Latest news with #Celica
Motor 1
7 hours ago
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Toyota Dealers Got a Sneak Peek at the New Celica
Although we haven't seen any spy shots yet, Toyota has been discussing the potential return of the Celica for a little over two years. The company even dropped a blink-and-you'll-miss-it pseudo teaser during season two of its Grip anime series. An eighth generation of the affordable sports car is still in the works and is currently in 'pretty advanced development,' according to the senior VP of product planning for North America. Cooper Ericksen told MotorTrend that Toyota has running mules of the reborn Celica out and about. Not only that, but behind closed doors, dealers have been allowed to take an early look at prototypes and design sketches. The car's styling remains a mystery, but Ericksen noted that all the renderings flooding social media are wrong. As for what will power it, he didn't rule out a pure internal combustion engine, but he also didn't dismiss the possibility of electrification. Photo by: Toyota If it goes the hybrid route, the new Celica could compete with another resurrected nameplate beloved by enthusiasts: the Honda Prelude . A fully electric version seems unlikely, especially since Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda recently expressed a preference for sports cars that have 'the smell of gasoline and a noisy engine .' Although a new Celica hasn't been officially greenlit for North America, the fact that it's in an advanced development phase makes us believe it's on the way. If, somehow, it doesn't reach the United States, it wouldn't be the first Gazoo Racing product denied a US visa. America doesn't get the GR Yaris, a diminutive hot hatch that would undercut the GR Corolla here. There's also another forbidden fruit powered by the same turbocharged three-cylinder engine: Japan's Lexus LBX Morizo RR . The lack of photographic evidence likely means we're in for a long wait to see the next-gen Celica. In the best-case scenario, we can't imagine the car going on sale any earlier than 2027. But the Celica isn't the only fun car Toyota has in the pipeline. The company has already announced that the Supra will return, and something will surely emerge from the wicked mid-engine concept we saw earlier this year. Perhaps a new MR2? The car's name also appeared in the teaser. Photo by: Toyota Let's not forget that Toyota has also teased a purely electric sports car. The last update on the FT-Se concept indicated it's still in development. Hideaki Iida, project manager for the Gazoo Racing Design Group, told sister site InsideEVs the spicy EV is due after 2026. Chief engineer Fumihiko Hazama mentioned a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup, a next-generation battery pack, and a 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) time of just three seconds. However, the most intriguing performance car from Toyota may carry a different badge. The GR GT3 concept is expected to evolve into a street-legal Lexus supercar, potentially named the 'LFR.' It's rumored to feature a newly developed twin-turbo V-8, although nothing has been confirmed. Expect this flagship performance machine to break cover sooner rather than later. While sports cars remain a niche market, Toyota gives us hope for a more thrilling future. Still, it raises the question of where a new Celica would fit in the lineup, considering the GR86 is here to stay and the Supra won't be gone for long. With the GR-branded Yaris, Corolla, 86, Celica, Supra, MR2, and the LFR all potentially coexisting, things could get crowded in a few years. Not that we're complaining, but the bean counters might. Fun Toyotas: The Toyota Supra Won't Stay Dead For Long Confirmed: Toyota Will Make the GR Corolla In the UK Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Source: MotorTrend Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Motor Trend
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Motor Trend
New, 8th-Gen Toyota Celica In Development, and It Might Get an Engine
The renderings of a revived Toyota Celica sprinkled across the internet don't have the coupe's look quite right, according to Toyota executives. But they're not denying that work continues on a new vehicle that would bring back the storied Celica name. If you're scratching your head, it's because you might not have been born when Toyota last offered a sporty two-door Celica coupe, which went out of production in 2006 at the end of the seventh-generation model's run (pictured at top). 0:00 / 0:00 'Bottom line is we are working on a product that could theoretically go by the Celica name If we can figure out how to pull it off and it gets approved,' says Toyota senior vice president of Product Planning and Strategy for Toyota North America Cooper Ericksen. But all the AI renderings to date are wrong and fake, he added in an interview with MotorTrend. What is not fake is that development continues on a would-be Celica. Prototypes and ideas have been shown to dealers. Mules are running around testing powertrains. Last November an executive in Japan, at a fan event at Rally Japan, told the crowd Toyota was making the Celica. But the North American executives have not been told that officially. And it is possible that a new Celica has been approved for sale in Japan first. Celica Name Has Cache 'We'll see if it gets finally approved,' said David Christ, general manager of the Toyota Division for TMNA. 