Latest news with #ToyotaCelica
The Citizen
07-08-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Inland Historic Tour aiming to break winter cold at Zwartkops
First meeting since April will be a weekend attraction of note. Historic car competition will return to its place of birth on Saturday, with the Zwartkops Raceway near Pretoria to host round three of the Inland Historic Tour. The event, which will celebrate Women's Day, will see 214 competitors in ten separate disciplines taking to the tight and twisty Zwartkops tarmac. Pre-1966 Production Cars Heading up the show will be two races for Marlboro Crane Hire Pre-1966 Production Cars. Saturday's races for Marlboro Crane Hire Pre-1966 Production Cars will see veteran Allen Meyer driving the circuit's venerable Chevrolet Bel Air. Photograph: Dave Ledbitter. Fighting for podium places should be Ben Morgenrood (Morgenrood Ford Mustang), Hennie Groenewald (Kameeldoring Ford Capri Perana), Seef Fourie Jr (TAR Mercury Cougar), Jonathan du Toit (Chevrolet Nova), James Temple (Lindenberg Ford Capri Perana), Allen Meyer (Chevrolet Bel Air), Colin Ellison (Spanjaard Ford Fairlane) and Paige Lindenberg (Lindenberg Ford Fairlane). The Marlboro Crane Hire Little Giants races will see former rally star Ben van der Westhuizen in a Toyota Celica. Photograph: Dave Ledbitter. The Marlboro Crane Hire Little Giants races should provide much spectacle, with victory contenders like John Ten Doeschate (GSM Flamingo), Ishmael Baloyi (GSM Dart), Ben van der Westhuizen (Toyota Celica), Elke van Vledder (Alfa Romeo GT Junior), Carel Pienaar (Kameeldoring Lotus Cortina), Robin Clark (Piri Piri MGB GT) and Jaco Taylor (Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint). Historic Saloons Sharing the grid will be the Evapco Historic Saloon Car brigade, with top contenders to include George Avvacoumides (Euro Shopfitting Porsche 911 RSR), Andre van der Merwe (Evapco Porsche 911 RSR), Franz Jensen (Hamilton's Datsun 1200 GX) and Travis Jensen (Hamilton's Datsun 1200 GX). George Avvacoumides (Euro Shopfitting Porsche 911 RSR) could stand on the podium after the races for Evapco Historic Saloon Cars. Photograph: Dave Ledbitter. Also vying for top honours will be Jannie van Rooyen (Volkswagen Scirocco), Andre ten Napel (TNMC Volkswagen Scirocco), Werner Kotze (Black and Gold Solutions Mazda R100) and Gavin Lunden (The Lube Guys Datsun 1200 GX). Sports Prototypes The day's quickest lap times should belong to the Pre-2000 International Sports Prototypes category. The Pre-2000 International Sports Prototype category could see a winner in James Temple (Daytona Coupe). Photograph: Dave Ledbitter. In line for top honours will be the likes of Jonathan du Toit (TAR Chevron B8), Franco di Matteo (Ford Mustang), James Temple (Daytona Coupe), Peter Bailley (Bailey Cars Porsche 911 RSR), Marc Miller (Daytona Coupe), Carel Pienaar (Kameeldoring Chevrolet Camaro), Hennie Groenewald (Kameeldoring Datsun 240Z) and Seef Fourie Jr (Opel Astra V8). Single-seaters Podium chasers in the races for Historic Single Seaters should be Ian Schofield (Investchem March 77B), Ryan Budd (Ray), Paul Richardson (Aztek Dulon), Andrew Horne (Xena Ray) and Pat Dunseith (Merlyn). Silver Cup The Silver Cup 2.0 category should see front runners like Marius Jacobs (AAA Recovery Opel Tigra Spaceframe), Marnus du Plessis (Forklift Spares Nissan Primera), Morgan Jacobs (AAA Recovery Volkswagen Corrado Spaceframe), Riaan Draper (Peugeot 206), Dewald Pretorius (SPS Mazda RX-7), Quentin Duvenhage and (2D Trucks Volkswagen Golf). Clubmans The Clubmans heat victories should be contested by drivers like Rodney Kruis (Real Pro Auto Honda Ballade), Dirk Lawrence (JDM Tuning Honda Ballade), Kobus Brits (Pragma Volkswagens Polo), Johan Lampbrecht (Alfa Romeo 145), Ruan van Deventer (GA Glass Volkswagen Polo) and Ferdi van Staden (Duratec BMW 330i). Lotus Challenge Clive Wilmot (Birkin), David Jermy (Blue Bubbles Taylon), JP Nortje (N4 Autocraft Birkin), Rachelle du Plessis (Pta Noord Birkin), Gys van der Walt (Strap King Birkin), Andre de Lange (Logan Birkin), Josef Kotze (Wasp Birkin) and Jeff Gable (Blue Bubbles Birkin) should fight at the front end of the Lotus Challenge heats. Monoposto The Monoposto single seater racing should see front contenders like Damien Archer (McNeil Plastics Ray), Herman Krige (Speads), Hayden Archer (McNeil Plastics Ray), Hylton Morrow (Chapmans Eye Care Formula M), JM Gerber (Namib Bilton KTM), Nadine van der Merwe (VDM Ashley) and Klinton Kane (DC Tyres Sting). Two races for ladies in Monoposto cars will also be held, led by tin-top specialist Tyler Robinson. INEXS Legends The INEX Legends category has