Japanese sports car enthusiasts have reason to celebrate, as it appears that beloved Toyota Sports Cars, the Toyota Celica and Toyota MR2, may soon return with brand-new generations. After years of absence, these iconic models are expected to join the upcoming lineup alongside the next-generation GR86 and Supra.
New Toyota Sports Cars on the Horizon:
• Toyota may soon revive its legendary sports car models, the Celica and MR2, to complement future versions of the GR86 and Supra.
• These names were spotted on a whiteboard in the latest episode of the Grip anime series, hinting at what’s to come.
• The next-gen GR86, Supra, and the Toyota GR GT3 race car were also listed.
Toyota has built a loyal fanbase by producing thrilling Toyota Sports Cars such as the GR86, Supra, GR Corolla, and GR Yaris. The Japanese automaker has even suggested that the Supra will continue after the BMW Z4’s expected discontinuation in 2026. Adding to the excitement, a hidden teaser in an official anime-themed video hints at even more Toyota Sports Cars in the future.
The second season of Toyota’s official Grip anime series has been streaming for over a month, but it took some sharp-eyed fans to notice an important detail. In the first episode, at the 47-second mark, a whiteboard displays a list of names:
• Supra Mk6
• Celica Mk8
• MR2 Mk4
• GR Mk3
• GR GT3
These names refer to Toyota Sports Cars that have yet to be released, suggesting their arrival is imminent. It seems unlikely that Toyota would feature these models if there weren’t real plans to bring them to market.
The Return of the Toyota Celica
In 2022, Toyota’s then-President Tsuneji Sato mentioned his desire to bring back the Toyota Celica. Chairman Akio Toyoda also hinted that the Celica name might return in a modern sports car. Back in 2018, Masayuki Kai, chief engineer of the Supra, had suggested that Toyota wanted to revive other iconic sports car names. This statement fueled speculation that the Celica, which has been absent since 2006 when the sixth generation ceased production, could make a comeback.
A New Toyota MR2 in the Works?
Toyota may also be gearing up to reintroduce the MR2, and hints have already emerged. The Toyota FT-Se concept, unveiled at last year’s Japan Mobility Show, gives us a glimpse of what a new MR2 could look like. This all-electric, two-seater sports car boasts dual motors and all-wheel drive, achieving a 0-60 mph time of around three seconds and a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).
The electric motors are powered by next-gen, lightweight battery packs, with a focus on rear-wheel-drive dynamics. Toyota reportedly aims to test the new MR2 at the Nürburgring, also known as the “Green Hell,” with a goal of redefining electric performance. Hideaki Iida from the Gazoo Racing Design Group mentioned that a production version could debut sometime after 2026.
Updates on the Toyota GR86
The Toyota GR86, despite being discontinued in Europe due to new safety standards, continues to sell in other regions. Rumors about a third-generation GR86 have been circulating, with reports suggesting the launch has been accelerated to address stricter emissions regulations in Japan. The next-gen GR86 will likely feature a hybrid powertrain, built around the 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine found in the GR Yaris and GR Corolla. Lexus also uses this engine in the LBX Morizo RR crossover, proving its versatility and power.
The Toyota GR GT3 and Future Models
Toyota debuted the GR GT3 concept at the 2022 Tokyo Motor Show, and a production race car will compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2026. Furthermore, a street-legal version, possibly named the Lexus LFR, could serve as a successor to the LFA.
Beyond two-door coupes, Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division is reportedly exploring the idea of a performance SUV. Earlier this year, Tomoya Takahashi, president of Gazoo Racing, emphasized the need for a spacious, high-performance SUV for families.
In summary, Toyota’s future looks thrilling, with potential new generations of Toyota Sports Cars like the Celica and MR2 joining the lineup, alongside other exciting models from the brand’s performance-focused division.