'Obviously the brand name has a lot of good history in the U.S. We'd love to have more offerings that are fun to drive.' 'People are talking about it,' Ericksen says. 'It's a pretty advanced development.' Toyota has development prototypes running around, testing future powertrains for GR products and yes, there is a running mule for a future Celica. Asked if the Celica would have some degree of electrification—after all, Honda's revived Prelude coupe, a natural competitor for a new Celica, is a hybrid—the product planner said Toyota has unique powertrains for many different purposes. 'Akio [Toyoda, chairman of Toyota Motor Corp.] has said when it comes to specialized GR performance products, it is very difficult to replicate that emotional driving feel out on track with something other than traditional ICE (internal combustion engine). So, while there could be a motor in a future Celica, 'I'm not closing the door to a vehicle that is ultra lightweight, that has a super advanced system but is still a traditional ICE. It could be something that does not have an electric drive.' Ericksen does not know when we will see the Celica, in part because it is a global product and is not being developed in North America. 'It's a big wait and see. I'm just hopeful that we can get something.' So are we. It'd be yet another push in a sporty new direction for Toyota, which has been steadily upping the dynamic game of its mainstream Camry sedan while bringing out hot stuff like the turbocharged, all-wheel-drive GR Corolla hatchback, keeping the GR86 sports car alive, and hinting that there will be a next-generation Supra.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
These Toyotas Prove the Brand Has a Seriously Fun Side
Toyota: Reliable? Sure. Boring? Not even close. Toyota's built its name on bulletproof reliability. But beneath all those dependable sedans and sensible hybrids lives a wilder side, one packed with tire smoke, turbo whistles, and design choices that make you do a double-take. This is the same company that gave us Le Mans winners, mid-engine icons, drifting legends, and concept cars straight out of science fiction. So if you think Toyota is just for folks cruising in beige Camrys, buckle up. You're about to meet the Toyotas that prefer redline to red lights. This isn't a list of commuter champs or fuel-sipping hybrids. We didn't care about MPGs, resale value, or how many cupholders it has. Instead, we looked for Toyotas that make enthusiasts perk up — the ones with turbochargers, T-tops, butterfly doors, or legendary engines that sound like they belong on a racetrack. We picked Toyotas that: Had real enthusiast or collector appeal, not just historical significance Represent bold styling, breakthrough engineering, or motorsport credibility Made you say, 'Wait, Toyota built that?' Still makes hearts race — or at least sparks a Reddit thread And yes, we gave the Supra lineup a lot of love — maybe too much. But what were we supposed to do? They're iconic, gorgeous, and completely unignorable. We tried to resist. We failed. You'll live. Some of these cars are rare. Some are weird. Some were overlooked when new but became cult favorites. But they all prove one thing: Toyota's wild streak runs deeper than most people think. The 2000GT was a showstopper from the start. With its sleek curves, long hood, and low-slung stance, it proved Toyota could build a world-class sports car to rival Europe's best. Powered by a Yamaha-tuned 2.0-liter inline-six and equipped with a refined chassis, it delivered both beauty and performance in equal measure. Built in limited numbers and famously featured in You Only Live Twice, the 2000GT became a global icon. Today, it's remembered as the car that put Japan on the sports car map — and one of the most gorgeous coupes ever made. The first Supra was basically a long-wheelbase Celica with a straight-six engine — Toyota's way of chasing the Datsun 280Z and other personal GTs of the era. It wasn't a barnstormer, but it laid the groundwork: rear-wheel drive, inline-six, and a more luxurious take on Japanese performance. Why it matters: It's the genesis of the Supra bloodline, and while it's more cruiser than bruiser, it introduced Toyota's M-series straight-six — a precursor to the legendary 2JZ. The A60-generation Supra came into its own with pop-up headlights, flared fenders, and legit performance chops. It was sharper and sportier and carved out its own identity separate from the Celica. The P-Type (Performance) models got LSDs, upgraded suspension, and sporty interiors. Why it matters: This is when the Supra became a true standalone performance nameplate. It also gave us glorious T-top options and digital dash excess. The A70 Supra moved to a dedicated platform and introduced turbocharging to the mix. With independent suspension, available TEMS (Toyota Electronic Modulated Suspension), and up to 276 hp in Japanese-market twin-turbo versions, the Mk3 had brains and brawn. Why it matters: It's the most underrated Supra generation today — fast, smooth, mod-friendly, and often overlooked in favor of its younger sibling. The 7M-GTE engine wasn't perfect, but it opened the door to serious performance. The A80 needs no