Latest news with #GRCelica
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
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 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 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 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!
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Toyota Files New Trademark for 'GR Celica' in Brazil
Toyota hasn't exactly been sneaky about the strong chances of a reborn Celica model. U.S. New trademark filings for the nameplate were discovered back in November, shortly before Toyota vice-president Yuki Nakajima reportedly told journalists, 'We will make the Celica.' And while we've yet to hear anything official, we now have yet another piece of evidence to share — this time via a trademark filing for a "GR Celica" model in Brazil. The news comes by way of Australia's Drive, which located the trademark application that was filed last month. The filing, Process Number 937665010, has yet to be accepted by the Brazilian government, as it's awaiting an opposition filing deadline. That said, there's no real reason to assume that the automaker won't be awarded the trademark. "Gazoo Racing" branding has already been applied to all of Toyota's performance-oriented models around the globe, including the GR Supra, GR 86, GR Corolla, and GR Yaris for those outside of the States. (Note that R&T was unable to locate any similar trademark filings for the US market at this time, but that doesn't rule out a future filing, or one working its way through the system.) Given the Celica's long history in motorsport, we'd be amazed to see it return without receiving the GR treatment. The model's previous success with the GT-Four all-wheel drive trim makes it a natural fit for the brand's current GR-Four system, and with rear-drive offerings well-represented by the GR 86 and Supra, we'd expect the Celica to adopt front- or all-wheel-drive as in previous generations. Reports out of Japan suggest that the reborn icon will adopt a new variant of the brand's turbocharged 2.0-liter four-pot; hopefully, a manual gearbox is also a part of the equation. With all of the noise surrounding the Celica nameplate, we would be shocked if Toyota doesn't make some official comment in the coming months. That said, it's always important to remember that trademark and patent filings aren't always a great indicator of future product. Considering a new version could potentially turn out to be one of the best small cars on sale, however, you can be sure we'll keep you updated on the Celica's return as soon as we have something concrete — or another piece of news that's too good to pass up. You Might Also Like You Need a Torque Wrench in Your Toolbox Tested: Best Car Interior Cleaners The Man Who Signs Every Car
