Toyota has officially confirmed the development of an all-new Celica, reigniting excitement among fans of the iconic sports car. This confirmation follows previous speculation and hints about Toyota’s potential plans to revive the Celica, solidifying the automaker’s commitment to expanding its high-performance lineup. The upcoming Celica is set to complement models like the GR86 and the Supra, further enhancing Toyota’s presence in the sports car segment without replacing any existing models..
A New Generation in the Works
The return of the Celica was confirmed by Toyota executive Yuki Nakajima during the Japan Rally last week, as reported by Autocar. Nakajima revealed that work on the new sports car has already begun, though the project remains in its early stages. While discussing the car’s development, Nakajima emphasized the enthusiasm within Toyota for the Celica’s revival, noting that many within the company are eagerly awaiting its debut.
Toyota’s Sports Car Legacy
Toyota’s interest in reviving the Celica is part of a broader focus on its sports car lineup, which includes the GR86 and potentially a new Supra or MR2. For over 18 years, the Celica has been absent from Toyota’s production lineup, with the last model, the seventh-generation Celica, ending production in 2005. Despite this hiatus, Toyota has continued to protect the Celica name, renewing its trademark registration as recently as 2021.
In recent years, Toyota has dropped hints about the return of the Celica. An animated video titled Grip, posted on Toyota’s YouTube channel, displayed a whiteboard listing potential future models, including the Celica, Supra, MR2, GR86, and GR GT3. While some of these, like the GR GT3, have already appeared in concept form, the Celica’s specific design and features remain under wraps.
Engine and Powertrain Possibilities
It is still unclear whether the new Celica will feature a traditional petrol engine, an electric powertrain, or a hybrid system. According to Autocar, Toyota is weighing the possibilities, considering an electric configuration while also exploring a hybrid system that blends petrol and electric power.
Toyota’s commitment to electric sports cars is well-documented. In 2023 and 2021, the automaker introduced concept versions of electric sports cars, and it has also been developing an electric sports car under the Lexus brand. The Lexus Electrified Sport concept, unveiled in 2021, provides a glimpse into the future design and technology of high-performance electric vehicles, including a potential successor to the legendary Lexus LFA.
