Toyota has been quietly developinga a mid engined sports car, and signs increasingly point to it carrying the Celica name rather than reviving the MR2.
Chairman Akio Toyoda has personally pushed the project, and a GR Yaris based test mule called the M Concept is already running on track with a turbocharged engine producing close to 400hp through an all wheel drive setup.
Toyota Celica Engine and Performance Development
The prototype uses a new 2.0 litre turbocharged engine internally named G20E, built from the GR Yaris platform but tuned for roughly 400hp, a major jump over the standard car.
Development relies on Toyota’s hands-on testing strategy, including actual endurance races at the Super Taikyu 24 Hours to verify durability well before finalizing any mass-production specifications.
Two Rumoured Paths for the New Model
Industry leaks describe two competing directions for the project. One version centers on a hybrid inline four with all wheel drive aimed at meeting emissions rules, while the other follows the purely petrol mid engine M Concept with no electrification at all.
Testing has reportedly been happening at Toyota’s Shimoyama facility, with a possible reveal sometime around 2027 or 2028.
On Track Driving Impressions
Engineers describe the mid engine prototype as noticeably twitchier than a standard GR Yaris, rotating eagerly through corners instead of pushing wide.
Toyota’s chief engineer is still tuning the balance, since some test drivers enjoy the sharp, lively character while others find it demanding for everyday road use rather than dedicated track sessions.
Expected Design Direction
No real production body exists yet, but expect styling cues borrowed from the GR GT3 supercar, including aggressive front lighting and a lower, steeper bonnet line since no engine sits up front.
A wide rear diffuser, centrally mounted exhaust, and a tall spoiler reminiscent of older rally inspired Celica models would suit the car’s racing heritage well.
What Toyota Executives Have Said
Toyota executive Hiroki Nakajima spoke about the project at Le Mans, calling motorsport central to building better road cars and admitting the Celica name carries personal meaning for him.
He explained Toyota wants to develop its next sports car independently this time, unlike previous joint efforts with Subaru and BMW, while staying coy on any official commitment to the badge.
Celica Production History in Brief
Built between 1970 and 2006 across seven generations, the original Toyota Celica car moved from a lightweight rear wheel drive coupe into an all wheel drive rally machine before ending as a front wheel drive wedge shaped model.
Toyota produced over four million units worldwide, cementing it as one of the brand’s most recognizable nameplates from that era.
Key Generational Shifts
Early models ran simple rear wheel drive layouts with small four cylinder engines, while the fourth generation introduced front and all wheel drive options alongside the now famous GT-Four badge.
The Toyota Celica GT4 lineage, particularly the ST185 and ST205, delivered genuine World Rally Championship success during the early 1990s, building the performance reputation enthusiasts still chase today.
Buying a Used Celica in the UK
Anyone searching Toyota Celica for sale listings in the UK should expect rust as the biggest concern, especially on older chassis exposed to salted winter roads for decades.
The high revving 2ZZ-GE engine in later T Sport models also demands careful maintenance history, since neglected oil changes can damage its valve lift mechanism over time.
Classic GT-Four Versus the Upcoming Model
A clean Toyota Celica GT Four currently trades for roughly fifteen to twenty five thousand pounds, offering a turbocharged four cylinder through full time all wheel drive.
The rumoured new model instead points toward a mid engine layout with intelligent all wheel drive and either a pure petrol or hybrid setup producing around 400hp, positioning it closer to premium European sports cars.
Final Thoughts
Buyers chasing analog driving feel and motorsport heritage should still consider a classic Toyota Celica gran turismo 4, provided they budget for rust repairs and parts sourcing through dedicated owner clubs.
Those waiting for something new should keep an eye on the upcoming Toyota Celica, since its mid engine layout and serious power output could make it one of Toyota’s most exciting performance cars in years.
FAQs about Toyota Celica
Is Toyota making a 2026 Celica?
The new Celica is still in development with a possible reveal around 2027 or 2028, not 2026.
What is the price of Celica in UK?
A classic Celica GT-Four in the UK trades for roughly £15,000-£25,000.
Is the Celica a fast car?
Yes, the upcoming Celica prototype produces close to 400hp through a turbocharged all-wheel-drive setup.
Is the Celica discontinued?
The original Celica was discontinued in 2006, but Toyota is reportedly developing a new Celica model.