attracted 12 entries, with top contenders like Devin Robertson, Johann van der Venter, Gavin Botha, Richard van Heerde, Rico Raker, Christiaan Padayachee and Arnold Repsold . When and how much? The Zwartkops gates will be open from 06h00, with qualifying sessions in the early morning. Racing will commence at 09h30. Admission will cost R110 per adult and R90 per student, with children under the age of 12 to go in for free. Food and drink will be on sale or you may take your own and everybody is welcome to visit the pits on foot. The venue's Mini Moke trains will run between the pit gate and spectator areas throughout the day. For more information call the circuit office at 012 384 2299 or visit the [email protected] website. ALSO READ: Inland Historic Tour season kicks-off at Zwartkops
The Advertiser
06-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Toyota Celica edges closer, may return with petrol power
Development work on a new sports car which may revive the lauded Toyota Celica name is well advanced, according to a senior Toyota executive – and it may pass on electrification and instead offer only internal combustion engine (ICE) power. The long-rumoured return of the Celica, a two-door sports coupe dropped from the global Toyota lineup after seven generations in 2006, was confirmed by a Toyota executive in Japan in late 2024. The comment by Toyota executive vice president Yuki Nakajima was perhaps premature given there's been no official word on a born-again Celica since then – neither from Japan nor Australia or the US, which would be a key market for a new sports coupe wearing the well-regarded Celica nameplate. Of course, it may also have been a pre-emptive strike in response to news that a former Celica showroom rival – the Honda Prelude – would be making a comeback in 2026. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "To be honest, there is no sign of it right now," Nakajima-san said in translated comments reported by by Best Car Web in November. "However, there are many people within the company who are eagerly awaiting the Celica. So – I'm not sure if it's okay to say this in a public forum – but we're doing the Celica!" Release timing for the new Celica is yet to be confirmed, but dealers in the US have reportedly seen development versions of the vehicle, suggesting it is not far from showrooms and may be publicly revealed later this year – or early 2026. Speaking to US title Motor Trendrecently, Toyota Motor North America's product lead Cooper Ericksen said test mules for a suitable Celica replacement are at "pretty advanced" stages of development. "People are talking about it," Mr Ericksen told Motor Trend. "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." Mr Ericksen suggested the development vehicles shown to dealers and trundling around test tracks include non-hybrid versions, which would be in line with other Toyota GR-branded performance models like the GR Yaris, GR Corolla, GR 86 and GR Supra. "Akio [Toyoda, Toyota Motor Corporation chairman] has said when it comes to specialised GR performance products, it is very difficult to replicate that emotional driving feel out on track with something other than traditional ICE," he said. While not ruling out hybrid or battery-electric versions of the would-be Celica, the Toyota US product boss hinted at a return to pure petrol power in an effort to make it affordable and entertaining to drive. "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," said Mr Ericksen. An ICE powertrain could also pave the way for a new Celica equipped with a manual gearbox – something Toyota offers with all four of its existing GR models. The Celica name has not been confirmed for the test cars Ericksen spoke about (there's also speculation around Toyota reviving the MR2 name), and it's not clear where the new model would fit into Toyota's GR range, which currently comprises the GR 86 ($43,940-$49,600 before on-road costs), GR Yaris ($55,490-$62,990), GR Corolla ($67,990-$70,490) and GR Supra ($86,295-$96,295). Previous versions of the Celica have typically been based on mid-size sedans – which in Australia included the Corona and, later, the Camry – and the most affordable versions weren't fast enough to be considered serious performance cars. The flagship Celica GT-Four – which was campaigned in the World Rally Championship – was arguably overshadowed in the 1990s by cult cars such as the Subaru Impreza WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. A variant of the Celica called the Supra was introduced in the US in 1977, which became a model in its own right in 1986. Content originally sourced from: Development work on a new sports