Toyota Exec Says Celica's Returning!

PhToyota has confirmed that the Celica, one of its most iconic models, will make a return. The announcement came directly from Yuki Nakajima, Toyota's vice president, at the recent WRC Rally Japan event. With the simple statement, "We're doing the Celica!", Nakajima made it clear that Toyota is committed to reviving this legendary sports coupe, which originally captivated enthusiasts from 1970 to 2005​.

The Celica's Legacy

The Toyota Celica earned its place in automotive history thanks to its perfect blend of affordability, performance, and sporty design. It became a staple in the sports car market for over three decades. The model's peak popularity came during the 1990s, when it made a major impact in the World Rally Championship (WRC), securing several titles. The final generation, produced from 2000 to 2005, was lighter and featured a front-wheel-drive layout powered by a 1.8-liter naturally aspirated engine. Depending on the variant, the engine offered anywhere from 140 to 180 horsepower. Although the Celica was discontinued in 2005, its legacy has lived on in the hearts of car enthusiasts, who have eagerly awaited its revival​.

The Revival

While specific details about the new Celica remain scarce, it’s widely speculated that the revived model will be part of Toyota's Gazoo Racing (GR) lineup. This division, known for reviving iconic models like the Supra and the GR86, is focused on performance-driven cars, and the Celica fits perfectly into that ethos. Unlike its predecessors, the new Celica could feature an electrified or hybrid powertrain as part of Toyota's larger strategy to shift toward more sustainable and innovative technologies​.

Design and Future Outlook

The future Celica’s design might be influenced by Toyota's FT-Se concept car, unveiled at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show. This concept showcases a futuristic and aggressive design direction that could very well shape the Celica’s revival. I’m not sure how but additionally, Toyota's animated series GRIP recently hinted at the possibility of not just a Celica Mk8, but also new versions of the Supra and MR2, signaling that Toyota could be preparing a full revival of its "three brothers"—the Celica, Supra, and MR2​.

Challenges and Opportunities

Bringing the Celica back comes with its challenges. Toyota will need to stay true to the model’s legacy as a lightweight, driver-focused sports car, while modernizing it to meet the evolving demands of today’s automotive market. As the industry increasingly embraces electrification, the new Celica presents an opportunity to redefine the sports coupe segment with cutting-edge hybrid or electric technology. Fans hope that Toyota will balance the Celica’s performance roots with modern innovation, making it both an affordable and exciting option for enthusiasts​.

As Toyota continues to reveal more about the Celica’s return, excitement is building among fans and enthusiasts. The Celica’s revival promises to strengthen the GR brand and offer a new chapter in the legacy of one of Toyota’s most beloved models.

Sources:

autocar.co.uk , autocarindia.com, guideautoweb.com