- Toyota has admitted they’re having problems with the mid-engine GR Yaris M concept.
- The automaker specifically mentioned issues related to “braking, steering, and driving.”
- These problems prevented the GR Yaris M from racing last weekend at Autopolis.
At the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon, Toyota Gazoo Racing pulled the wraps off the GR Yaris M concept. Despite looking like the regular model, the car featured a mid-mounted turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.
The concept was created to “explore the potential of the GR Yaris” and would compete in the Super Taikyu Series to gather feedback in the “extreme conditions of racing.” Fast forward nearly seven months and things aren’t going well.
More: Is Toyota Secretly Testing The New MR2 With This Mid-Engine GR Yaris Prototype?
Tucked away at the bottom of a racing release, Toyota provided a brief update on the GR Yaris M. They said the model is “undergoing full team development in pursuit of further possibilities for the GR Yaris, with a view to participating in the Super Taikyu Series.” However, they conceded that “many challenges have been identified.”
The company is working to address the issues, but noted “there are difficulties unique to midship-mounted vehicles in terms of braking, steering, and driving.” Given this, the car didn’t compete at the Autopolis last weekend.
Toyota said they decided not to compete in the race in order to further refine the vehicle. Despite the setback, the automaker plans to enter future races as part of its effort to make better “motorsports-bred cars.”
While the candor is welcome, the issues are disappointing especially considering rumors have suggested the concept could be a test bed for a new MR2 and engine. This means any delay or problem could potentially impact future production models.
