--- title: "Toyota Anime Teases MR2 and Celica Revivals, Next-Gen Supra and GR86" description: "Toyota's slate of next-generation sports cars appears to have been hinted at in the brand's anime web series." date: "2024-11-03" modified: "2024-11-03" authors: - name: "Beverly Braga" job_title: "Weekend Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/beverly-braga" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/toyota-anime-teases-mr2-and-celica-revivals-next-gen-supra-and-gr86" categories: - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Toyota News" tags: - "anime" - "sports car" - "Toyota" --- # Toyota Anime Teases MR2 and Celica Revivals, Next-Gen Supra and GR86 ![]() *Toyota USA via YouTube* Could it be? The future of [Toyota]()'s performance lineup unveiled for the world to see…in a cartoon? Eh, maybe we're making something outta nothin'. Or, maybe we're not. Toyota launched an original anime series, [*GRIP: A Toyota Story*](), in February. On a basic level, it's automotive marketing as a cartoon. On an enthusiast level, however, *GRIP* offers a quick jolt of exhaust excitement inspired by none other than [*Initial D*](), the iconic Japanese manga about street racing that gained global fandom. In *GRIP*, its protagonists are a team of young but experienced racers, too, but the stakes are higher. The "thrill of driving has been all but extinguished" in their metropolitan city by Synthcorp. In the show's opening scene, a blue [GR Corolla]() merges into heavy city traffic but is an immediate sore thumb in a sea of gray autonomous look-alike vehicles. "Ugh, look at these stupid metal sheep everywhere," says the series' hero/heartthrob in exasperation. The leader of these emotionless auto bots is a win-at-all-costs egomaniac who is "hellbent on eradicating human driving." Sounds like a not-too-distant future, not gonna lie. https://youtu.be/N-CECvVIi2M?feature=shared Nevertheless, this is animation. Everything onscreen was put there on purpose. This isn't a live-action production where prop mistakes happen (amirite, *GoT* fans?). In *GRIP*, no matter how painfully short the episodes are (about a minute each, not including the title sequence) or how captivating the cliffhangers, our protagonists are loud and proud Toyota fans. If they're not wearing branded clothing, they're driving a GR Corolla, [GR Supra](), or [GR86](). So, when the GRIP team mentor stands in his Toyota [Gazoo Racing]() shrine of a garage next to a whiteboard with car stuff written on it, we hit pause, snap a screenshot, and [ponder the meaning of the scribbles](). "Supra MK6. Celica MK8. MR2 MK4. GR86 MK3. GR GT3." Oh, right, never mind. It's a cartoon! None of these cars will actually exist. Right? Well, let's see. The current [Supra is dead]() because the [BMW Z4]() it's based on will soon go away. But then Toyota said it [doesn't need BMW to keep building a Supra](). And Toyota Motor Corp. Chairman Akio Toyoda keeps [hyping the Celica's return](), even [hanging out with "Mr. Celica"]() at local rally races. Recent rumors peg a [comeback for the MR2]() as well but with an all-wheel drive configuration. MR2*x2* then? I'm sure Toyota can come up with a convoluted name not unlike [bZ4X](). Strong sales for the GR86 make its next-gen model a no-brainer, and it might be a [hybrid with a power boost]() if overseas dispatches are to be believed. And the [GR GT3]()? Whether it ultimately wears a Toyota or Lexus badge, [it's been seen—and heard—lapping the world's most famous proving ground](). Or perhaps all this (possibly erroneous) overthinking was the true intent of the *GRIP* artists. Well played then, ad disguised as anime. Well played. Just don't tell me the GR apparel isn't real, though, because those jackets are sweet. *Got tips? Send ’em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Born and raised in Hawaii, Beverly has been a prolific and published creative writer since her teens. As a contributor to The Drive, Beverly covers the weekend shift, blogging about all things automotive, mobility, transportation, and topics in-between. Currently a digital nomad, Beverly's only constant is her car, a second-generation Mazdaspeed3. Even though she's never in one place for too long, her hot hatch always feels like home. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()