October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsClean PCRecommendedOne scan can reveal what keeps slowing WindowsLook for cleanup and repair opportunities.Run ScanOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
CarCodyAdvertise
Service recordThe Garage

Akio Toyoda’s Mid-Engined Tokyo Auto Salon Reveal Was the GR Yaris M Concept—not a Kei Truck

Toyota’s mid-engined Tokyo Auto Salon reveal was the GR Yaris M Concept. The kei truck shown at the same event was a separate Daihatsu Hijet design.
Entry171 Date Time2 min MechanicCarCody Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Akio Toyoda’s mid-engined reveal at Tokyo Auto Salon 2025 was the Toyota GR Yaris M Concept, not a kei truck. It was a GR Yaris-based performance concept with its engine moved behind the cabin and power sent to all four wheels. The kei-truck connection comes from a separate Daihatsu Hijet Truck design shown at the same event.

What was Akio Toyoda’s mid-engined Tokyo Auto Salon car?

Toyota introduced the GR Yaris M Concept at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2025 press conference on January 10. The Tokyo Auto Salon Association’s event report describes a GR Yaris-based concept whose engine was moved from the standard front position to a rear-mid position, while retaining four-wheel drive. Toyota UK’s January 30, 2025 media summary also identifies a mid-engined M Concept among the GR Yaris displays.

The “M” refers to “Morizo,” the driving persona associated with Akio Toyoda. The event report quotes GR Company chief engineer Naohiko Saito saying, translated from Japanese: “This car’s development began with conversations with Morizo.”

Why is a kei truck associated with the reveal?

Daihatsu showed a separate vehicle design, the Hijet Truck Jumbo EXTEND2, at Tokyo Auto Salon 2025. It is listed on the company’s official event design page. That exhibit is a kei-truck design; it is not the mid-engined GR Yaris concept.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
Solido 1:43 Scale Toyota Yaris GR Red 2020 Diecast Model S4311102
  • SOLIDO BRAND QUALITY: Solido is known for producing high-quality diecast model cars with exceptional detail, durable construction, and accurate representations of real vehicles. Each model is crafted with precision and built to last.
  • TOYOTA BRAND MODEL: This Toyota Yaris GR model represents a performance hatchback associated with the 2020 model year. It reflects the compact proportions, sporty styling, and visual identity linked to modern GR performance vehicles, capturing the design characteristics and dynamic appearance associated with contemporary rally-inspired road cars.
  • FEATURES & DETAILS: This 1:43 scale diecast model measures approximately 4.1 inches in length and is finished in red. Designed as a sealed display model with no opening parts, it highlights compact hatchback proportions, sporty body lines, and performance-inspired styling elements, offering a representation suited for collectors of modern performance vehicles.
  • TOP QUALITY MATERIALS: Constructed with a diecast metal body and plastic components, this model provides structural balance while allowing fine detailing across exterior features. The paint application is evenly applied to reflect the intended finish, while smaller components contribute to the overall appearance, supporting a clean and consistent presentation for display environments.
  • COLLECTIBLE DISPLAY ITEM: This Toyota Yaris GR model is intended for collectors aged 14 and above and is designed for display purposes. With its modern performance styling and detailed finish, it fits well within collections focused on compact sports vehicles, particularly for enthusiasts of contemporary rally-inspired automotive design.
Vehicle Identity and role Engine layout Drivetrain
Toyota GR Yaris M Concept GR Yaris-based performance concept, identified in the Tokyo Auto Salon Association’s January 2025 event report Rear-mid, according to the event report Four-wheel drive, according to the event report
Daihatsu Hijet Truck Jumbo EXTEND2 Hijet truck design listed by Daihatsu for Tokyo Auto Salon 2025 Not stated on Daihatsu’s cited design page Not stated on Daihatsu’s cited design page

What engine and power did Toyota report?

The Tokyo Auto Salon Association’s January 2025 report says the concept used a developing G20E 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder in place of the standard GR Yaris’s 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder. It reported targets or capabilities of more than 400 PS for road use and more than 600 PS for a race specification. These are figures attributed to the event report about a developing engine, not independently tested output or confirmed production specifications.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Was the GR Yaris M Concept going racing or entering production?

The event report said testing had begun and that the team planned to enter the 2025 Super Taikyu Series. That announcement documents a plan, not confirmation that the entry subsequently took place. The cited reports identify the car as a concept and do not establish a production model, current retail availability, or current production plans.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 2
Pandem GR Yaris Metallic Blue Enigma Exclusive Edition 1/64 Diecast Model Car by Pop Race PRE004
Pandem GR Yaris Metallic Blue Enigma Exclusive Edition 1/64 Diecast Model Car by Pop Race PRE004
Brand new box; Real rubber tires.; Detailed interior, exterior, engine compartment.; Made of diecast metal with some plastic parts.
$28.99
SaleBestseller No. 5
Hot Wheels JHW19 Boulevard Toyota GR Yaris Ride On Toy Mini Car Ages 3 and Up, White
Hot Wheels JHW19 Boulevard Toyota GR Yaris Ride On Toy Mini Car Ages 3 and Up, White
Country of Origin: Thailand. Recommended Age: 3 years and up; (Perfect Gift) Perfect as a gift for birthdays, Christmas, and anniversaries
$16.99
Best Value
Sale
Hot Wheels JHW19 Boulevard Toyota GR Yaris Ride On Toy Mini Car Ages 3 and Up, White
  • Contents: Introducing a new mold of Toyota GR Yaris. This high-performance 3-door hatchback was developed with the vision of WRC participation in mind, and faithfully reproduces the characteristics of the actual car such as the impressive blister fender. Compact yet with an overwhelming presence
  • Country of Origin: Thailand. Recommended Age: 3 years and up
  • (Perfect Gift) Perfect as a gift for birthdays, Christmas, and anniversaries
Rank #4
2021 GR Yaris White with Carbon Top Special Edition Series 1/24 Diecast Model Car 32909WH
  • Brand new box. Real rubber tires. Detailed interior, exterior. Officially licensed product. Has opening hood and doors. Manufacturer's original unopened packaging. Made of diecast metal with some plastic parts. Dimensions approximately L-6.5, W-3.25, H-2.25 inches.
Rank #2
Pandem GR Yaris Metallic Blue Enigma Exclusive Edition 1/64 Diecast Model Car by Pop Race PRE004
  • Brand new box
  • Real rubber tires.
  • Detailed interior, exterior, engine compartment.
  • Does not have any openings. Comes in a blister pack. Manufacturer's original unopened packaging.
  • Made of diecast metal with some plastic parts.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

More from the Garage

  1. Entry001Date09 OCT 26Time3 minWhich Brake Pad Should You Buy From RockAuto or Elsewhere?Section: Blog
  2. Entry002Date09 OCT 26Time5 minThe Pros and Cons of Touchless Car Wash SystemsSection: Blog
  3. Entry003Date09 OCT 26Time3 minCan a Trickle Charger or Battery Tender Properly Charge a Car Battery?Section: Blog

Thanks for visiting Carcody

Carcody.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.co

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.