Next-generation Toyota Celica GR.
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We already know Toyota is working on a new Celica. And maybe even a new MR-2. However, these new illustrations from Japan seem to show a new model that blends a Celica and an MR2 into one car.
The illustrations above seem to show the GR version of a possible new Celica. Even though the whole thing looks much more like a 2 seater MR2 than a 4 seater Toyota Celica.
“GR” also means something like 400HP from the all-new 2.0 Engine and especially, something very expensive. Which is the subject of a older Celica rumor. That it will have AWD and 400HP. I’m sorry, but that is NOT a Celica. Especially when the current Supra GR produces 382 HP.
More good news is from Toyota’s own Executive Vice President, Hiroki Nakajima: “To be honest, there’s nothing tangible at the moment. However, there’s strong demand within the company for the Celica. So, is it okay to say this publicly? We’re doing the Celica!”
Mr.Toyoda himself mentioned a new Celica in 2023. And more recently, there was a clue in a part of a Toyota-produced anime film called “Grip”.
Toyota is also rumored to work on a 3rd generation GR86.
For decades, the Celica was a very popular model for Toyota in the US, reaching over 106,000 units in 1986. However, things seriously dropped in the 1990s with only around 29,000 sold in 1993. It went back up when a new generation came out, with over 52,000 sold in 2000. But finally dropped all the way down to around 3000 units, 5 years later, after Toyota announced they would kill the Celica.
The 2-door coupe market has not improved since 2005, and I’m not sure why Toyota would spend a huge load of cash on yet another 2-door coupe since they already offer 2 models in the US. The GR86, which sold only around 11,000 units in the US in 2023. And the BMW-based Toyota Supra with 2652 units sold last year.
It would seem to anyone that introducing a third-door coupe model wouldn’t be such a great idea. And even a 4th with a new generation MR-2.
Let’s hope a new Celica, if it ever comes out, keeps true to the original recipe of a good-looking and affordable 4-seater car. “Affordable” would be the key here.
A new Celica needs to compete against the upcoming Honda Prelude. Not the Corvette. The 2026 Prelude will be a hybrid with over 200 HP. Which is plenty for some affordable fun. (If only it looked a bit better…)
I’ve given up on Toyota, and this “Celica” is no different. Its just another vanity project at this point for Akio Toyoda, doomed to failure just like the Crown and Crown Signia. Both were decent ideas with terrible design and execution, odd paint combinations, and absolutely dead bloated driving characteristics at unrealistic prices. Or maybe it’ll be a replacement for the terribly flawed and expensive BMW-based Supra. Meanwhile, Toyota continues to limit production of every single basic vehicle in order to extract thousands over MSRP for Corollas, Siennas, and Camrys. So, No, it wont be the Celica that anyone with fond memories of the 90’s models had hoped for. It’ll be another Toyota circus act.
Its funny how everyone knows what’s good. You have no idea. You criticize a car you’ll never look to buy. I remember the celica. It was nothing special. But atleast they are trying to bring some fun into the garbage car market. And yes it’ll be expensive. But what isn’t. The type r civic is garbage and it’s easily 45k. Just remember good means expensive.
If Toyota will offer another Celica, I think it will do great. Now, I’m not a marketing specialist nor do I know much about those things but I do know Celica is an awesome line, I’ve had several and still have my 1976 Gt. I thought the 7th Gen was awesome, designed by CalTy.
Maybe offer a decently powerful base model for sales and have a higher grade with turbo as the GR model and whether front wheel or rear wheel drive, or AWD, offer manual and no hybrid as option.
I’d personally consider buying one whether front or rear but prefer rear or AWD yes.
Mr. Brian , I love Toyota I try to buy a Supra premium automatic 3.0 This year and the price would not come down or the Interest at 7 Percent. It not good for anyone to buy right now . Big one is a lie on TV is a big lie. Another thing most Americans are getting pay like is 1980 however the year is 2025. Have a great day .
Matter of fact I’m still driving a 1999 Toyota Celica GT convertible I recently did the head gasket on it it was a restore it was a junk car technically when I got it but I restored it back to new it’s a great car actually I mean the Toyota Celica if I remember right was the Barbie car in the ’90s and Ken had the Jeep Wrangler