After years of speculation, Toyota appears poised to bring back one of its most iconic models: the Celica. This long-rumored revival now seems closer than ever to becoming a reality, thanks to a series of tantalizing hints and a revealing comment from a top Toyota executive.
A Legacy Worth Reviving
The Celica name has always been synonymous with accessible performance, sleek design, and a storied history that dates back to 1970. For years, enthusiasts and industry insiders alike have speculated about its potential return. In October 2023, Akio Toyoda, Toyota’s chairman and a self-proclaimed car enthusiast, hinted in an interview with Best Car magazine that he had personally requested the return of the Celica. This wasn’t the first time Toyota’s leadership had teased the revival—President Tsuneji Sato openly expressed a desire to resurrect the beloved sports car in 2022.
Adding fuel to the fire, an eagle-eyed fan spotted the words “Celica Mk8” scribbled on a whiteboard in a recent episode of Toyota’s Grip anime series, a show that has increasingly been used to drop cryptic clues about the automaker’s future projects.
“We Will Make the Celica”
The latest and most compelling evidence came during the 2024 Rally Japan festivities at Toyota Stadium in Aichi Prefecture. According to Best Car, when asked directly whether Toyota would bring back the Celica, Akio Toyoda coyly passed the question to Chief Technology Officer Hiroki Nakajima. His response? “We will make the Celica.”
The room reportedly buzzed with excitement, though Nakajima quickly added, “So I wonder if it’s okay for me to say this,” hinting at the premature nature of the disclosure. While this wasn’t a formal announcement, it’s the clearest indication yet that Toyota is actively working to revive the Celica.
The Context of a Sports Car Renaissance
Toyota’s lineup has seen a resurgence of sports cars in recent years, spearheaded by models like the GR86, GR Supra, and the ultra-limited GR Yaris. The potential return of the Celica fits squarely within this renewed focus on performance-oriented vehicles. At the same Rally Japan event, Gazoo Racing driver Kazuya Oshima revealed that the development team is actively exploring options for a next-generation GR86. Discussions are reportedly centered around maintaining its rear-wheel-drive layout and possibly incorporating turbocharged power.
Interestingly, the Grip anime series also teased other notable Toyota projects, including a “Supra Mk6,” “MR2 Mk4,” and a mysterious “GR GT3.” These breadcrumbs suggest a comprehensive strategy to revitalize Toyota’s sports car pedigree.
Powertrain Possibilities: A Glimpse Under the Hood
Toyota has also been making strides in engine development, which could underpin future performance models. The automaker is reportedly working on a new family of small four-cylinder engines with 1.5- and 2.0-liter displacements. The 2.0-liter version will be turbocharged, while the 1.5-liter engine may come in both turbocharged and naturally aspirated forms. This development opens the door for the Celica to return with modern, efficient, and high-performing powertrains.
In fact, a prototype featuring one of these new engines—a stripped-down Lexus IS powered by the turbocharged 2.0-liter unit—was recently tested, earning positive reviews for its engaging sound and dynamic potential.
Why the Celica Matters
The return of the Celica would symbolize more than just another addition to Toyota’s lineup. It represents the enduring appeal of a car that captured the imagination of multiple generations. As an attainable yet exciting sports car, the Celica carved out a unique niche, blending performance, reliability, and style. Its revival could reignite that magic for a new audience.
For now, fans will have to wait for an official announcement. But with Toyota’s top brass openly discussing the Celica and teasing its development, the dream of a Celica Mk8 is tantalizingly close to becoming a reality. Enthusiasts around the world are watching, eagerly anticipating the rebirth of a legend.