car which may revive the lauded Toyota Celica name is well advanced, according to a senior Toyota executive – and it may pass on electrification and instead offer only internal combustion engine (ICE) power. The long-rumoured return of the Celica, a two-door sports coupe dropped from the global Toyota lineup after seven generations in 2006, was confirmed by a Toyota executive in Japan in late 2024. The comment by Toyota executive vice president Yuki Nakajima was perhaps premature given there's been no official word on a born-again Celica since then – neither from Japan nor Australia or the US, which would be a key market for a new sports coupe wearing the well-regarded Celica nameplate. Of course, it may also have been a pre-emptive strike in response to news that a former Celica showroom rival – the Honda Prelude – would be making a comeback in 2026. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "To be honest, there is no sign of it right now," Nakajima-san said in translated comments reported by by Best Car Web in November. "However, there are many people within the company who are eagerly awaiting the Celica. So – I'm not sure if it's okay to say this in a public forum – but we're doing the Celica!" Release timing for the new Celica is yet to be confirmed, but dealers in the US have reportedly seen development versions of the vehicle, suggesting it is not far from showrooms and may be publicly revealed later this year – or early 2026. Speaking to US title Motor Trendrecently, Toyota Motor North America's product lead Cooper Ericksen said test mules for a suitable Celica replacement are at "pretty advanced" stages of development. "People are talking about it," Mr Ericksen told Motor Trend. "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." Mr Ericksen suggested the development vehicles shown to dealers and trundling around test tracks include non-hybrid versions, which would be in line with other Toyota GR-branded performance models like the GR Yaris, GR Corolla, GR 86 and GR Supra. "Akio [Toyoda, Toyota Motor Corporation chairman] has said when it comes to specialised GR performance products, it is very difficult to replicate that emotional driving feel out on track with something other than traditional ICE," he said. While not ruling out hybrid or battery-electric versions of the would-be Celica, the Toyota US product boss hinted at a return to pure petrol power in an effort to make it affordable and entertaining to drive. "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," said Mr Ericksen. An ICE powertrain could also pave the way for a new Celica equipped with a manual gearbox – something Toyota offers with all four of its existing GR models. The Celica name has not been confirmed for the test cars Ericksen spoke about (there's also speculation around Toyota reviving the MR2 name), and it's not clear where the new model would fit into Toyota's GR range, which currently comprises the GR 86 ($43,940-$49,600 before on-road costs), GR Yaris ($55,490-$62,990), GR Corolla ($67,990-$70,490) and GR Supra ($86,295-$96,295). Previous versions of the Celica have typically been based on mid-size sedans – which in Australia included the Corona and, later, the Camry – and the most affordable versions weren't fast enough to be considered serious performance cars. The flagship Celica GT-Four – which was campaigned in the World Rally Championship – was arguably overshadowed in the 1990s by cult cars such as the Subaru Impreza WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. A variant of the Celica called the Supra was introduced in the US in 1977, which became a model in its own right in 1986. Content originally sourced from: Development work on a new sports car which may revive the lauded Toyota Celica name is well advanced, according to a senior Toyota executive – and it may pass on electrification and instead offer only internal combustion engine (ICE) power. The long-rumoured return of the Celica, a two-door sports coupe dropped from the global Toyota lineup after seven generations in 2006, was confirmed by a Toyota executive in Japan in late 2024. The comment by Toyota executive vice president Yuki Nakajima was perhaps premature given there's been no official word on a born-again Celica since then – neither from Japan nor Australia or the US, which would be a key market for a new sports coupe wearing the well-regarded Celica nameplate. Of course, it may also have been a pre-emptive strike in response to news that a former Celica showroom rival – the Honda Prelude – would be making a comeback in 2026. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "To be honest, there is no sign of it right now," Nakajima-san said in translated comments reported by by Best Car Web in November. "However, there are many people within the company who are eagerly awaiting the Celica. So – I'm not sure if it's okay to say this in a public forum – but we're doing the Celica!" Release timing for the new Celica is yet to be confirmed, but dealers in the US have reportedly seen development versions of the vehicle, suggesting it is not far from showrooms and may be publicly revealed later this year – or early 2026. Speaking to US title Motor Trendrecently, Toyota Motor North America's product lead Cooper Ericksen said test mules for a suitable Celica replacement are at "pretty advanced" stages of development. "People are talking about it," Mr Ericksen told Motor Trend. "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." Mr Ericksen suggested the development vehicles shown to dealers and trundling around test tracks include non-hybrid versions, which would be in line with other Toyota GR-branded performance models like the GR Yaris, GR Corolla, GR 86 and GR Supra. "Akio [Toyoda, Toyota Motor Corporation chairman] has said when it comes to specialised GR performance products, it is very difficult to replicate that emotional driving feel out on track with something other than traditional ICE," he said. While not ruling out hybrid or battery-electric versions of the would-be Celica, the Toyota US product boss hinted at a return to pure petrol power in an effort to make it affordable and entertaining to drive. "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," said Mr Ericksen. An ICE powertrain could also pave the way for a new Celica equipped with a manual gearbox – something Toyota offers with all four of its existing GR models. The Celica name has not been confirmed for the test cars Ericksen spoke about (there's also speculation around Toyota reviving the MR2 name), and it's not clear where the new model would fit into Toyota's GR range, which currently comprises the GR 86 ($43,940-$49,600 before on-road costs), GR Yaris ($55,490-$62,990), GR Corolla ($67,990-$70,490) and GR Supra ($86,295-$96,295). Previous versions of the Celica have typically been based on mid-size sedans – which in Australia included the Corona and, later, the Camry – and the most affordable versions weren't fast enough to be considered serious performance cars. The flagship Celica GT-Four – which was campaigned in the World Rally Championship – was arguably overshadowed in the 1990s by cult cars such as the Subaru Impreza WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. A variant of the Celica called the Supra was introduced in the US in 1977, which became a model in its own right in 1986. Content originally sourced from: Development work on a new sports car which may revive the lauded Toyota Celica name is well advanced, according to a senior Toyota executive – and it may pass on electrification and instead offer only internal combustion engine (ICE) power. The long-rumoured return of the Celica, a two-door sports coupe dropped from the global Toyota lineup after seven generations in 2006, was confirmed by a Toyota executive in Japan in late 2024. The comment by Toyota executive vice president Yuki Nakajima was perhaps premature given there's been no official word on a born-again Celica since then – neither from Japan nor Australia or the US, which would be a key market for a new sports coupe wearing the well-regarded Celica nameplate. Of course, it may also have been a pre-emptive strike in response to news that a former Celica showroom rival – the Honda Prelude – would be making a comeback in 2026. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "To be honest, there is no sign of it right now," Nakajima-san said in translated comments reported by by Best Car Web in November. "However, there are many people within the company who are eagerly awaiting the Celica. So – I'm not sure if it's okay to say this in a public forum – but we're doing the Celica!" Release timing for the new Celica is yet to be confirmed, but dealers in the US have reportedly seen development versions of the vehicle, suggesting it is not far from showrooms and may be publicly revealed later this year – or early 2026. Speaking to US title Motor Trendrecently, Toyota Motor North America's product lead Cooper Ericksen said test mules for a suitable Celica replacement are at "pretty advanced" stages of development. "People are talking about it," Mr Ericksen told Motor Trend. "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." Mr Ericksen suggested the development vehicles shown to dealers and trundling around test tracks include non-hybrid versions, which