Automotive
Toyota prepares return of Celica nameplate as in-house hybrid sports coupe
The revived model is projected to arrive around late 2027 with all-wheel drive and an in-house powertrain.
The short version
- Toyota is planning to revive the long-dormant Celica nameplate around the 2028 model year.
- Unlike recent sports cars developed with BMW or Subaru, the new Celica is expected to be developed entirely in-house.
- The vehicle is anticipated to feature an electrified, turbocharged 2.0-liter powertrain with all-wheel drive, with sales projected to begin in mid-to-late 2027.
Key facts
- The Toyota Celica nameplate has not appeared in the United States market since the 2005 model year.[MotorTrend]
- Toyota indicated to Autocar that a 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit from its G20E engine family is the most probable powerplant for the new vehicle.[MotorTrend]
- Industry reporting suggests the new Celica will be engineered and designed internally rather than outsourced through partnerships like those with Subaru or BMW.[MotorTrend]
- MotorTrend estimates the vehicle will be priced near $45,000 and arrive on the market in mid-to-late 2027.[MotorTrend]
What remains uncertain
- Final production specifications, including exact horsepower ratings and pricing, remain unconfirmed by Toyota.[MotorTrend]
- The exact timeline for release and availability across global markets has not been officially formalized.[MotorTrend]