Toyota has officially confirmed the return of the legendary Celica, and a recent trademark filing hints that it will bear the performance-oriented GR branding. Speculation suggests the new Celica could feature a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 400 horsepower, along with an all-wheel-drive system, positioning it as one of Toyota’s most thrilling sports cars in years.
A New Era for the Celica
The Celica was last produced in 2006, leaving a gap in Toyota’s lineup for a lightweight, driver-focused coupe. Rumors of its revival have circulated for years, but in November 2024, Toyota officially put an end to speculation. At a public event in Japan, Vice President Yuki Nakajima announced, “We’re doing the Celica.”
A recent trademark filing for the “GR Celica” name in Brazil indicates Toyota may be preparing to launch the model in multiple markets. However, details remain scarce, and its availability is expected to be influenced by emissions regulations and Toyota’s global strategy.
GR Performance and Powertrain Possibilities
Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division has earned a reputation for creating high-performance, track-ready vehicles like the GR Supra, GR86, GR Yaris, and GR Corolla. The introduction of the GR Celica suggests Toyota intends to position it as a serious performance contender rather than a nostalgic rebrand. A certain Mitsubishi Eclipse comes to mind.
The most exciting rumors revolve around a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine capable of delivering up to 400 horsepower. If these reports are accurate, the GR Celica would significantly outperform its predecessors and hold its own against modern sports cars. Additionally, it may utilize Toyota’s rally-proven GR-Four all-wheel-drive system, already featured in the GR Yaris and GR Corolla, enhancing both acceleration and handling.
While Toyota has yet to confirm whether the new Celica will offer a manual transmission, there’s reason to believe it might. The manual-equipped GR Supra saw a surge in demand last year, with Toyota reporting that 65% of all Supras sold in 2024 came with a manual gearbox—up from 43% the previous year.
Front-Engine or Mid-Engine?
Historically, the Celica has always been a front-engine coupe, but recent reports suggest Toyota may take a different approach. Speculation about a mid-engine layout has intensified following Toyota’s development of a mid-engined GR Yaris prototype, initially rumored to preview the next MR2.
It is speculated that Toyota might streamline development by merging the Celica and MR2 successors into a single model. This approach would be logical from an engineering and cost perspective, yet it contrasts with Toyota’s previous hints that a distinct MR2-inspired model is also in the works.
Final Thoughts
Although Toyota has not yet provided a definitive launch timeline, more details are expected to emerge later this year. Meanwhile, the company remains focused on high-performance projects, including the upcoming racing debut of the GR Yaris M Concept in the Super Taikyu Series in July 2025.
If Toyota delivers on the rumored specifications, the Celica’s return could be one of the most exciting sports car revivals in recent years. Enthusiasts worldwide—including us—will be eagerly awaiting further updates on the GR Celica’s official unveiling.
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