Toyota followers and automobile lovers typically 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 in regards to the Celica’s return for years, however it appears we’ve lastly obtained 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 holding the GR86 and GR Supra in its lineup, based on Autocar. That’s simply improbable 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 vehicles will find yourself being, however it positive is thrilling nonetheless. Apparently, the whiteboard scene options Grasp Rugu, who trains the present’s protagonist throughout their battle towards autonomous race vehicles. Sick.
Right here’s what Yuki Nakajima, Toyota’s vp, mentioned to the group at Rally Japan, based on Autocar:
“We’re making the Celica!”
He added: “To be trustworthy, there isn’t a signal of it proper now. Nevertheless, there are numerous folks throughout the firm who’re eagerly awaiting the Celica. So… I’m wondering if it’s okay to say this in a public discussion board, however we’re doing the Celica!”
Chairman Akio Toyoda – who was the primary driving power behind the creation of GR – apparently mentioned he wished to revive the “three brothers,” i.e. the Celica, MR2 and Supra, based on Autocar. He’s a 3rd of the best way there proper now, so fingers crossed he can end the job.
Toyota has – for some time now – been debating on simply how one can 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 lot of completely different potentialities”.
Key to this structure is a low seat peak, enabling a extra conventional sports activities vehicles expertise. The FT-Se idea revealed ultimately 12 months’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, common supervisor of Lexus Electrified, advised Autocar final 12 months.
The brand new platform can 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 identify.
There’s extra fascinating information, too. Throughout Rally Japan, attendees have been allowed to ask questions as properly. Somebody within the viewers requested the panel what the next-generation GR86 shall be like – particularly what kind of motor it could have. Right here’s what was mentioned, based on Japanese journal Finest Automotive:
The microphone was handed to driver (and group supervisor) Kazuya Oshima, who’s presently competing within the Tremendous Taikyu Sequence with the GR86 for “ORC ROOKIE Racing,” who replied, “We’re presently engaged on lots 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 Automotive. I feel I ought to ask an government officer,” and handed the microphone again to Govt Vice President Nakajima on stage. After which…
“At this 12 months’s (2024) Tokyo Auto Salon, I requested Morizo (Chairman Toyoda Akio), ‘Which is your favourite engine, the one you wish to go away to the following 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 wish to go away behind. It’s not a matter of whether or not we are able to launch it or not, or whether or not we’ll go away 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 vehicles, so it’s very refreshing to see an automaker going out of its method to make enjoyable and fascinating vehicles for weirdos like us.
