Toyota revives the Celica with high-performance GR badge
Toyota has officially confirmed the return of the iconic Celica, and a new trademark filing suggests it will carry the performance-focused GR branding, CarScoops reported. With reports pointing to a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine pushing 400 horsepower and potential all-wheel drive, the next-generation Celica could be one of Toyota's most exciting sports cars in years.The Celica was last produced in 2006, leaving a void in Toyota's lineup for a lightweight, enthusiast-focused coupe. However, rumors of its revival have circulated for years, and in November 2024, Toyota finally put speculation to rest. At a public event in Japan, Vice President Yuki Nakajima confirmed, 'We're doing the Celica.'
The recent trademark filing for the GR Celica name in Brazil suggests Toyota is preparing to launch the model in multiple markets. While details remain scarce, its availability will likely depend on emissions regulations and Toyota's broader global strategy.Toyota's Gazoo Racing division has built a reputation for developing thrilling, track-capable cars like the GR Supra, GR86, GR Yaris, and GR Corolla. The addition of the GR Celica to this lineup suggests Toyota is positioning it as a serious performance model rather than a simple revival of an old nameplate. We're looking at you, Mitsubishi Eclipse.
The most exciting rumors center around a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing up to 400 horsepower. If these reports hold true, the GR Celica would significantly outperform its predecessor and compete with modern sports cars. Additionally, it may adopt Toyota's rally-proven GR-Four all-wheel-drive system found in the GR Yaris and GR Corolla, offering both straight-line speed and enhanced handling capabilities.
There's no official word yet on whether the new Celica will offer a manual transmission, but given how well the manual GR Supra sold last year, we wouldn't be surprised. Toyota told Motor1 that 65% of all Supras sold in 2024 were bought with a manual gearbox, up from 43% the year before.Historically, the Celica has always been a front-engine coupe, but recent reports suggest Toyota may break from tradition. Speculation about a mid-engine layout has grown following Toyota's development of a mid-engined GR Yaris prototype, initially believed to preview the next MR2.
Japanese publication Best Car recently suggested that Toyota may consolidate development efforts by making the Celica and MR2 successors the same vehicle. This approach would make sense from an engineering and cost perspective, but it contradicts Toyota's hints that a separate MR2-inspired model is also in the works.
While Toyota has not provided an official launch timeline, more details are expected later this year. In the meantime, the automaker continues its focus on high-performance development, including the GR Yaris M Concept's upcoming racing debut in the Super Taikyu Series in July 2025.
If Toyota successfully brings back the Celica with the rumored specs, it could be one of the most exciting sports car revivals in recent memory. Enthusiasts worldwide, including us, will be eagerly watching for more news on the GR Celica's official reveal.
Love reading Autoblog? Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get exclusive articles, insider insights, and the latest updates delivered right to your inbox. Click here to sign up now!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Yahoo
Three people killed in crash on interstate in South Carolina, cops say
Three people were killed early Sunday morning in a crash on Interstate 85, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol. The three-vehicle collision happened at about 12:15 a.m. in Spartanburg County, said Master Trooper William Bennett. A 2015 Honda sedan was driving south in the northbound lanes of I-85, according to Bennett. At the 75 mile marker the Honda collided head-on with a 2019 Toyota sedan that was driving north on I-85, Bennett said. After that collision, the Honda then crashed into a 2024 Ford Expedition that was also heading north on the interstate, according to Bennett. The driver, who was the only person in the Honda, as well as both the driver and a passenger in the Toyota died at the scene, Bennett said. The Spartanburg County Coroner's Office has not publicly identified any of the victims. In addition to the Ford driver, there were five passengers in the SUV, but none of those occupants were hurt, according to Bennett. No other injuries were reported. There was no word if anyone involved in the crash was wearing a seat belt. Information about how the Honda came to be driving toward oncoming traffic on I-85 was not available, but the wreck continues to be investigated by the Highway Patrol. Through June 1, at least 316 people had died on South Carolina roads in 2025, according to the state Department of Public Safety. Last year, at least 948 people died in crashes in South Carolina, DPS reported. At least 38 people have died in Spartanburg County crashes in 2025, according to DPS data. There were 60 deaths in the county in 2024, DPS reported. That includes a fatal crash on Saturday afternoon. At about 1:50 p.m., both a 2007 Dodge Ram and a 2008 Yamaha motorcycle were driving north on S.C. 11, Bennett said. When the pickup truck turned left onto Cannon Ford Road it was hit on the driver's side by the motorcycle, according to Bennett. The motorcycle driver, who died at the scene, has not been publicly identified by the coroner's office. Bennett said the pickup driver, who was the only person in the truck, was not hurt, and no other injuries were reported. This crash also continues to be investigated by the Highway Patrol.