introduction. Twin-turbo 2JZ-GTE. Manual transmission. Iconic Fast & Furious fame. It defined the '90s tuner culture and proved that Toyota could build a supercar killer. Thanks to legendary reliability and insane tuning potential, it's still one of the most sought-after Japanese performance cars ever made. Why it matters: It's Toyota's most iconic performance car—full stop. Thanks to a booming collector market, it now sells for more than some new Ferraris. When Toyota launched the revived Supra in 2019, it received a lukewarm reception due to its ties to BMW and the underpinnings Toyota used for the sports car. It also had a wildly different appearance than the OG, but this curvier Supra has grown on the car community. And more importantly, it has become a regarded performance vehicle and a favorite among enthusiasts worldwide. Under the hood, various turbocharged engines sit, from the 2.0-liter inline-four to the 3.0-liter inline-six, with the Supra producing up to 382 hp. The Supra's handling has received a lot of praise, as have its comfort levels and looks, refreshing the Supra for the 21st century. Toyota also finally added a manual to the range in 2022, which gearheads had been screaming out for. At first glance, the Toyota Sera looks like a cutesy '90s hatchback you'd expect to see parked outside a Tokyo arcade. But hit the door handle, and things get wild — butterfly doors. Yes, years before the McLaren F1 made them famous, Toyota gave this quirky JDM-only coupe a set of glass-roofed butterfly doors, just because it could. The Sera came with a modest 1.5-liter inline-four, making just over 100 hp, but performance wasn't the point. It was a style-forward, glass-canopy spaceship for city cruising. And that styling wasn't just for show — Gordon Murray, designer of the McLaren F1, has said the Sera directly inspired the F1's door design. Let that sink in: Toyota accidentally beat McLaren to a supercar flex. You probably didn't expect to find a minivan in this list, but hear us out. The first-generation Toyota Previa was secretly the most over-engineered family hauler of the 1990s. Not only was it available with a supercharged 2.4-liter engine and optional AWD, but it had a mid-engine layout. No joke — the engine was mounted under the front seats and drove the rear wheels. The supercharger came in to give it some desperately needed grunt, especially with a full cabin of kids and cargo. It wasn't fast, but the Previa was a weird and wonderful anomaly — a minivan with sports car architecture. Try explaining that at Cars and Coffee. Technically a Lexus, but let's not kid ourselves — the LFA is peak Toyota. This was the brand's moonshot: a carbon-fiber supercar with a Yamaha-tuned 4.8-liter V10 that revved to 9,000 rpm and sounded like an F1 car in a tuxedo. Only 500 were made between 2010 and 2012, and Toyota allegedly lost money on each one. But what they gained was something rarer — automotive respect. The LFA's digital tachometer was famously created because the analog needle couldn't keep up with how fast the engine revved. That alone makes it feel like a science experiment with a license plate. Values have skyrocketed in recent years, with collectors realizing this wasn't just Toyota proving a point — it was Toyota rewriting the rules. It might be big, bold, and unnecessary, but the Mega Cruiser is one of the craziest and most excellent Toyotas the Japanese manufacturer has produced. What looks like the Japanese answer to the Humvee is a transporter for the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force, which Toyota then modified for civilian use. The massive vehicle had a 4.1-liter 15B-FTE inline-four turbo-diesel under the hood, producing 153 hp and 282 lb-ft of torque. Toyota sold 133 Mega Cruisers to civilians in Japan at Toyota Store locations, and the Mega Cruiser was never officially sold outside of Japan. The manufacturer produced 3,000 Mega Cruisers; only a few have gone outside Japan as grey imports. We're sad this thing never made it to the United States, the land of obnoxiously lifted trucks and the Cybertruck. If Americans are willing to buy that shiny dumpster, they'd buy anything. There is a solid argument to make that the Toyota GR Yaris is the best Toyota of the 21st century. It might share its name with the competent but bland hatchback, but the GR Yaris differs from its sibling. Built as a rally homologation special before the WRC rules changed, the GR Yaris features a four-wheel drive system, a carbon fiber roof, and a 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine producing 257 hp. An engine that is the most potent production cylinder in the world. It is in the corners where the GR Yaris excels, and the handling is some of the best seen on any performance car in the modern era. Demand has been high for the GR Yaris, such is the quality of the hot hatch. Okay, I'm curious... Alright, I'm back after watching this video of a Toyota GR Yaris sending it on a rally track. Yep, definitely something special. Amidst all the hype for classic examples of the Supra and MR2, it is largely forgotten that Toyota produced the very competent Celica. In particular, we mean the seventh-generation Celica, which Toyota created from 1999 to 2006. Even in 2025, the sports car's design still looks the part — a Hot Wheels come to life. Under the hood, you would find two