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Toyota is said to be planning a return of the Celica as a hybrid four-wheel-drive vehicle.

Thomas Langenbucher
Toyota is said to be planning a return of the Celica as a hybrid four-wheel-drive vehicle.
Toyota-Celica-Blue-Exterior-(2003-2006)

Image: Toyota (illustrative)

Toyota is said to be planning the return of the Celica as an eighth generation model. According to Autocar, this sports coupe will serve as an entry-level vehicle for the GR performance brand. The revival is expected to occur about two decades after the last version was discontinued. The powertrain is reportedly partially electric.

The revival is part of Chairman Akio Toyoda’s ambition to bring back the “three brothers” – Supra, MR2, and Celica. While the Supra has already returned through a partnership with BMW, a new MR2 has been confirmed. The Celica is considered the next candidate in this series.

Toyota has not yet set a timeline. However, a test vehicle for the 2027 Rally World Championship (WRC) was recently spotted with a new two-door body. The road version is expected to be based on the new Corolla, according to Autocar. Internally, the model is referred to as the Celica Sport.

Toyota is poised to bring back the Celica for an eighth generation as an entry model for the standalone GR brand https://t.co/FXLAvnvnb9 pic.twitter.com/Rf0Eef7kn4

— Autocar (@autocar) August 28, 2026

A 2.0-liter gasoline engine similar to that in the GR Yaris M Concept is expected to be used. This engine will then be mounted in a hybrid setup ahead of the axle, as was the case with engines in all seven previous generations of Celica gasoline engines.

Mikio Hayashi, marketing manager of the GR Division, previously told Autocar that a three-cylinder engine “cannot meet emission standards, so we must consider the option of a 2.0-liter engine.” According to the manager, no decision has yet been made regarding a hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrain.

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About the author

Thomas Langenbucher is an expert in electromobility with experience in the automotive and financial industries. Since 2011, he has been covering electric vehicles, sustainable technologies, and mobility solutions for ecomento.de. Learn more.

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