San Francisco Chronicle
8 hours ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
Denny Hamlin wins at Michigan for his 3rd NASCAR Cup Series victory of the season
BROOKLYN, Mich. (AP) — Denny Hamlin outlasted the competition at Michigan International Speedway, winning his third NASCAR Cup Series race this season and the 57th of his career on Sunday. Hamlin, in the No. 11 Toyota, went low to pass William Byron on the 197th of 200 laps and pulled away from the pack. The 44-year-old was prepared to leave his team to join his fiancée, Jordan Fish, who is due to give birth to their third child, a boy. Hamlin said he would skip next week's race in Mexico City if necessary to witness the birth. He's also co-owner of 23XI Racing with Michael Jordan, which is involved in a lawsuit against NASCAR. Chris Buescher finished second, followed by Ty Gibbs, Bubba Wallace and Kyle Larson. Pole-sitter Chase Briscoe was out front until Byron passed him on lap 12. Buescher pulled ahead on lap 36 and stayed up front to win his first stage this season. Ryan Blaney and Chase Elliott took turns with the lead before a crash involving Alex Bowman brought out the red flag on lap 67. Byron took the lead again after a restart on lap 78 as part of his strong start and surged to the front again to win the second stage. Carson Hocevar took the lead on lap 152 and was informed soon thereafter that he didn't have enough fuel to finish, but that became moot because a flat tire forced him into the pits with 18 laps to go. Rough times for Bowman Bowman hit a wall with the front end of his No. 48 Chevrolet as part of a multi-car crash in his latest setback. 'That hurt a lot,' he said after passing a medical evaluation. Bowman, who drives for Hendrick Motorsports, came to Michigan 12th in points and will leave lower in the standings. He has finished 27th or worse in seven of his last nine starts and didn't finish for a third time during the tough stretch. Reddick rallies Defending race champion Tyler Reddick qualified 12th, but started last in the 36-car field because of unapproved adjustments and rallied to finish 13th. Up next ___
Hamilton Spectator
8 hours ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Denny Hamlin wins at Michigan for his 3rd NASCAR Cup Series victory of the season
BROOKLYN, Mich. (AP) — Denny Hamlin outlasted the competition at Michigan International Speedway, winning his third NASCAR Cup Series race this season and the 57th of his career on Sunday. Hamlin, in the No. 11 Toyota, went low to pass William Byron on the 197th of 200 laps and pulled away from the pack. The 44-year-old was prepared to leave his team to join his fiancée, Jordan Fish, who is due to give birth to their third child, a boy. Hamlin said he would skip next week's race in Mexico City if necessary to witness the birth. He's also co-owner of 23XI Racing with Michael Jordan, which is involved in a lawsuit against NASCAR. Chris Buescher finished second, followed by Ty Gibbs, Bubba Wallace and Kyle Larson. Pole-sitter Chase Briscoe was out front until Byron passed him on lap 12. Buescher pulled ahead on lap 36 and stayed up front to win his first stage this season. Ryan Blaney and Chase Elliott took turns with the lead before a crash involving Alex Bowman brought out the red flag on lap 67. Byron took the lead again after a restart on lap 78 as part of his strong start and surged to the front again to win the second stage. Carson Hocevar took the lead on lap 152 and was informed soon thereafter that he didn't have enough fuel to finish, but that became moot because a flat tire forced him into the pits with 18 laps to go. Rough times for Bowman Bowman hit a wall with the front end of his No. 48 Chevrolet as part of a multi-car crash in his latest setback. 'That hurt a lot,' he said after passing a medical evaluation. Bowman, who drives for Hendrick Motorsports, came to Michigan 12th in points and will leave lower in the standings. He has finished 27th or worse in seven of his last nine starts and didn't finish for a third time during the tough stretch. Reddick rallies Defending race champion Tyler Reddick qualified 12th, but started last in the 36-car field because of unapproved adjustments and rallied to finish 13th. Up next NASCAR shifts to Mexico City for its first points-paying international race in modern history on June 15. ___ AP auto racing:
