Toyota Confirms Revival of Celica Sports Car After 18 Years
Toyota’s vice president has officially announced that the Japanese automaker is gearing up to bring back the iconic Celica sports car, nearly two decades after production of the beloved model came to an end.
Rumors surrounding the revival of the Celica have been circulating for years, with speculation growing even more intense last year when it was hinted that a new Celica could be part of Toyota’s lineup of electric sports cars. However, it wasn’t until this weekend’s Rally Japan that Yuki Nakajima made the bold statement: “We’re making the Celica!”
Nakajima went on to reveal that while there are no visible signs of the new Celica just yet, there is a strong internal desire within the company to bring back this legendary nameplate. He expressed his excitement by saying, “So… I wonder if it’s okay to say this in a public forum, but we’re doing the Celica!”
This confirmation comes on the heels of recent hints dropped by Toyota, suggesting a potential revival of not only the Celica but also the MR2 nameplates, in addition to the renewal of the GR86 and GR Supra models.
Speculation further intensified after a recent episode of the company’s cartoon series, Grip, briefly showcased a whiteboard containing a list of upcoming models, including a Celica Mk8 among others.
While Toyota has yet to officially confirm the production of these new sports cars, the teaser aligns with reports that the Gazoo Racing lineup is set to undergo a significant expansion in the near future.
Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda, a driving force behind the GR brand, has expressed his desire to bring back what he refers to as the “three brothers”: the Celica, MR2, and Supra.
Reports suggest that Toyota is considering a new electric car platform for the production of the new Celica, promising a range of exciting possibilities. This platform is designed to offer a low seat height, delivering a more traditional sports car driving experience.
The FT-Se concept, unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show, serves as a preview of what to expect from Toyota’s new electric sports cars. With a design that sits 75mm lower than the Porsche 718 Cayman, this concept showcases a unique and extreme approach to electric sports car design.
With the official announcement of the Celica’s return, Toyota enthusiasts and sports car fans alike can look forward to the revival of this iconic model that has left a lasting legacy in the world of automotive performance.
