The dream of a new Toyota MR2 just crashed and burned! Instead of the iconic mid-engined sports car, Toyota unveiled something… completely different. Prepare yourself, because it involves mini trucks.
At the recent Tokyo Auto Salon, Toyota threw everyone for a loop, showcasing two heavily modified Daihatsu Hijet mini trucks. This reveal dashed the hopes of enthusiasts worldwide who were eagerly anticipating the return of the legendary MR2. Remember all those teasers hinting at a mid-engined two-seater? Yeah, well, this wasn't it.
Leading up to the show, Toyota dropped hints suggesting a new mid-engined concept. The internet exploded with speculation, almost universally believing it signaled the resurrection of the beloved MR2. But here's where it gets controversial... Was Toyota intentionally misleading us, or were we simply reading too much into the teases?
Instead of a sleek sports car, Toyota president Akio Toyoda unveiled two wildly customized Daihatsu Hijet 'kei' trucks. For those unfamiliar, 'kei' trucks are a uniquely Japanese class of mini trucks, known for their small size and fuel efficiency. One Hijet was modified by Toyota's high-performance division, Gazoo Racing (GR), while the other was the work of Daihatsu themselves.
The Gazoo Racing creation, dubbed the Toyota GR Hijet Morizo K-Trail, is a serious off-road machine. It boasts a lifted suspension, complete with shock absorbers borrowed from the GR86 sports car. It also sports larger wheels and tires, ready to tackle any terrain. And this is the part most people miss... the engine! While it retains the original 660cc petrol engine, it's now turbocharged, giving it a significant power boost. To top it off, it features side-mounted exhaust pipes, reportedly sourced from the GR Corolla hot hatch.
The GR Hijet's front end has been completely reworked, incorporating design elements from the imposing 300-series Land Cruiser. Roof-mounted lights illuminate the path ahead, while external door and bull bars add to its rugged appearance. Inside, you'll find Morizo-branded bucket seats, both in the cabin and mounted in the truck bed – because why not?
Daihatsu's take on the Hijet, the Jumbo Star Climber, is equally eye-catching. It's finished in a custom green paint job and rides on larger 16-inch wheels wrapped in mud tires. An external tube roll cage replaces the windscreen and roof, giving it an open-air feel.
A bullbar and integrated skid plates complete the aggressive look, extending around the large cargo box mounted in the truck bed. The modifications continue inside, with bucket seats equipped with racing harnesses and a custom shift knob.
In a lighthearted twist, visitors were asked to vote on which truck Toyota's president should drive home. The Toyota GR Hijet Morizo K-Trail emerged victorious, edging out its counterpart by a mere 59 votes. Both trucks undeniably became major talking points at the show.
But don't lose all hope just yet! Despite this unexpected detour, Toyota is reportedly still developing a new two-seater mid-engined sports car. However, reports suggest it might revive the Celica nameplate instead of the MR2. Now, this raises another question: Which nameplate would you prefer to see on a new mid-engined Toyota, Celica or MR2?
So, was this mini-truck reveal a clever marketing stunt, a genuine exploration of different vehicle types, or a cruel joke on MR2 fans? And more importantly, are you disappointed with Toyota's direction, or are you intrigued by these unconventional creations? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
