Toyota followers and automobile fans normally rejoice! The Japanese automaker says an all new Celica is coming 18 years after the automobile was killed in 2004. Toyota’s vice chairman 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, but it surely appears we’ve lastly bought some concrete information on the matter.
In latest weeks, Toyota has dropped hints that it was planning to revive the Celica and MR2 nameplates whereas maintaining the GR86 and GR Supra in its lineup, in accordance with Autocar. That’s simply unbelievable information, isn’t it people? In a latest 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, but it surely certain 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 vice chairman, mentioned to the group at Rally Japan, in accordance with Autocar:
“We’re making the Celica!”
He added: “To be trustworthy, there isn’t a signal of it proper now. Nevertheless, there are numerous individuals 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 power behind the creation of GR – apparently mentioned he wished to revive the “three brothers,” i.e. the Celica, MR2 and Supra, in accordance with 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 methods to carry 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 “numerous completely different potentialities”.
Key to this structure is a low seat top, enabling a extra conventional sports activities automobiles 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, normal supervisor of Lexus Electrified, advised Autocar final 12 months.
The brand new platform may even be used for a cab-forward two-seat sports activities automobile that channels the spirit of the MR2 and relies on the FT-Se idea. Nevertheless, it received’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 will likely be like – particularly what kind of motor it could have. Right here’s what was mentioned, in accordance with Japanese journal Finest Automobile:
The microphone was handed to driver (and staff supervisor) Kazuya Oshima, who’s presently competing within the Tremendous Taikyu Collection with the GR86 for “ORC ROOKIE Racing,” who replied, “We’re presently engaged on loads of issues (relating to 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 govt 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 depart to the following technology?’ 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 are going to create an engine that Morizo will need to depart behind. It’s not a matter of whether or not we are able to 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 option to make enjoyable and fascinating automobiles for weirdos like us.
