More than two decades after the last generation ended production, Toyota is preparing the return of the legendary Celica. The new coupe could become the entry model in the GR sports lineup and feature all-wheel drive combined with a hybrid powertrain, according to infohub.kz.
The revival is linked to Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda's plans to bring back the so-called "three brothers" – Supra, MR2, and Celica. The Supra has already returned, the MR2 is also being revived, and the next in line appears to be the Celica.
Toyota has not yet announced a timeline for the production model. However, a test prototype of the brand's rally car for the 2027 WRC season was recently spotted with a new two-door body. The Celica could serve as the basis for Toyota's return to rallying with this model.
For the road version, internally referred to as the Celica Sport, a 2.0-liter engine is expected. It could be paired with a hybrid system similar to the Corolla's. All-wheel drive is also planned for both the rally and road versions.
If the project goes into production, the Celica could become a more affordable entry point into the GR sports lineup. Conceptually, the model would be close to the Honda Prelude – a sporty two-door coupe based on a more mainstream vehicle.
The Celica already has a rally history. Bringing the Celica name back to the WRC would be symbolic. It was this model that Toyota used in the World Rally Championship and brought the brand victories in 1993 and 1994.
In Kazakhstan, the Celica remains a niche model, but it hasn't completely disappeared. On the Kolesa.kz website, there are currently 28 listings for sale of this model: the oldest examples date back to 1984, and the newest to 2004.
If the new Celica indeed gets a hybrid, all-wheel drive, and a relatively affordable construction for a sports model, Toyota will have a modern interpretation of the legendary coupe – already taking into account current requirements for fuel efficiency and emissions.