Toyota is doubling down on delivering thrilling driving experiences, proving that performance cars aren’t fading anytime soon. From the GR Yaris to the iconic Supra, the Japanese giant’s Gazoo Racing (GR) division keeps enthusiasts buzzing. Recent hints suggest revived classics like the Celica and MR2, while a Toyota Australia executive assures fans that “fun cars with manual transmissions” and internal combustion engines (ICE) will thrive for a “long, long time.” Here’s why Toyota remains a haven for gearheads.
Combustion Engines and Manuals Stick Around
Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing, told Carsales magazine that despite electrification trends, the company—still the world’s top automaker—won’t abandon the raw appeal of ICE powertrains. Enthusiasts crave the roar and responsiveness of gas-powered rides, and Toyota’s listening. Alongside synthetic fuel research to sustain combustion engines, GR is also exploring electric sports cars like the FT-Se concept, blending tradition with innovation.
Gazoo Racing: A Playground for Performance Fans
Toyota envisions GR as the ultimate destination for “car enthusiasts seeking performance vehicles.” Take the Yaris M concept from the Tokyo Auto Salon—it swapped the GR Yaris’s front-mounted 1.6-liter engine for a mid-mounted 2.0-liter turbocharged G20E. With over 400 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, this versatile powerplant promises to drive a range of sporty models. Could it hint at an MR2 revival? Hanley’s coy “who knows” only fuels speculation.
Supra and Beyond: Toyota’s Performance Pipeline
The Supra isn’t going anywhere either. Toyota has no plans to sunset the A90, and whispers of a Mazda partnership for the next generation—potentially reviving the RX—add intrigue, though nothing’s confirmed. Meanwhile, a mysterious “LFR” supercar with a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 is in the works. Possibly launching under Lexus with a Toyota GT3 racer variant, it might debut as early as this year, leading the charge among GR’s future lineup.
Why It Matters for Driving Purists
For Toyota, it’s not just about specs—it’s the sensory thrill. Hanley emphasized GR’s focus on the “sounds, smells, and feel” of combustion engines. Transitioning smoothly between nostalgic ICE models and cutting-edge electric options, Toyota ensures there’s something for every fan of “Toyota performance cars.” Whether you’re eyeing a manual-shifting hot hatch or a high-octane supercar, the brand’s commitment shines through.
The Road Ahead
Toyota’s balancing act—preserving classic driving vibes while embracing sustainable tech—sets it apart. With GR leading the way, expect more heart-pounding reveals. For now, rest easy knowing “fun cars with combustion engines” aren’t retiring anytime soon.
