Toyota Fans Left Hanging: The MR2 Revival Dream Deferred
Car enthusiasts worldwide were on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating Toyota’s big reveal at the Tokyo Auto Salon. Teasers hinted at a mid-engined, two-seater concept—a design that instantly fueled rumors of the legendary MR2’s return. But here’s where it gets controversial: instead of unveiling a sleek sports car, Toyota dropped a bombshell in the form of two heavily modified Daihatsu Hijet mini trucks. Yes, you read that right—trucks. And this is the part most people miss: these aren’t just any trucks; they’re mid-engined ‘kei’ cars, a category known for its tiny size and big personality in Japan.
Toyota President Akio Toyoda took center stage to showcase these unexpected creations. The first, dubbed the Toyota GR Hijet Morizo K-Trail, is a collaboration with Toyota’s performance division, Gazoo Racing. It’s a head-turner with lifted suspension, GR86 sports car shock absorbers, and larger wheels and tires. Under the hood, the original 660cc engine gets a turbo boost, paired with side-mounted exhaust pipes reportedly borrowed from the GR Corolla hot hatch. The design takes cues from the rugged Land Cruiser 300 series, complete with roof-mounted lights, external bull bars, and Morizo-branded bucket seats both inside and in the tray. It’s a blend of off-road toughness and racing flair that left many scratching their heads—in a good way.
Daihatsu’s take on the Hijet, the Jumbo Star Climber, is equally bold. Painted in custom green, it sits on 16-inch wheels with mud tires and features an external tube roll cage that replaces the windscreen and roof. A bullbar, skid plates, and a tray-mounted cargo box complete the adventurous look. Inside, racing bucket seats with harnesses and a custom shift knob scream performance. These trucks aren’t just showpieces; they’re statements—a reminder that creativity in automotive design knows no bounds.
At the event, visitors were asked to vote on which truck Toyoda would drive home. The GR Hijet Morizo K-Trail won by a slim margin of 59 votes, proving it’s not just about looks but also about capturing the imagination. Both trucks became instant conversation starters, leaving attendees debating their merits and quirks.
But here’s the real kicker: despite this unexpected detour, Toyota is still quietly working on a new mid-engined, two-seater sports car. Rumors suggest it might carry the Celica nameplate instead of the MR2, a move that’s sure to spark debate among fans. Is this a missed opportunity, or a strategic play to revive another beloved classic? And does the Hijet reveal hint at Toyota’s willingness to take risks—or is it a distraction from the sports car we’ve all been waiting for?
What do you think? Are these Hijet creations a genius move or a missed opportunity? And would you rather see the MR2 or Celica make a comeback? Let us know in the comments—this is one discussion you won’t want to miss!