versions of Toyota's 1.8-liter inline-four engine, the 2ZZ-GE, developed jointly with Yamaha. The 1ZZ-FE was the more economical engine with 140 hp, while the 2ZZ-GE, available in Europe and Japan, was more potent with 192 hp. The seventh-gen Celica was a stylish, agile, and fantastic sports car, and it was an excellent way for the Celica to bow out. The Toyota GR86 is the second generation of the GT86, co-developed with Subaru, which created its version with the BRZ. In a world of high-priced, large, and luxurious SUVs, the GR86 is a breath of fresh air. It provides us with a bargain sports car that is fast and usable daily. Under the hood, you will find a 2.4-liter flat-four with 231 hp, an increase of around 16 percent over the previous GT86. The GR86 also develops its peak torque at a lower rev range of 3,700 rpm versus the earlier 6,400 rpm. Thanks to a stiffer chassis, the GR86 handles better, and an aluminum roof, hood, and front wings lower the center of mass by 1.6mm. I've come across some GR86 haters on TikTok, but these are the same guys who won't accept anything that isn't a Porsche 911 or Supra. While it is not currently available in the United States, the Toyota Hilux has been a staple of the Japanese manufacturer's range for decades. The current range offers plenty of brawny diesel engines, making it feel old-school in a world of hybrids and turbocharging. Diesel not your style? There's a gas option, too. Its most famous moments came in Top Gear. In Series 3, the show tested a Hilux to destruction, yet no matter what they did, it always came out and was still running. The Hilux was also the vehicle of choice when Jeremy Clarkson and James May went to the North Pole, racing Richard Hammond on his dog sled. Making the Hilux even more awesome was the fact that it was guzzling jet fuel for this mission, a better option in extremely cold conditions. But no, this won't make you drive any faster on the highway. Toyota introduced the MR2 in the 1980s, and it soon became one of the best and most enjoyable sports car experiences while not breaking the bank. Under the hood was a 1.6-liter engine, either naturally aspirated or supercharged, and in the second generation, Toyota brought in a 2.0-liter powertrain. Many have felt the demise of the original, although Toyota filled the gap somewhat with the Supra and the GR86. Rumors have persisted for a couple of years that Toyota might bring the MR2 back. These have ranged from talk of an all-electric version to a new, turbocharged sports car. Unfortunately, none will have those iconic pop-up headlights, which really put a damper on the JDM market's aesthetic. Of all of Toyota's products, the Corolla AE86 is one of the most famous. Also known as the Hachi Roku, it's a car that defined the Japanese car scene in the 1980s and JDM culture. The Corolla AE86 shot to fame thanks to its role in Initial D, its appearance in the Gran Turismo PlayStation game, and the car of choice for drift king Keiichi Tsuchiya. If you think this wedge-like, dull coupe looks cool at all and not like something you'd drive to an early morning yard sale across town, you've been brainwashed by the media. Thanks to those famous appearances, the prices of the Corolla AE86 keep increasing, but it also has the performance to back up its fame. Under the hood is a 1.6-liter twin-cam 4A-GE. It only produced 112 hp as standard, but tuning and modifications extract even more power from the hatchback. As is, the AE86 feels quite slow, which YouTuber NoriYaro points out over and over again in his infamous video. But there's definitely potential. A list of Toyota's best-ever designs is incomplete without looking at the exceptional Land Cruiser. The original Land Cruiser remains one of the best off-roaders in history, appearing in all sorts of forms and designs. It's no surprise that Toyota has recently relaunched the Land Cruiser in both the United States and Europe. The Land Cruiser became famous for its robustness and dependability. It was one of the few vehicles that could go anywhere and get you home after. The Land Cruiser first appeared in 1951 as the BJ and FJ, evolving into the famous J20 in 1955 with a design that would soon become iconic. Toyota is no stranger to bougie, especially with its luxury division, Lexus. However, the main parent company knows a thing or two about opulent travel, and nowhere is this more apparent than with the Century sedan. This definitely looks like the type of car you'd see parked outside a funeral home, but the specs of this thing will actually make you feel alive. Century is a manufacturer's flagship in Japan, and while it has been in production since 1967, there have only been three generations of the luxury sedan. The best is the G50, which debuted in 1997 with a massive 5.0-liter V12 under the hood. The third generation debuted in 2018, and under the hood is now a 5.0-liter hybrid V8 engine, producing a combined total power output of 425 hp. Not content with its current GR offerings, Toyota introduced the GR Corolla for the 2024 model year. Starting at just $37,195, it is little wonder that, like the GR Yaris, the GR Corolla has taken the enthusiast market by storm. Under the hood, the G16E-GTS 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine produces 300 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque across