Toyota followers and automotive fans typically rejoice! The Japanese automaker says an all new Celica is coming 18 years after the automotive 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 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 holding the GR86 and GR Supra in its lineup, based on Autocar. That’s simply improbable information, isn’t it of us? In a current episode of Toyota’s self-published cartoon, referred to as “Grip,” Autocar says a whiteboard containing a listing 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, however 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, stated to the gang at Rally Japan, based on Autocar:
“We’re making the Celica!”
He added: “To be sincere, there isn’t any signal of it proper now. Nevertheless, there are lots of folks inside 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 stated he needed to revive the “three brothers,” i.e. the Celica, MR2 and Supra, based on 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 learn 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 automotive platform that opens up “a lot of completely different prospects”.
Key to this structure is a low seat peak, enabling a extra conventional sports activities automobiles expertise. The FT-Se idea revealed finally 12 months’s Tokyo motor present sits 75mm decrease than the Porsche 718 Cayman. Its design is break 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 will even be used for a cab-forward two-seat sports activities automotive that channels the spirit of the MR2 and relies on the FT-Se idea. Nevertheless, it received’t essentially revive the MR2 title.
There’s extra attention-grabbing information, too. Throughout Rally Japan, attendees have been allowed to ask questions as nicely. Somebody within the viewers requested the panel what the next-generation GR86 might be like – particularly what kind of motor it might have. Right here’s what was stated, based on Japanese journal Finest Automobile:
The microphone was handed to driver (and staff supervisor) Kazuya Oshima, who’s at the moment competing within the Tremendous Taikyu Collection with the GR86 for “ORC ROOKIE Racing,” who replied, “We’re at the moment engaged on plenty of issues (relating to the next-generation GR86 and its engine), primarily on the circuit.”
In response, Chairman Toyoda stated, “I don’t actually perceive. This can be a query from Finest Automobile. I feel I ought to ask an govt officer,” and handed the microphone again to Government 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 want 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 wish 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 attention-grabbing automobiles for weirdos like us.
