes are actual cars...you can't compare those with a celica!
This isnt Fast and Furious, Toyota couldn't even get their flagship car Zupra to do that
@@billw8476cope
@@billw8476 shut up boomer
The “new” Celica is a mish mash of my favourite aesthetics of each generation, from the Mustang-esque taillight, fastback looks, and window louvre of 1st gen, to the soft body of the GT4, to the bumper looking like the final gen, this sure looks like a step up from the regular 86.
Between this and the “new” RX7 cars are becoming cool again and I’m SUUUUUUPER jealous of people who gets to play with these.
Now I DEFINITELY need to go to the Tokyo Auto Salon! Hopefully they’ll reveal some of these.
4WD Celica NICE~~~~ I remember Celica was the 1st car I wanted to buy when I arrived U.S. 1st year.
The new MR2 would be hella interesting.
400 hp, under 1400kg, is the sweet spot. Beautiful sounding engine
I've owned every generation of MR2, love them all. I certainly hope it's not AWD lol the best mr2s are the lightest ones. The sw20 looks great and has a roomy interior but it drives the worst due to weight. The new 4 cylinder sounds good, definitely not a long stroke diesel powerband like current Toyota turbos. If they really have a manual MR2 in 2026, I'll be the first in line. The gr86 and supra are so compromised and lame. This could be awesome!
All promising from Toyota for car enthusiasts… I love the sound of the new engine. I do hope that the MR2 gets RWD option as well as AWD… or did I misunderstand you that it’s only the GRMN version that would be AWD?
I like Toyota Times. They have interesting content.👍
I see crazy dealer markups in the future!
No crystal ball needed.
I'm a big Toyota fan!! I want both the Celica and the MR2 when they come out! I hope the Celica is gonna have the track 4 option!!!
Toyota having better designs than Ferrari, wild time to live in.
Relax Ferrari simps, some new Ferraris do not look the best.
Huh? Who paid you to say that
that in bumper exhaust tho, goofy af😂
Have you seen the latest Ferraris? They are insanely beautiful man.
Wait a second bro, Toyota hasn't won engine of the year, go look up the engine in a 488 and its accolades then come back to us.
Toyota is good don't get me wrong, but your statement. lol...
I really dig that blur, seemed fast and probably difficult for the average cop to even see let alone pull over.
Thank you Kirk been waiting for this for awhile...
I've got my Milk Duds and my Coke Zero and I'm buckled in !!! Let's go !!! I love the MR2 !!! With that said, ugh... I know I sound like a broken record, Kirk, but look at that awful cheap plastic infotainment screen from Walmart's toy aisle. Toyota won't improve it. For me, the best part of this video is seeing Kirk's wry smile as he was watching the MR2 test drivers on the track. So much fun.
That engine just sound amazing !
Im happy that lexus is updating their is and keeping the v8 was hoping to buy an is500 in the next year or two, but i guess ill wait till they release the next one
This is exciting news, GR line is absolutely killing it. I feel privileged to own an A90 MT..going to go for a drive now!
New sub here. I swear by Japanese cars and glad you do lots of content on them! 💪
Mr. 2 Honda should bring back the Del Sol for a fight. Well if I were product planner id call it the CRX.
Kirk, We need this engine and AWD powertrain in family-friendly vehicles as well. I really want a GRMN Corolla Fielder or ProBox but I am willing to compromise with a
GRMN Corolla Touring wagon. 🤩🤩
a GR Corolla wagon with this kind of power train would go BONKERS
That’s Lexus territory, guy. It won’t happen especially with the new lineup already in motion.
@@colbyowens22 😉
The fact they still make the 2UR-GSE V8 says it all. Toyota knows what people want
Currently have a 3is with the 2.0t 8speed rwd and there’s not much you can do with the platform. Just hope that the new engine has tuning potential. Great video Kirk!
That's clearly just a development vehicle. Of course it's going to have bits from the outgoing generation
A lot of builds on the discord going over 300hp
LFA engine sound 🤤
Toyota should have used the Lotus Emira engine which is a Supercharged 2GR FKS with an automatic and manual.
epa not a chance
As cool as that would be, you already know EPA is gonna decline this.
@@angelabov3n Than why would the EPA approve the use of that engine in the Emira?
@@tinhinnhlimit amounts won’t be too many credits if they did do it.
@@livinthedublifeemira isnt a mass vehicle manufacturer. Like how Ferrari and lambos use high cylinder engines
While Honda wants to make a 200hp hybrid prelude. Yeah...
The mr2 a lil bit looks like a low budget Lamborghini 😂😂😂 I love it
"All of us will be very very happy" Hybrid Celica would be amazing. I just want the base model thanks. Too many tickets lol.
As a kid I used to dream about owning a boosted car.
As an adult I am tired of seeing yet another boosted car.
That car that was blurred out kinda looks like that celica scan, at least silhouette.
It is 100% an IS
@@fortheloveofnoise how can you tell
I think about how the Nissan 300zxtt came out when I was 5. I instantly wanted one. It was probably because in the 1980s, turbo power sounded like magic. Twin turbo sounded like super awesome magic.
Well I've got a twin turbo f80 and it never gets old
@@MR3DDevThe interior is the current Lexus IS model. The dead give away is the centre stack vents and analog clock.
With the inline 4 sounding this good, being that small and powerful, and being hella efficient, I really hope Toyota returns to the inline 6 at some point. The b58 is such a good engine and I'm surprised Toyota has never used their partnership with bmw to develop their own engine. They did an amazing job with the inline 3 in the GR Corolla. Just slap two of those engines together and you already have a pretty good blueprint.