would be in line with other Toyota GR-branded performance models like the GR Yaris, GR Corolla, GR 86 and GR Supra. "Akio [Toyoda, Toyota Motor Corporation chairman] has said when it comes to specialised GR performance products, it is very difficult to replicate that emotional driving feel out on track with something other than traditional ICE," he said. While not ruling out hybrid or battery-electric versions of the would-be Celica, the Toyota US product boss hinted at a return to pure petrol power in an effort to make it affordable and entertaining to drive. "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," said Mr Ericksen. An ICE powertrain could also pave the way for a new Celica equipped with a manual gearbox – something Toyota offers with all four of its existing GR models. The Celica name has not been confirmed for the test cars Ericksen spoke about (there's also speculation around Toyota reviving the MR2 name), and it's not clear where the new model would fit into Toyota's GR range, which currently comprises the GR 86 ($43,940-$49,600 before on-road costs), GR Yaris ($55,490-$62,990), GR Corolla ($67,990-$70,490) and GR Supra ($86,295-$96,295). Previous versions of the Celica have typically been based on mid-size sedans – which in Australia included the Corona and, later, the Camry – and the most affordable versions weren't fast enough to be considered serious performance cars. The flagship Celica GT-Four – which was campaigned in the World Rally Championship – was arguably overshadowed in the 1990s by cult cars such as the Subaru Impreza WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. A variant of the Celica called the Supra was introduced in the US in 1977, which became a model in its own right in 1986. Content originally sourced from:
7NEWS
05-06-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
Toyota Celica edges closer, may return with petrol power
Development work on a new sports car which may revive the lauded Toyota Celica name is well advanced, according to a senior Toyota executive – and it may pass on electrification and instead offer only internal combustion engine (ICE) power. The long-rumoured return of the Celica, a two-door sports coupe dropped from the global Toyota lineup after seven generations in 2006, was confirmed by a Toyota executive in Japan in late 2024. The comment by Toyota executive vice president Yuki Nakajima was perhaps premature given there's been no official word on a born-again Celica since then – neither from Japan nor Australia or the US, which would be a key market for a new sports coupe wearing the well-regarded Celica nameplate. Of course, it may also have been a pre-emptive strike in response to news that a former Celica showroom rival – the Honda Prelude – would be making a comeback in 2026. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. 'To be honest, there is no sign of it right now,' Nakajima-san said in translated comments reported by by Best Car Web in November. 'However, there are many people within the company who are eagerly awaiting the Celica. So – I'm not sure if it's okay to say this in a public forum – but we're doing the Celica!' Release timing for the new Celica is yet to be confirmed, but dealers in the US have reportedly seen development versions of the vehicle, suggesting it is not far from showrooms and may be publicly revealed later this year – or early 2026. Speaking to US title Motor Trend recently, Toyota Motor North America's product lead Cooper Ericksen said test mules for a suitable Celica replacement are at 'pretty advanced' stages of development. 'People are talking about it,' Mr Ericksen told Motor Trend. '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.' Mr Ericksen suggested the development vehicles shown to dealers and trundling around test tracks include non-hybrid versions, which would be in line with other Toyota GR-branded performance models like the GR Yaris, GR Corolla, GR 86 and GR Supra. 'Akio [Toyoda, Toyota Motor Corporation chairman] has said when it comes to specialised GR performance products, it is very difficult to replicate that emotional driving feel out on track with something other than traditional ICE,' he said. While not ruling out hybrid or battery-electric versions of the would-be Celica, the Toyota US product boss hinted at a return to pure petrol power in an effort to make it affordable and entertaining to drive. '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,' said Mr Ericksen. An ICE powertrain could also pave the way for a new Celica equipped with a manual gearbox – something Toyota offers with all four of its existing GR models. The Celica name has not been