Toyota dropped trademark applications for both GR MR2 and GR MR-S across more than 10 countries, and the timing couldn’t be more suspicious. Between the wild GR Yaris M prototype they showed off earlier this year and these fresh filings covering everything from vehicles to structural parts, it looks like the mid-engine legend might actually be coming back.
- Toyota filed GR MR2 and GR MR-S trademarks in Japan, Australia, the U.S., and at least 10 other countries including Estonia, Norway, Denmark, New Zealand, Iceland, Latvia, Costa Rica, Uruguay, and Argentina.
- The trademark applications follow Toyota’s reveal of the GR Yaris M prototype featuring a mid-mounted turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, which sources say could pump out around 400 horsepower in the production MR2.
- If development stays on track, the new GR MR2 could debut between 2027 and 2028, joining the already-confirmed GR Celica in Toyota’s sports car comeback lineup.
When Trademark Paperwork Actually Means Something
Sure, car companies file trademarks all the time that never turn into real products. But when you’re talking about 10+ countries, two different name variations, and applications covering “automobiles and structural parts thereof,” that’s way more than routine paperwork. Toyota filed the GR MR2 trademark with Japan’s Patent Office on November 25, then followed up with GR MR-S in Australia. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office already approved Toyota’s MR2 application back in August. Estonia, Norway, Denmark, New Zealand, Iceland, Argentina – that’s laying groundwork for a global product launch.
The GR Yaris M Prototype Wasn’t Just for Show
Toyota showed up at the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon with something bizarre. They took a GR Yaris hot hatch and stuck a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder behind the driver’s seat. Called it the GR Yaris M. Engineers weren’t exactly subtle about it either, referring to the project as “MR-something” during presentations. Toyota’s been developing a new family of turbocharged engines, and that mid-mounted setup is testing exactly the configuration an MR2 would need. Japanese publication BestCar claims the production version could use the internal chassis code 710D and might even come with all-wheel drive.
What This Means for Original MR2 Values
Here’s where things get interesting for collectors and enthusiasts. When Toyota brought back the Supra, clean examples of the original Mk4 models basically doubled in value overnight. The same thing happened with other revival announcements. Smart money in the collector car market is already moving.
Dealers tracking inventory at Used Cars Lexington, KY and other markets across the country are watching their MR2 trade-ins closely. Clean examples of second-generation MR2 Turbos from the 1990s have already seen asking prices jump 15-20% in recent months. A pristine 1995 MR2 Turbo sold for $71,000 at auction in September, and average sale prices for second-gen models are hovering around $21,500 according to Classic.com data.
Third-generation MR2 Spyders (1999-2007) remain more affordable, typically running between $6,500 and $12,000 depending on condition and mileage. First-generation models from 1985-1989 with their boxy styling and pop-up headlights are becoming increasingly hard to find in stock condition, with prices climbing as collectors snap them up.
Toyota’s Serious About Sports Cars Again
The MR2 revival isn’t happening in isolation. Toyota’s been on an absolute tear with performance vehicles lately. The GR86 and GR Supra anchor the lineup, while the GR Yaris and GR Corolla hot hatches prove there’s real demand for enthusiast-focused models. Toyota’s Executive Vice President already confirmed the Celica is coming back, and they just unveiled the 641-horsepower GR GT supercar that’ll debut in 2027.
An MR2 would fill the one gap left in Toyota’s sports car portfolio. Front-engine coupes? Covered with the 86 and Supra. Hot hatches? The Yaris and Corolla handle that. Flagship supercar? The GR GT takes care of it. What’s missing? A mid-engine sports car that regular people can actually afford.
Two Names, Same Car
The dual trademark filings for both MR2 and MR-S make sense when you look at history. Toyota sold the third-generation model as the MR-S in Japan but kept the MR2 name everywhere else. Sources suggest they might continue that pattern, using MR-S for some markets while sticking with MR2 in North America. Either way, the GR prefix makes sense given how Toyota’s been branding all their performance models.
Your Next Move if You Want One
If a new MR2 actually materializes in 2027 or 2028, we’re probably looking at a starting price somewhere north of $40,000 based on where other GR models are positioned. That turbocharged 2.0-liter engine Toyota’s been testing should deliver around 400 horsepower, making it competitive against the Porsche 718 Cayman and Chevrolet Corvette.
For enthusiasts who can’t wait that long, the original MR2s are still out there, but the clock’s ticking on finding clean examples at reasonable prices. The announcement of a revival typically sends values climbing fast, and that process is already starting. Toyota hasn’t officially confirmed anything yet, but when a company files this many trademarks across this many countries, something’s happening.