I like the design that was at the Tokyo event you and David went to together. It was that orange color one, it was wicked ass looking!😁🚗
Waiting for Lexus GT3 with manual.
Kirk i believe your right about its a refresh Lexus IS rear passenger window looks like an Lexus IS. Or it will do a camry move
I can't remember, but a few years ago I remember you covered the Celica name bring re-patented in the US. This now at least concludes the Celica coming state side.
I love these videos. Thanks.
Can’t wait for the dealers to ask 20k above msrp for these 2.
Just wait a year or so and they will be MSRP at most dealers.
In the US yes
I'm buying both of those. They are probably going to the last final models from Toyota before everything is eventually electric. Just watch bet ya in 4 years from now I was right!
not really much of a prediction with all of the government bans on the horizon
I'm glad that Toyota is getting back to making real sports cars again with 4-cylinder turbocharged engines. Build it strong enough to use 40 lbs of boost like you do with that 3-cylinder thing, with Maps included. Please remind me what was wrong with the 3SGTE or the ST205 Celica?
Kirk, that Celica rear end and rear quarter glass is reminiscent of the 76-77 Celica Gt..I love it!!
Wonder if they are gonna address the overheating issue on track that is plaguing the GR Corolla... Was quite disapointed with my GR Corolla on track and I think I'd be quite angry to get a much more expensive MR2 with the same issues...
For 48k or more that is not good QC
So the all wheel drive celica rally car is coming back y'all
I love the way my ISF shifts, people slam it but in auto and sport mode how it shifts in full throttle up shifts is like the LFA Ilove it!
Hello MR2, can't wait to see one in person! I'm 100% interested!
Mr2 and celica to a dealership near you only starting $60000.
Plus $37k dealers fees...
Shouldn't a Celica be an affordable Corrolla based sporty car produced in high volume?
Ya sure 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Basically yes but loaded with current technology
Celicas were never corolla based.
A 2 door "corolla" with the turbo 3 cylinder and a manual transmission would be awesome.
Those days are over. Owning a new car is a luxury now, as no one can afford them anymore. So manufacturers have leaned into this and targeted the upperclass/luxury market. Affordable cars are a dead market. That’s why the 1990s work horse hooptys are back on the road lol. People making due with what they got.
Well done Toyota on bringing back a classic name and not turning the new car into an SUV 👍
And i love my celica GT4 ST205 twin entry turbo 1994 wrc ... it is done 120000 miles and still going like a horse .with a screamer pipe fitted and straight down pipe . It screams like a fighter jet causing heads to turn
the 2.4 is that engine that you can use exhaust cam on the intake side to double the hp?
Not bad at all, pretty interesting.
As strange as it may seem, I hope Toyota makes an MR2 that uses the Prius or Camry's THS with eAWD. I am a massive fan of Toyota's hybrids so maybe I'm biased, but I think it has potential for a sports car, especially with the engine on the rear axle. Regardless of how they do it, it'll be great to have it back.
As a long time MR2 driver i am excited to maybe soon have the little brother of my beloved car next to it
How would this compare with the Honda’s K24s?
This puts out 400hp, far surpasses any K24 off the factory line
AWD in the MR 2? WHY?
Probably just the celica would be i would think
That concept or whatever that is on the thumbnail is stunning 😍
Good stuff 🔥
Hell yeah! I sure hope they are both 70K+ with a 40K dealer markup!
Toyota is the only Japanese manufacturer still making exciting cars when for the longest time they were the only ones NOT making anything exciting and I’m so fucking here for it
Looks awesome!!!
OMG THAT SOUND IS SO GOOD!
I’m actually happy Toyota is replacing their 2.4 turbo engines with the 2 liter because it’s going to be more refined, more compact, more fuel efficient and more power.
Underpowered. Overpriced
that valve cover… 🔥🔥🔥🔥
The idea of a bulletproof Toyota Turbo 4cyl with AWD is tempting to wait for but ONLY if both the Celica and the MR2 are not stupid expensive right out of the gate! Has Toyota not learned from dealer gouging recently that offering a good car at a reasonable price will sell more cars than creating a smaller number of cars at an expensive price/plus dealer markups. I can do without a lot of the halo car treatment especially on the MR2 just so that it can be accessible to the masses…not just a handful of wealthy people.🙄💰💰💰
I'm super excited for this!
I love these. I don’t even know if I’d be able to fit in them because I’m so tall, but these are awesome.
MR2 should have more aero - vented wheels, cannards, bigger diffuser and DRS "solid" wing, at least a GR version and also just RWD
Been waiting for this!! Yesssss
I prefer some vibration for more of a raw power feel. That sense of grabbing the nest gear is nice for the same reason, even if it comes at the expense of a few 1/10ths of acceleration time.
Man, I had a 2nd gen MR2 when I was in college, I am looking forward to the new MR2. Can't wait.
I Used to have a few mr2s , and this engine at idle sounds so much like the 3sgte at idle . I hope its a similar engine if the mr2 comes out i will definitely buy it. i love mr2s and i had a few before. Even the acceleration sounds very similar to the 2.0 3sgte.
Cant wait till these are marked up to 85k
Excited to see your review of the GR Corolla 8 AT. Also, these new cars look great! I can see they will have to discontinue Supra coz it just doesn't look good and very expensive.