The Celica has a long history as one of Toyota's most influential sports cars. After seven generations, the model was put on a hiatus, but Toyota is hard at work on an all-new model. The latest scoop from Japan adds more details, as we are slowly getting the full picture of what the revived Japanese sports car would be like. Here's what we know, so far.
- Toyota GR Celica gets a mid-engine layout
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Developed from the ground up
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Functional design, optimized for track use
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Toyota's new G20E engine will be paired with an upgraded transmission
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Slated to arrive in 2026, but more likely to appear around April 2028
Early reports suggested that both the Celica and MR-2 nameplates will be brought back. For a while now, we know that only the Celica will be making a return. However, it will adopt the MR-2's signature mid-engine layout. Rumors about the MR-2 died out, and it was pretty much a given that Toyota would revive only one of the two sports cars.
It is more economically sound, given what small market niche sports cars occupy, compared to their more mass-produced counterparts, e.g. Corolla. Moreover, reviving both models would have created internal competition, and no company with sound management wants that.
No partnerships! The new Celica is all Toyota.
Toyota is no stranger to partnerships. The GR Supra was co-developed with BMW, and the GR86 with Subaru. Moreover, Toyota, Mazda, and Subaru are also teaming up to ensure an exciting and sustainable future for internal-combustion engines. Moreover, Akio Toyota recently stated that “A sports car should have a loud engine”, and if that doesn't make you excited about the brand's future, you should probably go buy a Tesla.
The GR Celica, however, will be built entirely by Toyota, and developed from the ground up. This is the company's first mid-engine sports car in 30 years, after the third-generation MR-2 went out of production in 2007. Toyota hasn't had a dedicated mid-engine platform for many years, so this could present new opportunities for future models. Perhaps, we'll get a proper MR-2, eventually.
The most peculiar thing about the mid-engine Toyota Celica's development is the test mule used. Engineers have opted to use a mid-engine Toyota GR Yaris as a developmental prototype to mimic the driving characteristics.
It makes sense since the GR Celica will utilize the GR-Four all-wheel-drive system, seen on the GR Yaris and GR Corolla hot hatchback. You can expect the GR Celica to have a longer wheelbase, although Toyota hasn't released official numbers about the car's dimensions yet.
Design that maximizes visibility
A sports car, typically, comes with a few sacrifices, visibility being among them. Toyota engineers have taken a smart approach when designing the GR Celica. They have turned special attention to the A-pillars, which are designed to be as far back and as upright as possible. This allows for maximized cornering visibility while also amplifying the feel that you are in a jet fighter's cockpit.
The last car I saw that had that was an early Dodge Viper, and I truly appreciated the wide field of view this design provides. The exterior will also be very aerodynamically optimized, and carbon fiber will be used for the roof, frunk, and engine cover – this may be optional. Whether Toyota makes a targa-top variant of the GR Celica is also unknown, but I hope they do.
The engine, the numbers, and the transmission
We already know that powering the GR Celica will be Toyota's new 2.0-liter G20E, turbo-four engine, which is developed alongside a smaller 1.5-liter unit. In the mid-engine sports car, the turbo-four will develop 400 horsepower and 400 pound-feet. The unit will be paired to a beefed-up variant of the familiar eight-speed automatic, which we get on the GR Corolla. A six-speed manual is also expected to be available.
The Toyota GR Celica is some time away
We know Toyota's mid-engine sports car is coming, but it will not be in 2026, as early reports suggested. An official debut is expected around April 2028, which also coincides with another popular Japanese model due for a new generation – the Mazda MX-5, which will feature increased engine displacement. Granted, the two models are in completely different price and performance segments.
It is safe to say Toyota is about halfway in terms of developing the GR Celica, and we haven't even seen a prototype, scoring what would resemble the production car's looks. Toyota's current models are heavily inspired by the concept models showcased four years ago. If that's anything to go by, the GR Celica should look very similar to the FT-SE concept.
Let me know what you think of the upcoming Toyota GR Celica. Is making it mid-engine the right decision, or should Toyota have used the MR-2 name instead? Feel free to hit the comment section below and share your thoughts.
Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.
Image sources: Bing AI Generator (main image), Toyota FT-SE concept press kit (in-text image)