all the trim levels. Like the GR Yaris, it offers superb handling via the GR circuit-tuned suspension, and gearheads will revel in the six-speed manual transmission. All-wheel drive is another bonus with the GR Corolla. I'm currently looking at my 2015 Corolla with 132 hp and weeping. For every beige Corolla you see in a school pickup line, there's a GR Yaris lighting up a rally stage. For every practical RAV4, there's a Supra chasing supercars or an LFA screaming past redline at 9,000 RPM. Toyota doesn't always flaunt its fun side, but when it does? It leaves a mark. Whether you're into sideways-driving drift machines, world-conquering off-roaders, or supercar science projects with V10s, Toyota has built something for you — even if you didn't realize it yet. So the next time someone says Toyota is boring, send them this list… and maybe the sound of a 2JZ hitting boost.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
These Toyotas Prove the Brand Has a Seriously Fun Side
Toyota: Reliable? Sure. Boring? Not even close. Toyota's built its name on bulletproof reliability. But beneath all those dependable sedans and sensible hybrids lives a wilder side, one packed with tire smoke, turbo whistles, and design choices that make you do a double-take. This is the same company that gave us Le Mans winners, mid-engine icons, drifting legends, and concept cars straight out of science fiction. So if you think Toyota is just for folks cruising in beige Camrys, buckle up. You're about to meet the Toyotas that prefer redline to red lights. This isn't a list of commuter champs or fuel-sipping hybrids. We didn't care about MPGs, resale value, or how many cupholders it has. Instead, we looked for Toyotas that make enthusiasts perk up — the ones with turbochargers, T-tops, butterfly doors, or legendary engines that sound like they belong on a racetrack. We picked Toyotas that: Had real enthusiast or collector appeal, not just historical significance Represent bold styling, breakthrough engineering, or motorsport credibility Made you say, 'Wait, Toyota built that?' Still makes hearts race — or at least sparks a Reddit thread And yes, we gave the Supra lineup a lot of love — maybe too much. But what were we supposed to do? They're iconic, gorgeous, and completely unignorable. We tried to resist. We failed. You'll live. Some of these cars are rare. Some are weird. Some were overlooked when new but became cult favorites. But they all prove one thing: Toyota's wild streak runs deeper than most people think. The 2000GT was a showstopper from the start. With its sleek curves, long hood, and low-slung stance, it proved Toyota could build a world-class sports car to rival Europe's best. Powered by a Yamaha-tuned 2.0-liter inline-six and equipped with a refined chassis, it delivered both beauty and performance in equal measure. Built in limited numbers and famously featured in You Only Live Twice, the 2000GT became a global icon. Today, it's remembered as the car that put Japan on the sports car map — and one of the most gorgeous coupes ever made. The first Supra was basically a long-wheelbase Celica with a straight-six engine — Toyota's way of chasing the Datsun 280Z and other personal GTs of the era. It wasn't a barnstormer, but it laid the groundwork: rear-wheel drive, inline-six, and a more luxurious take on Japanese performance. Why it matters: It's the genesis of the Supra bloodline, and while it's more cruiser than bruiser, it introduced Toyota's M-series straight-six — a precursor to the legendary 2JZ. The A60-generation Supra came into its own with pop-up headlights, flared fenders, and legit performance chops. It was sharper and sportier and carved out its own identity separate from the Celica. The P-Type (Performance) models got LSDs, upgraded suspension, and sporty interiors. Why it matters: This is when the Supra became a true standalone performance nameplate. It also gave us glorious T-top options and digital dash excess. The A70 Supra moved to a dedicated platform and introduced turbocharging to the mix. With independent suspension, available TEMS (Toyota Electronic Modulated Suspension), and up to 276 hp in Japanese-market twin-turbo versions, the Mk3 had brains and brawn. Why it matters: It's the most underrated Supra generation today — fast, smooth, mod-friendly, and often overlooked in favor of its younger sibling. The 7M-GTE engine wasn't perfect, but it opened the door to serious performance. The A80 needs no introduction. Twin-turbo 2JZ-GTE. Manual transmission. Iconic Fast & Furious fame. It defined the '90s tuner culture and proved that Toyota could build a supercar killer. Thanks to legendary reliability and insane tuning potential, it's still one of the most sought-after Japanese performance cars ever made. Why it matters: It's Toyota's most iconic performance car—full stop. Thanks to a booming collector market, it now sells for more than some new Ferraris. When Toyota launched the revived Supra in 2019, it received a lukewarm reception due to its ties to BMW and the underpinnings Toyota used for the sports car. It also had a wildly different appearance than the OG, but this curvier Supra has grown on the car community. And more importantly, it has become a regarded performance vehicle and a favorite among enthusiasts worldwide. Under the hood, various turbocharged engines sit, from