Toyota followers and automobile lovers on the whole rejoice! The Japanese automaker says an all new Celica is coming 18 years after the automobile was killed in 2004. Toyota’s vp confirmed that it’s engaged on a brand new Celica whereas talking at this weekend’s Rally Japan. There have been rumblings concerning the Celica’s return for years, nevertheless it appears we’ve lastly bought some concrete information on the matter.
In current weeks, Toyota has dropped hints that it was planning to revive the Celica and MR2 nameplates whereas retaining the GR86 and GR Supra in its lineup, in keeping with Autocar. That’s simply incredible information, isn’t it people? In a current episode of Toyota’s self-published cartoon, referred to as “Grip,” Autocar says a whiteboard containing an inventory of latest fashions is present that lists out a Supra Mk6, Celica Mk8, MR2 Mk4, GR86 Mk3 and a GR GT3. Who is aware of what these automobiles will find yourself being, nevertheless it positive is thrilling nonetheless. Apparently, the whiteboard scene options Grasp Rugu, who trains the present’s protagonist throughout their battle in opposition to autonomous race automobiles. Sick.
Right here’s what Yuki Nakajima, Toyota’s vp, mentioned to the group at Rally Japan, in keeping with Autocar:
“We’re making the Celica!”
He added: “To be trustworthy, there is no such thing as a signal of it proper now. Nevertheless, there are a lot of folks throughout the firm who’re eagerly awaiting the Celica. So… I ponder if it’s okay to say this in a public discussion board, however we’re doing the Celica!”
Chairman Akio Toyoda – who was the principle driving pressure behind the creation of GR – apparently mentioned he wished to revive the “three brothers,” i.e. the Celica, MR2 and Supra, in keeping with Autocar. He’s a 3rd of the way in which there proper now, so fingers crossed he can end the job.
Toyota has – for some time now – been debating on simply tips on how to convey the Celica again, as Autocar explains:
Toyota has been debating whether or not to press a brand new Celica into manufacturing on a brand new electrical automobile platform that opens up “a number of totally different prospects”.
Key to this structure is a low seat top, enabling a extra conventional sports activities automobiles expertise. The FT-Se idea revealed ultimately yr’s Tokyo motor present sits 75mm decrease than the Porsche 718 Cayman. Its design is cut up into three modules, with single-piece entrance and rear ends.
This “permits us to be extra excessive”, Shinya Ito, normal supervisor of Lexus Electrified, informed Autocar final yr.
The brand new platform will even be used for a cab-forward two-seat sports activities automobile that channels the spirit of the MR2 and is predicated on the FT-Se idea. Nevertheless, it gained’t essentially revive the MR2 title.
There’s extra attention-grabbing information, too. Throughout Rally Japan, attendees had been allowed to ask questions as effectively. Somebody within the viewers requested the panel what the next-generation GR86 will likely be like – particularly what kind of motor it might have. Right here’s what was mentioned, in keeping with Japanese journal Finest Automobile:
The microphone was handed to driver (and crew supervisor) Kazuya Oshima, who’s at present competing within the Tremendous Taikyu Collection with the GR86 for “ORC ROOKIE Racing,” who replied, “We’re at present engaged on loads of issues (concerning the next-generation GR86 and its engine), primarily on the circuit.”
In response, Chairman Toyoda mentioned, “I don’t actually perceive. It is a query from Finest Automobile. I believe I ought to ask an government officer,” and handed the microphone again to Government Vice President Nakajima on stage. After which…
“At this yr’s (2024) Tokyo Auto Salon, I requested Morizo (Chairman Toyoda Akio), ‘Which is your favourite engine, the one you wish to depart to the subsequent era?’ He replied, ‘Subaru’s horizontally opposed engine and Mazda’s rotary engine.’ There have been no Toyota engines!! This impressed all of Toyota’s engine builders. We’ll create an engine that Morizo will need to depart behind. It’s not a matter of whether or not we will launch it or not, or whether or not we’ll depart it behind or not, however we’re going to launch it!’
I do know there isn’t very a lot cash in enthusiast-oriented sports activities automobiles, so it’s very refreshing to see an automaker going out of its technique to make enjoyable and attention-grabbing automobiles for weirdos like us.
