Rumors about the revival of the legendary Toyota Celica have been circulating online for almost four years. The Japanese kept interest alive through anime series, patent registrations, and executive hints. However, now the story is moving into a phase of specifics. According to recent data from Autocar, a new coupe-like model, which may be called the Celica Sport, is being prepared for a debut in 2027 under the Gazoo Racing division.
Farewell to three cylinders
The main news is the powerplant. The 1.6-liter three-cylinder G16E engine, which became the heart of the GR Yaris and GR Corolla, is gradually taking a backseat. As explained by GR marketing manager Mikio Hayashi, this unit is becoming increasingly difficult to adapt to the stringent future environmental standards. It will be replaced by an entirely new 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine with the G20E index.
This engine promises to be significantly more powerful: around 400 hp is expected in the civilian version, and for track modifications, the potential reaches 600 hp. Toyota is testing this unit on prototypes, although it is currently temporarily mounted in a mid-engine configuration based on the Yaris. However, the production Celica will retain the classic front-engine layout.
All-wheel drive and inevitable electrification
The novelty will receive an all-wheel-drive system, logically continuing the legacy of the famous GT-Four versions. An important nuance is that Toyota Gazoo Racing is considering the use of hybrid technologies. This could include both a self-charging hybrid and a plug-in version (PHEV).
Electrification is needed not only for environmental reports but also to compensate for turbo lag and increase overall power. Of course, this will add weight to the car, but the experience of brands like BMW or Audi shows that it is practically impossible to keep powerful internal combustion engines in the lineup today without this. It is expected that this 2.0-liter engine will become the "backbone" for the entire future GR series, including the next generation of the GR86.
Despite the lack of official design confirmation, sources indicate that dealers have already seen the first samples of the body. If the forecasts come true, then in 2027 we will see a car that will try to bring back the spirit of the rally victories of the 90s in a modern technological wrapper.
