The buzz surrounding the resurrection of the Toyota Celica escalated earlier this year following Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda’s revelation that he had expressed a desire for the coupe’s comeback. Despite his diminished influence and the challenging landscape of the performance car market, speculations intensified—albeit without a concrete basis. Interestingly, even Toyota’s internal publication Toyota Times is now delving into these rumors.
Going back to March 5, Toyoda expressed during an interview with Toyota Times that “the Celica is a car that I would like to have again.” He cautiously mentioned his hope that President Koji Sato would continue the legacy, later confirming on September 10 that he had formally made the request for the Celica’s revival. The Toyota Times article then revisited the nameplate’s history, cultural significance, and motorsport heritage, which included the notorious WRC scandal involving the GT-Four.
Although the Toyota Times article does not officially confirm the return of the Celica, the attention given to this possibility by the company’s internal publication carries weight—albeit with ambiguous implications. Traditionally, automakers’ PR departments refrain from discussing unconfirmed products, making Toyota’s hesitance to clearly address the Celica’s future in the public eye rather unusual. Despite the lack of guarantees, signs are beginning to align towards a potential comeback.
In 2021, a Japanese automotive magazine hinted at the revival of the Celica as an electric vehicle or with a more environmentally friendly powertrain. This would position it as a competitor to the recently introduced Honda Prelude, an electrified coupe drawing inspiration from the CR-Z and Integra. It seems like a strategic addition to Toyota’s performance vehicle lineup.
Toyota officials have discussed the potential revival of the “three brothers” performance trio consisting of the Celica, MR2, and Supra. With the Supra already in production, the MR2-inspired FT-Se EV confirmed, and the GR86 and GR Corolla catering to the rear-wheel-drive coupe and all-wheel-drive segments, the only gap seems to be an entry-level front-wheel-drive offering beneath the GR86, emphasizing fuel efficiency. This aligns with the speculation surrounding the supposed upcoming model.
If the Celica does return, it is likely to be a more driver-centric variant of the latest Prius model. Leveraging the foundation of the new Prius, a smaller, sleeker, and lighter iteration geared towards performance appears increasingly appealing. Particularly intriguing is the potential inclusion of a high-performance GRMN variant.
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