Toyota reaffirms commitment to manual transmissions and ICE cars

Toyota has reaffirmed its dedication to internal combustion engines (ICE) and manual transmissions, ensuring that driving enthusiasts can continue to enjoy traditional performance cars. Despite the industry’s shift toward electrification, Toyota remains committed to offering petrol-powered vehicles with manual gearboxes, particularly through its Gazoo Racing (GR) performance division.

Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing, emphasized that manual transmissions and petrol engines will be around for a long time. He reassured fans that Toyota understands the appeal of traditional driving experiences and will continue to support the enthusiast market.

Currently, Toyota’s GR models, including the GR86, GR Supra, GR Yaris, and GR Corolla, are all equipped with six-speed manual transmissions paired with petrol engines, reinforcing the company’s dedication to engaging driving dynamics.

Hanley also hinted at future developments in Toyota’s GR lineup, referencing the Yaris M Concept—a mid-engine performance car concept. This has fueled speculation that Toyota could be considering a revival of the legendary MR2, a mid-engine sports car that last saw production in the 2000s. While no official confirmation has been made, Hanley’s comments suggest that Toyota is actively exploring new high-performance models.

While Toyota remains committed to traditional performance cars, it is also preparing for a future beyond petrol. Hanley acknowledged that electrified GR models are inevitable, but did not provide a timeline or specific details regarding Toyota’s high-performance EVs.

Beyond battery-electric vehicles, Toyota is also investing in hydrogen technology as an alternative approach to sustainable performance. The company has been developing hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines, which retain the mechanical character of petrol engines while producing significantly lower emissions.

A key example of this innovation is the GR Corolla H2 Concept, a hydrogen-powered race car featuring a manual transmission. Unlike traditional hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, this concept burns liquid hydrogen in an ICE, allowing for faster refueling times compared to gaseous hydrogen. However, this technology faces challenges, particularly storage and transportation, as liquid hydrogen must be kept below -253°C.

Toyota’s approach highlights its strategy of balancing traditional driving experiences with future technologies. The company remains committed to ICE and manual transmissions while also exploring electrification and hydrogen power to ensure that driving enthusiasts have a variety of performance options in the years to come.

For now, Toyota fans can rest assured that the GR division will continue producing petrol-powered, manual transmission sports cars, keeping the spirit of driving engagement alive for the foreseeable future.