confirmed for the test cars Ericksen spoke about (there's also speculation around Toyota reviving the MR2 name), and it's not clear where the new model would fit into Toyota's GR range, which currently comprises the GR 86 ($43,940-$49,600 before on-road costs), GR Yaris ($55,490-$62,990), GR Corolla ($67,990-$70,490) and GR Supra ($86,295-$96,295). Previous versions of the Celica have typically been based on mid-size sedans – which in Australia included the Corona and, later, the Camry – and the most affordable versions weren't fast enough to be considered serious performance cars. The flagship Celica GT-Four – which was campaigned in the World Rally Championship – was arguably overshadowed in the 1990s by cult cars such as the Subaru Impreza WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.
Perth Now
05-06-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Toyota Celica edges closer, may return with petrol power
Development work on a new sports car which may revive the lauded Toyota Celica name is well advanced, according to a senior Toyota executive – and it may pass on electrification and instead offer only internal combustion engine (ICE) power. The long-rumoured return of the Celica, a two-door sports coupe dropped from the global Toyota lineup after seven generations in 2006, was confirmed by a Toyota executive in Japan in late 2024. The comment by Toyota executive vice president Yuki Nakajima was perhaps premature given there's been no official word on a born-again Celica since then – neither from Japan nor Australia or the US, which would be a key market for a new sports coupe wearing the well-regarded Celica nameplate. Of course, it may also have been a pre-emptive strike in response to news that a former Celica showroom rival – the Honda Prelude – would be making a comeback in 2026. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert 'To be honest, there is no sign of it right now,' Nakajima-san said in translated comments reported by by Best Car Web in November. 'However, there are many people within the company who are eagerly awaiting the Celica. So – I'm not sure if it's okay to say this in a public forum – but we're doing the Celica!' Release timing for the new Celica is yet to be confirmed, but dealers in the US have reportedly seen development versions of the vehicle, suggesting it is not far from showrooms and may be publicly revealed later this year – or early 2026. Speaking to US title Motor Trend recently, Toyota Motor North America's product lead Cooper Ericksen said test mules for a suitable Celica replacement are at 'pretty advanced' stages of development. 'People are talking about it,' Mr Ericksen told Motor Trend. Supplied Credit: CarExpert '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.' Mr Ericksen suggested the development vehicles shown to dealers and trundling around test tracks include non-hybrid versions, which would be in line with other Toyota GR-branded performance models like the GR Yaris, GR Corolla, GR 86 and GR Supra. 'Akio [Toyoda, Toyota Motor Corporation chairman] has said when it comes to specialised GR performance products, it is very difficult to replicate that emotional driving feel out on track with something other than traditional ICE,' he said. While not ruling out hybrid or battery-electric versions of the would-be Celica, the Toyota US product boss hinted at a return to pure petrol power in an effort to make it affordable and entertaining to drive. '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,' said Mr Ericksen. Supplied Credit: CarExpert An ICE powertrain could also pave the way for a new Celica equipped with a manual gearbox – something Toyota offers with all four of its existing GR models. The Celica name has not been confirmed for the test cars Ericksen spoke about (there's also speculation around Toyota reviving the MR2 name), and it's not clear where the new model would fit into Toyota's GR range, which currently comprises the GR 86 ($43,940-$49,600 before on-road costs), GR Yaris ($55,490-$62,990), GR Corolla ($67,990-$70,490) and GR Supra ($86,295-$96,295). Previous versions of the Celica have typically been based on mid-size sedans – which in Australia included the Corona and, later, the Camry – and the most affordable versions weren't fast enough to be considered serious performance cars. The flagship Celica GT-Four – which was campaigned in the World Rally Championship – was arguably overshadowed in the 1990s by cult cars such as the Subaru Impreza WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. A variant of the Celica called the Supra was introduced in the US in 1977, which became a model in its own right in 1986.
