Toyota’s ‘Mid‑Engine Two‑Seater’ Reveal Was Actually a Modified Daihatsu Kei Truck – Not a New MR2
Toyota’s ‘Mid‑Engine Two‑Seater’ Reveal Was Actually a Modified Daihatsu Kei Truck – Not a New MR2
Image: Toyota’s ‘Mid‑Engine Two‑Seater’ Reveal Was Actually a Modified Daihatsu Kei Truck – Not a New MR2 – Performance Comparison and Specifications
Introduction
When Toyota’s Gazoo Racing teased a mid‑engine, two‑seater concept that looked like a spiritual successor to the beloved MR2, the automotive world went into a frenzy. Enthusiasts imagined a sleek, turbo‑petrol sports car with cutting‑edge ADAS and a roaring engine soundtrack. The hype was real—until the curtains were pulled back and the truth emerged: the “new MR2” was actually a customized Daihatsu Kei truck dressed up to look like a sports car.
The PR Stunt: What Really Happened?
Gazoo Racing is known for pushing boundaries, but this time the goal was less about engineering a new platform and more about a clever marketing twist. Instead of building a brand‑new chassis, the team took a Daihatsu Hijet—a tiny, boxy utility vehicle that dominates Japan’s kei‑class market—and gave it a sporty makeover.
Why a Kei truck? In Japan, Kei trucks are celebrated for their ultra‑compact dimensions, low tax brackets, and surprisingly robust powertrains. By re‑bodying the Hijet, Toyota could showcase a “mid‑engine” layout (the engine sits behind the front axle) without the massive R&D spend that a true MR2 revival would demand.
Design & Dimensions
The visual transformation is impressive on paper. The modified vehicle sports a low, sloping roofline, carbon‑fiber mirrors, and a wide rear diffuser that screams performance. Yet, beneath the skin, the dimensions remain firmly rooted in Kei‑truck heritage.
| Attribute | Original Daihatsu Hijet | Modified Gazoo Racing Version |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 3,395 mm | 3,420 mm (slightly extended rear) |
| Width | 1,480 mm | 1,560 mm (wider fenders) |
| Height | 1,720 mm | 1,530 mm (lower roofline) |
| Wheelbase | 2,350 mm | 2,350 mm (unchanged) |
| Weight | 720 kg | 750 kg (added body panels) |
Feature Comparison
To see how the modified truck stacks up against the rumored MR2, we’ve compiled a quick side‑by‑side look at the most talked‑about features.
| Feature | Daihatsu Kei Truck (Modified) | Speculated New MR2 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Placement | Mid‑engine (behind front axle) | Mid‑engine |
| Power Output | 66 hp (0.66 L turbo‑petrol) | ≈200 hp (2.0 L turbo‑petrol) |
| ADAS Suite | Basic lane‑keep assist | Advanced adaptive cruise, lane‑centering |
| Transmission | 5‑speed manual | 6‑speed dual‑clutch |
| Weight Distribution | ≈45/55 front/rear | ≈50/50 |
Engine Specifications
The heart of the modified vehicle is a 660 cc turbo‑petrol unit that complies with Japan’s kei‑car regulations. While it doesn’t roar like a 2‑liter MR2 would, the engine is surprisingly lively thanks to a turbocharger and lightweight internals.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 658 cc |
| Induction | Turbocharged |
| Peak Power | 66 hp @ 6,500 rpm |
| Peak Torque | 92 Nm @ 4,000 rpm |
| Fuel System | Direct injection |
| Emissions | Euro 6 compliant |
Price Comparison
One of the biggest talking points was price. A genuine MR2 revival would sit comfortably in the $30,000–$40,000 range (including taxes). The Gazoo Racing‑styled Kei truck, however, lands in a completely different bracket.
| Market | Approx. Price (USD) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Japan – Standard Hijet | $12,500 | Base model, no sport package |
| Japan – Gazoo Racing Edition | $18,000 | Includes body kit, upgraded suspension |
| USA – Hypothetical MR2 | $35,000 | Projected price for a new sports coupe |
| Europe – Comparable Hot Hatch | $22,000 | For perspective on performance‑oriented pricing |
What This Means for Toyota Fans
For longtime MR2 devotees, the revelation feels like a prank—though not an entirely unwelcome one. It highlights two trends:
- Platform Sharing: Toyota continues to leverage its partnership with Daihatsu to experiment without heavy capital outlay.
- Marketing Creativity: In an era where every launch is dissected on social media, a surprise like this generates buzz far beyond a conventional press release.
That said, the stunt also underscores a genuine desire among enthusiasts for a modern MR2. While the Kei‑truck conversion satisfies the novelty factor, it does little to quench the appetite for a true mid‑engine, turbo‑petrol sports car equipped with the latest ADAS and driver‑assist technologies.
Conclusion
In the end, Toyota didn’t secretly resurrect the MR2; they simply gave a Daihatsu Kei truck a sporty disguise and let the internet run wild. It’s a reminder that not every headline‑grabbing teaser hides a groundbreaking product. Still, the conversation sparked by the reveal keeps the dream of a new MR2 alive—maybe even enough to push Toyota’s engineers to consider a genuine, performance‑focused successor someday.
FAQ
- 1. Was there ever a plan for a new Toyota MR2?
- Toyota has hinted at exploring a mid‑engine sports car, but no official project has been confirmed as of 2024.
- 2. What is a Kei truck?
- Kei trucks are ultra‑compact, lightweight commercial vehicles built to Japan’s “kei” regulations, limiting size, engine displacement, and power.
- 3. Does the modified truck have a turbo‑petrol engine?
- Yes, it uses a 658 cc turbo‑petrol unit that meets kei‑car emissions standards.
- 4. Are any advanced ADAS features included?
- The Gazoo Racing version offers basic lane‑keep assist, but nothing near the suite found in modern Toyota sports cars.
- 5. How does the weight distribution affect handling?
- With a 45/55 front‑to‑rear split, the truck is slightly rear‑biased, which aids traction but isn’t as balanced as a true 50/50 sports car layout.
- 6. Can the vehicle be purchased outside Japan?
- Currently, the Gazoo Racing edition is a Japan‑only release; export would require compliance with local regulations.
- 7. How does the price compare to a typical MR2?
- The modified Kei truck costs roughly half of what a new MR2 would likely retail for in the U.S.
- 8. Is the body kit reversible?
- Owners can remove the aftermarket panels and return the vehicle to its original Hijet configuration.
- 9. Does the truck have a manual transmission?
- Yes, it ships with a 5‑speed manual gearbox, catering to driving enthusiasts.
- 10. Where can I read more about the project?
- Further details are available on Toyota’s official Gazoo Racing site and on automotive news outlets such as MotorTrend.