the 2.0-liter inline-four to the 3.0-liter inline-six, with the Supra producing up to 382 hp. The Supra's handling has received a lot of praise, as have its comfort levels and looks, refreshing the Supra for the 21st century. Toyota also finally added a manual to the range in 2022, which gearheads had been screaming out for. At first glance, the Toyota Sera looks like a cutesy '90s hatchback you'd expect to see parked outside a Tokyo arcade. But hit the door handle, and things get wild — butterfly doors. Yes, years before the McLaren F1 made them famous, Toyota gave this quirky JDM-only coupe a set of glass-roofed butterfly doors, just because it could. The Sera came with a modest 1.5-liter inline-four, making just over 100 hp, but performance wasn't the point. It was a style-forward, glass-canopy spaceship for city cruising. And that styling wasn't just for show — Gordon Murray, designer of the McLaren F1, has said the Sera directly inspired the F1's door design. Let that sink in: Toyota accidentally beat McLaren to a supercar flex. You probably didn't expect to find a minivan in this list, but hear us out. The first-generation Toyota Previa was secretly the most over-engineered family hauler of the 1990s. Not only was it available with a supercharged 2.4-liter engine and optional AWD, but it had a mid-engine layout. No joke — the engine was mounted under the front seats and drove the rear wheels. The supercharger came in to give it some desperately needed grunt, especially with a full cabin of kids and cargo. It wasn't fast, but the Previa was a weird and wonderful anomaly — a minivan with sports car architecture. Try explaining that at Cars and Coffee. Technically a Lexus, but let's not kid ourselves — the LFA is peak Toyota. This was the brand's moonshot: a carbon-fiber supercar with a Yamaha-tuned 4.8-liter V10 that revved to 9,000 rpm and sounded like an F1 car in a tuxedo. Only 500 were made between 2010 and 2012, and Toyota allegedly lost money on each one. But what they gained was something rarer — automotive respect. The LFA's digital tachometer was famously created because the analog needle couldn't keep up with how fast the engine revved. That alone makes it feel like a science experiment with a license plate. Values have skyrocketed in recent years, with collectors realizing this wasn't just Toyota proving a point — it was Toyota rewriting the rules. It might be big, bold, and unnecessary, but the Mega Cruiser is one of the craziest and most excellent Toyotas the Japanese manufacturer has produced. What looks like the Japanese answer to the Humvee is a transporter for the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force, which Toyota then modified for civilian use. The massive vehicle had a 4.1-liter 15B-FTE inline-four turbo-diesel under the hood, producing 153 hp and 282 lb-ft of torque. Toyota sold 133 Mega Cruisers to civilians in Japan at Toyota Store locations, and the Mega Cruiser was never officially sold outside of Japan. The manufacturer produced 3,000 Mega Cruisers; only a few have gone outside Japan as grey imports. We're sad this thing never made it to the United States, the land of obnoxiously lifted trucks and the Cybertruck. If Americans are willing to buy that shiny dumpster, they'd buy anything. There is a solid argument to make that the Toyota GR Yaris is the best Toyota of the 21st century. It might share its name with the competent but bland hatchback, but the GR Yaris differs from its sibling. Built as a rally homologation special before the WRC rules changed, the GR Yaris features a four-wheel drive system, a carbon fiber roof, and a 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine producing 257 hp. An engine that is the most potent production cylinder in the world. It is in the corners where the GR Yaris excels, and the handling is some of the best seen on any performance car in the modern era. Demand has been high for the GR Yaris, such is the quality of the hot hatch. Okay, I'm curious... Alright, I'm back after watching this video of a Toyota GR Yaris sending it on a rally track. Yep, definitely something special. Amidst all the hype for classic examples of the Supra and MR2, it is largely forgotten that Toyota produced the very competent Celica. In particular, we mean the seventh-generation Celica, which Toyota created from 1999 to 2006. Even in 2025, the sports car's design still looks the part — a Hot Wheels come to life. Under the hood, you would find two versions of Toyota's 1.8-liter inline-four engine, the 2ZZ-GE, developed jointly with Yamaha. The 1ZZ-FE was the more economical engine with 140 hp, while the 2ZZ-GE, available in Europe and Japan, was more potent with 192 hp. The seventh-gen Celica was a stylish, agile, and fantastic sports car, and it was an excellent way for the Celica to bow out. The Toyota GR86 is the second generation of the GT86, co-developed with Subaru, which created its version with the BRZ. In a world of high-priced, large, and luxurious SUVs, the GR86 is a breath of fresh air. It provides us with a bargain sports car that is fast and usable daily. Under the hood, you will find a 2.4-liter flat-four with 231 hp, an increase of around 16 percent over the previous GT86. The GR86 also develops its peak torque at a lower rev range of 3,700 rpm versus the earlier 6,400 rpm. Thanks to a stiffer