West Australian
05-06-2025
- Automotive
- West Australian
Toyota Celica edges closer, may return with petrol power
Development work on a new sports car which may revive the lauded Toyota Celica name is well advanced, according to a senior Toyota executive – and it may pass on electrification and instead offer only internal combustion engine (ICE) power. The long-rumoured return of the Celica, a two-door sports coupe dropped from the global Toyota lineup after seven generations in 2006, was confirmed by a Toyota executive in Japan in late 2024. The comment by Toyota executive vice president Yuki Nakajima was perhaps premature given there's been no official word on a born-again Celica since then – neither from Japan nor Australia or the US, which would be a key market for a new sports coupe wearing the well-regarded Celica nameplate. Of course, it may also have been a pre-emptive strike in response to news that a former Celica showroom rival – the Honda Prelude – would be making a comeback in 2026. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now . 'To be honest, there is no sign of it right now,' Nakajima-san said in translated comments reported by by Best Car Web in November. 'However, there are many people within the company who are eagerly awaiting the Celica. So – I'm not sure if it's okay to say this in a public forum – but we're doing the Celica!' Release timing for the new Celica is yet to be confirmed, but dealers in the US have reportedly seen development versions of the vehicle, suggesting it is not far from showrooms and may be publicly revealed later this year – or early 2026. Speaking to US title Motor Trend recently, Toyota Motor North America's product lead Cooper Ericksen said test mules for a suitable Celica replacement are at 'pretty advanced' stages of development. 'People are talking about it,' Mr Ericksen told Motor Trend. '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.' Mr Ericksen suggested the development vehicles shown to dealers and trundling around test tracks include non-hybrid versions, which would be in line with other Toyota GR-branded performance models like the GR Yaris , GR Corolla , GR 86 and GR Supra . 'Akio [Toyoda, Toyota Motor Corporation chairman] has said when it comes to specialised GR performance products, it is very difficult to replicate that emotional driving feel out on track with something other than traditional ICE,' he said. While not ruling out hybrid or battery-electric versions of the would-be Celica, the Toyota US product boss hinted at a return to pure petrol power in an effort to make it affordable and entertaining to drive. '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,' said Mr Ericksen. An ICE powertrain could also pave the way for a new Celica equipped with a manual gearbox – something Toyota offers with all four of its existing GR models. The Celica name has not been confirmed for the test cars Ericksen spoke about (there's also speculation around Toyota reviving the MR2 name), and it's not clear where the new model would fit into Toyota's GR range, which currently comprises the GR 86 ($43,940-$49,600 before on-road costs), GR Yaris ($55,490-$62,990), GR Corolla ($67,990-$70,490) and GR Supra ($86,295-$96,295). Previous versions of the Celica have typically been based on mid-size sedans – which in Australia included the Corona and, later, the Camry – and the most affordable versions weren't fast enough to be considered serious performance cars. The flagship Celica GT-Four – which was campaigned in the World Rally Championship – was arguably overshadowed in the 1990s by cult cars such as the Subaru Impreza WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. A variant of the Celica called the Supra was introduced in the US in 1977, which became a model in its own right in 1986.
