by Confident Forward Movement
Toyota is not allowing minor development problems to interfere with plans to create a new mid-engine model. Months after reports emerged of significant difficulties with the GR Yaris M test concept, the team continued working, refining the prototype and recently taking third place in its class in the Japanese Super Taikyu series.
Sports Car Project
The mid-engine sports car project has been ongoing for quite some time and is expected to lead to the creation of an entirely new generation MR2. Currently, Toyota is testing its capabilities in this area on a specially built GR Yaris and is confident it can create a package even better than that installed in the standard Yaris.
Improved Handling
According to Toyota, their compact hatchback can wear out front tires three times faster than rear tires due to the front engine location and all-wheel drive. Moving the engine rearward while maintaining all-wheel drive will improve handling and reduce understeer.
New G20E Engine
Attention is drawn not only to the chassis layout. While current GR Yaris and GR Corolla use a 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, the M concept replaces it with a Toyota-developed 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, known internally as G20E. Despite its smaller size, this engine significantly outperforms Toyota’s existing 2.4-liter unit.
Compared to the existing 2.4-liter turbo engine, this engine is 10 percent smaller in volume and height but delivers significantly more power, making it suitable for a wide range of vehicles requiring high power, from trucks to sports cars.
Smaller but More Powerful
The company is not stopping there. An even more compact version of the G20E, rumored to be intended for several future models including the anticipated Celica revival, is already undergoing testing.
It’s smaller than the one at the technical seminar. It’s still a challenge, and there’s no guarantee it’s possible, but we’re working hard to make it even more compact, said Mitsuto Sakai, head of Toyota’s engine development department.
He added that the main challenge was designing a powerful engine in a compact form. Development is underway to improve combustion efficiency and compactness, which will contribute to creating better cars.
Power Potential
Initially, Toyota stated that the G20E would produce about 395 hp, but engineers later indicated that with a larger turbocharger, the unit could reach 600 hp without any hybrid assistance. This figure indicates impressive flexibility for an engine with a relatively small displacement.
Cooling Issues
Earlier this month, Toyota resolved many previous problems with the race car that competed in the ST-Q class during the sixth round of the Super Taikyu series. The car showed the fourth fastest time in qualifying and took third place in Group 2.
Despite impressive results in recent performances, the car still faces cooling challenges. Toyota has added massive wheel arches and air intakes to the prototype, but work continues.
Future Prospects
While it would be great to see a mid-engine version of the GR Yaris, similar to the Renault Clio V6, this shouldn’t be expected yet. However, rumors about the development of a new MR2 with the same mid-mounted 2.0-liter turbo engine and all-wheel drive system are enough to interest any car enthusiast.
Technological advancements such as the compact yet powerful G20E engine demonstrate the growing ability of automakers to combine high performance with efficiency. Toyota’s successes in overcoming technical challenges, such as cooling, could have a significant impact on future sports models, combining traditional driving values with innovative solutions.