chassis, the GR86 handles better, and an aluminum roof, hood, and front wings lower the center of mass by 1.6mm. I've come across some GR86 haters on TikTok, but these are the same guys who won't accept anything that isn't a Porsche 911 or Supra. While it is not currently available in the United States, the Toyota Hilux has been a staple of the Japanese manufacturer's range for decades. The current range offers plenty of brawny diesel engines, making it feel old-school in a world of hybrids and turbocharging. Diesel not your style? There's a gas option, too. Its most famous moments came in Top Gear. In Series 3, the show tested a Hilux to destruction, yet no matter what they did, it always came out and was still running. The Hilux was also the vehicle of choice when Jeremy Clarkson and James May went to the North Pole, racing Richard Hammond on his dog sled. Making the Hilux even more awesome was the fact that it was guzzling jet fuel for this mission, a better option in extremely cold conditions. But no, this won't make you drive any faster on the highway. Toyota introduced the MR2 in the 1980s, and it soon became one of the best and most enjoyable sports car experiences while not breaking the bank. Under the hood was a 1.6-liter engine, either naturally aspirated or supercharged, and in the second generation, Toyota brought in a 2.0-liter powertrain. Many have felt the demise of the original, although Toyota filled the gap somewhat with the Supra and the GR86. Rumors have persisted for a couple of years that Toyota might bring the MR2 back. These have ranged from talk of an all-electric version to a new, turbocharged sports car. Unfortunately, none will have those iconic pop-up headlights, which really put a damper on the JDM market's aesthetic. Of all of Toyota's products, the Corolla AE86 is one of the most famous. Also known as the Hachi Roku, it's a car that defined the Japanese car scene in the 1980s and JDM culture. The Corolla AE86 shot to fame thanks to its role in Initial D, its appearance in the Gran Turismo PlayStation game, and the car of choice for drift king Keiichi Tsuchiya. If you think this wedge-like, dull coupe looks cool at all and not like something you'd drive to an early morning yard sale across town, you've been brainwashed by the media. Thanks to those famous appearances, the prices of the Corolla AE86 keep increasing, but it also has the performance to back up its fame. Under the hood is a 1.6-liter twin-cam 4A-GE. It only produced 112 hp as standard, but tuning and modifications extract even more power from the hatchback. As is, the AE86 feels quite slow, which YouTuber NoriYaro points out over and over again in his infamous video. But there's definitely potential. A list of Toyota's best-ever designs is incomplete without looking at the exceptional Land Cruiser. The original Land Cruiser remains one of the best off-roaders in history, appearing in all sorts of forms and designs. It's no surprise that Toyota has recently relaunched the Land Cruiser in both the United States and Europe. The Land Cruiser became famous for its robustness and dependability. It was one of the few vehicles that could go anywhere and get you home after. The Land Cruiser first appeared in 1951 as the BJ and FJ, evolving into the famous J20 in 1955 with a design that would soon become iconic. Toyota is no stranger to bougie, especially with its luxury division, Lexus. However, the main parent company knows a thing or two about opulent travel, and nowhere is this more apparent than with the Century sedan. This definitely looks like the type of car you'd see parked outside a funeral home, but the specs of this thing will actually make you feel alive. Century is a manufacturer's flagship in Japan, and while it has been in production since 1967, there have only been three generations of the luxury sedan. The best is the G50, which debuted in 1997 with a massive 5.0-liter V12 under the hood. The third generation debuted in 2018, and under the hood is now a 5.0-liter hybrid V8 engine, producing a combined total power output of 425 hp. Not content with its current GR offerings, Toyota introduced the GR Corolla for the 2024 model year. Starting at just $37,195, it is little wonder that, like the GR Yaris, the GR Corolla has taken the enthusiast market by storm. Under the hood, the G16E-GTS 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine produces 300 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque across all the trim levels. Like the GR Yaris, it offers superb handling via the GR circuit-tuned suspension, and gearheads will revel in the six-speed manual transmission. All-wheel drive is another bonus with the GR Corolla. I'm currently looking at my 2015 Corolla with 132 hp and weeping. For every beige Corolla you see in a school pickup line, there's a GR Yaris lighting up a rally stage. For every practical RAV4, there's a Supra chasing supercars or an LFA screaming past redline at 9,000 RPM. Toyota doesn't always flaunt its fun side, but when it does? It leaves a mark. Whether you're into sideways-driving drift machines, world-conquering off-roaders, or supercar science projects with V10s, Toyota has built something for you — even if you didn't realize it yet. So the next time someone says Toyota is boring, send them this list… and maybe the sound of a 2JZ hitting boost.
