After years of speculation, Toyota has finally confirmed the return of the Celica.
Toyota's technical director, Hiroki Nakajima, announced that the iconic model is coming back.
According to the auto magazine Boosted, Nakajima shared the news during Rally Japan 2024 in Aichi Prefecture when asked directly about the Celica’s future.
His response was short but clear: "We want to make (a new, ed.) Celica."
While Nakajima admitted it might not be the right time to announce this officially, his statement confirms that the Celica’s development is in the early stages. This is the strongest indication yet that the car will return.
The possibility of the Celica’s revival has been hinted at before.
In 2023, Toyota’s chairman, Akio Toyoda, mentioned in an interview with Best Car magazine that he had encouraged management to bring the name back.
Subtle clues followed, including a reference to a “Celica Mk8” in Toyota’s anime series Grip, which also teased new versions of models like the GR86 and MR2.
At the Rally Japan event, discussions also touched on Toyota’s upcoming sports cars, including whether the next GR86 would remain rear-wheel drive or include a turbo engine. Gazoo Racing driver Kazuya Oshima confirmed that development is underway but declined to give details.
Toyota is also testing a new series of four-cylinder engines, with 1.5- and 2.0-liter options. A turbocharged 2.0-liter engine is expected to be available for future models, possibly including the new Celica. The 1.5-liter version may come in both turbo and non-turbo variants.
Fans of Toyota’s classic sports cars, including the Celica, GR86, and MR2, are eagerly following these developments.
