Toyota's New Mid-Engine Coupe Heads to Okoyama Track

Toyota has put a mid-engine coupe prototype derived from the GR Yaris M concept on track to evaluate the layout and a new 2.0 liter turbo engine under race conditions. The car will compete in the Super Taikyu endurance series at Okayama, carrying test hardware rather than representing a final production model.

From GR Yaris M concept to a dedicated coupe prototype

The GR Yaris M concept was revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show 2025 as a hot hatch with its engine relocated from the front to a position behind the driver. The concept retained the Yaris hatch body, but Toyota has since built a distinct coupe-shaped prototype for on-track testing. Toyota says the coupe is an engineering testbed rather than a production preview; the company is using it to validate packaging and mechanical layout before finalizing any body design for a road model.

Track programme and entry details

Japanese media reported that the prototype will run in the sixth round of the Super Taikyu series at Okayama International Circuit from October 23 to October 25. GR Team ORC Field has entered the car in the ST-Q class, which is reserved for prototype and experimental vehicles, to subject the hardware to endurance conditions and measure system behaviour over race distances.

Engineering focus and powertrain

The prototype carries Toyota's new G20E 2.0 liter turbocharged four cylinder, developed for future sports models. Toyota is testing the engine, cooling system, gearbox and chassis integration in a mid-engine layout. The company highlights several technical priorities for the programme, including weight distribution, steering response and thermal management. Large air inlets incorporated into the bodywork and positioned behind the doors are intended to deliver cooling airflow to the engine bay under sustained track loads.

• Engine: G20E 2.0L turbo four cylinder
• Test objectives: engine, cooling, gearbox, chassis
• Event: Super Taikyu ST-Q class at Okayama, Oct 23-25

Toyota has indicated the production car could combine this engine with an all wheel drive system, but the manufacturer has not confirmed final specifications or output for any road-going model. Toyota has set an internal target of more than 400 horsepower for a potential road car using this engine, though that figure remains an objective rather than a confirmed rating.

The prototype makes extensive use of GR Yaris components as part of its development, and Toyota acknowledges that substantial testing will continue. That suggests a multi-year timeline before a final production mid-engine coupe would reach showrooms.