Chicago Tribune
02-05-2025
- Chicago Tribune
Elgin detectives provide more clues in Schepers' case, theory on what happened
Elgin police believe Karen Schepers' car went into the Fox River a mile or more from where it was recovered 41 years later, its locked emergency brake indicating she must have tried unsuccessfully to stop it from going into the murky water. The new details — and the emergence of a previously unknown witness at the bar where Schepers was last seen — are among the disclosures in the most recent episode of 'Somebody Knows Something,' the podcast launched in January by Elgin cold case police detectives Andrew Houghton and Matt Vartanian. They hoped the series might help them solve the April 1983 disappearance of 23-year-old missing Elgin woman, and it did. On March 24, a daylong search of the river, done as part of the investigation and documented in the podcast, resulted in the discovery of Schepers' car. The 1980 Toyota Celica was found buried beneath debris in about 7 feet of water northwest of the Slade Avenue Park boat launch. The human remains inside were confirmed to be Schepers' a few days later. 'Finding Karen and her car was one big step in this investigation, but it was not the end of this case,' Vartanian said in the podcast. 'We answered the question, 'Where is Karen?'' Houghton said. 'But now we want to answer the question what happened to Karen Schepers?' The only thing they knew for certain was she left a bar in Carpentersville sometime after midnight after having joined coworkers there on a Friday night. Erin Waxenbaum, a forensic anthropologist from Northwestern University, was brought in to examine the skeletal and dental remains as part of the Kane County coroner's office's effort to confirm identity and a possible cause of death. 'All the experts agree there were no significant structural injuries, breaks, gunshot wounds, trauma or anything else suspicious on any of Karen's remains,' Vartanian said. However, they can't say with 100% certainty how Schepers died, he said. 'From a medical and legal standpoint, her death has been classified as undetermined,' he said. Schepers' car provided some important clues about what might have happened. A police department traffic crash reconstruction team examined the Celica and found no major dents or damage that would indicate it had been run off the road, struck a deer or encountered something that would have sent it into the water, they said. In fact, the car was in remarkably good condition for being submerged for almost 42 years, Houghton said. They had an Elgin Toyota master technician with 30 years' experience take a look at it as well. The key found in the ignition was in the 'on' position, meaning the car was running when it entered the river, Houghton said. The emergency brake had been pulled and was rusted in that position, the tech told them. New information provided by one of Schepers' coworkers also helped put the night's events into perspective, Houghton said. Jane worked with Schepers at First Chicago Bank in Elgin and was with her and other bank employees at the bar that night. Police had never interviewed her, and she wanted the two detectives to know what her experience had been. 'She was very, very near and dear to me,' Jane said in the podcast. 'She was always friendly and kind. She was just a wonderful person.' Jane remembers seeing her in the bar's vestibule talking on a pay phone. She was crying, and Jane asked if she was OK. Schepers said she was upset because her boyfriend didn't want to join her at the gathering. Later in the evening, she remembered Schepers taking part in a hula hoop contest, and they talked in the parking lot when the bar was closing, she said. 'I could tell that she was still upset. I just said to her, 'Karen, please be careful going home. Make sure you are safe,'' Jane said. Telling Schepers she would see her Monday, '(Karen) smiled and waved at me and said thank you.' She watched as Schepers got into her car alone and drove away south on Route 25. The new account painted a richer picture of what happened that night, Vartanian said. 'I have to say, this type of witness information is what we were looking for in our investigation the entire time,' he said. 'Like we always say, no tip is too small. This one was certainly a big one.' Houghton and Vartanian shared what they think happened that early morning. Schepers left the bar alone and likely drove home on Duncan Avenue, a route she often took. They don't believe she drank much because she wasn't known to be a heavy drinker, and she may have been tired having gotten up early the day before, Houghton said. Based on what they know about weather conditions that morning, it would have been cold with little illumination from the moon and the roadways were likely slick, they said. The Fox River was high because of recent heavy storms. There are several points on Duncan Avenue, near the Interstate 90 overpass and Trout Park, where she could have gone into the water, they said. Or, she could've been driving along Spring Street, a gated road open to the public in the 1980s not far from where she lived. They may never know exactly where the Celica entered the water, but it's likely the current could have carried the car a mile or a mile and a half downstream where it became lodged in a deeper part of the river, Houghton said. The fact the emergency brake was on when the car went into the river was an important clue, the detectives said. Suicide and foul play could be ruled out because of it, Houghton said. Based on the totality of the circumstances, it would seem Schepers' death 'was simply a very tragic accident,' he said. The final episode in the 'Somebody Knows Something' podcast will feature Schepers' family.
