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Toyota Teases GR Line Up: Supra MK6, Celica MK8, MR2 MK4, 86 MK3 and GR GT! (Bonus: Lexus LFA)

KahnBB6

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The older and smaller mule could be for the Starlet. :dunno:



Old vid, but I don't think Toyota needs Mazda. It could be in house with their subsidiaries.

I remember that video. The original S-FR concept has been heavily speculated to be based on a Miata platform. But the public response to it was very good so they kept toying with it in some form?

We know that the trio collaboration Daihatsu Copen, Suzuki Cappuccino and Toyota __? (S-FR?) small RWD two seat roadsters has been reported previously supposedly involving a common small engine design (a G16E downsized to a 1.3L has been speculated but never confirmed) between all three and very possibly moving the two legacy models out of Kei Class restriction into larger (but still small) regular car status.

But whether Kei or not that trio may only ever remain in the Japanese market and/or other non-U.S. markets. Hopefully at least the Toyota variant does come to the U.S. if the trio of roadsters really do happen.
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Loco38SUP

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This thing looks longer than the earlier mule. Which probably means it's going to be a 2+2 and all the hard points are now fixed.



I wonder if Toyota will release the GR Celica and GR MR2 together. It seems like development could be either car or both.

-RJM
 

KahnBB6

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I wonder if Toyota will release the GR Celica and GR MR2 together. It seems like development could be either car or both.

-RJM
I really hope that's the case. A 2028 model year reveal for the new Celica would be awesome. The MR2 making it out the same year even delayed a bit later would be fantastic.

The development of both is supposed to have been shared somehow.

At minimum this probably includes the G20E turbo's cooling and other durability testing since they both use some version of the same AWD system and transmissions (whether the Celica really does end up being mid engine or front engine following the rally car protoype's layout).
 

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English translation of the article from Google Translate:

New Toyota Celica: Poised for a comeback with 2.0L turbo and 4WD? Details coming into focus.

Toyota is reportedly developing a successor to the "Celica" as part of a revival effort. Since Toyota executives hinted at its return during the 2024 Rally Japan, various details have surfaced, and concrete information regarding the powertrain and drivetrain has recently come to light.

[Images] Renderings of the new Toyota Celica and the Toyota GR Yaris M Concept

According to the latest information, the new Celica is expected to feature an electrified powertrain based on a 2.0-liter inline-4 turbo engine and utilize a 4WD system. There is also talk of offering both 6-speed manual and 8-speed automatic transmission options.

Overseas, the name "Celica Sports" has emerged, raising the possibility that the legendary high-performance "GT-FOUR" model could be revived using modern technology.

The Celica is a Toyota sports coupe that debuted in 1970. The GT-FOUR variant—combining a turbo engine with 4WD—was particularly significant, securing numerous victories in the World Rally Championship (WRC) and cementing the Celica's sporty image. The nameplate has been dormant for nearly two decades since production of the seventh-generation model ended in 2006.

Toyota Celica (2004 North American model)
Toyota Celica (2004 North American model)
â—† Next-generation 2.0-liter turbo and hybridization
The powertrain is a key highlight of this new information regarding the upcoming Celica.

Speaking to overseas media, a Toyota representative responsible for the GR division revealed that the company is considering a 2.0-liter class engine for its next-generation sports cars to comply with emissions regulations. They also mentioned hybridization, noting that a decision has not yet been made on whether to use a standard hybrid system or a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) setup.

Meanwhile, regarding the drivetrain, reports indicate that a Toyota spokesperson has signaled a move toward adopting 4WD. If this is incorporated into the production model, the Celica would make a comeback as a 4WD sports car—the first of its kind since the GT-FOUR.

Toyota GR Yaris M Concept
Toyota GR Yaris M Concept

â—† Competing in the Super Taikyu Series
The "GR Yaris M Concept" plays a pivotal role in the development of this new Celica.

This vehicle is an experimental model equipped with the "G20E," a newly developed 2.0-liter inline-4 turbo engine from Toyota. Unlike the standard GR Yaris, it features a mid-ship 4WD layout with the engine positioned behind the driver. It made its debut at the Super Taikyu Series round in Okayama in October 2025, and development is proceeding through actual racing competition.

The G20E is a next-generation engine designed to achieve a balance between compact, lightweight construction and high power output. Toyota continues to refine the engine and chassis in the arena of motorsports, positioning this technology as a key pillar supporting the future GR brand.

There is a possibility that the new Celica will also be equipped with a 2.0-liter turbo engine based on the G20E. While some speculate the maximum output could reach the 400-horsepower range, specific figures for the production model have not yet been revealed.

Toyota GR Yaris M Concept
Toyota GR Yaris M Concept
â—† Possibility of a Mid-ship 4WD Layout
There are conflicting reports regarding the vehicle's basic layout. While some predict it will adopt the front-engine configuration seen in previous Celica generations, other information suggests it might utilize the mid-ship 4WD setup currently being developed for the GR Yaris M Concept.

Technical links between the new Celica and the next-generation Corolla have also been rumored, though Toyota has not yet officially disclosed details regarding the basic structure or platform.

As for the transmission, a 6-speed manual and an 8-speed automatic ("GR-DAT") are among the candidates being considered. The GR-DAT is a high-performance automatic transmission already used in the GR Yaris; it was developed with motorsport use in mind. However, its inclusion in the new Celica remains unconfirmed at this stage.

◆A character distinct from the GR86—and different from the Prelude, too
If a version featuring a combination of a 6-speed manual transmission, a high-output turbo engine, and 4WD were to be released, it would be a sports car with a character distinct from the current GR86.

The GR86 employs a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter flat-four engine and a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (FR) layout, prioritizing agile handling. In contrast, if the new Celica adopts a high-output turbo engine and 4WD, it would be positioned as a high-performance sports car that prioritizes acceleration and traction.

It would also likely differ significantly from the revived Honda Prelude. While the Prelude balances everyday usability—thanks to its hybrid system—with sporty driving dynamics, the Celica could possess a character much closer to that of a motorsport machine.

Render of the new Toyota Celica
Render of the new Toyota Celica
â—†Render created based on the new competition vehicle
New information regarding the exterior design has also emerged.

In 2026, a two-door prototype—believed to be a new Toyota competition vehicle—was spotted on a rally course in Portugal. While this appears to be a development vehicle created with the new WRC regulations (starting in 2027) in mind, no direct link to a production Celica has been confirmed.

The render created here envisions the new Celica by drawing inspiration from that prototype and the designs of past GT-FOUR models.

It features a low-slung, two-door coupe body combining sharp LED headlights with a large lower grille and prominent air intakes in the front bumper. The hood incorporates air outlets, reflecting a design focused on cooling performance. Furthermore, features such as flared front and rear fenders, a large rear wing, and a wide track give it a powerful, rally-car-inspired appearance. While it remains unclear whether the actual production model will adopt this specific design, the styling clearly signals its direction as a high-performance model that pays homage to the GT-FOUR lineage.

â—† Will it be a GR model?
Regarding the name, "Celica Sports" has been reported as the designation used during development, as previously mentioned, while "GR Celica" is also being discussed as a potential candidate. However, the official name has not yet been announced.

Although there are predictions that it will debut between 2027 and 2028, Toyota has not disclosed a specific launch schedule.

As plans for the new Celica's revival take shape, a configuration featuring a 2.0-liter class turbo engine and 4WD has emerged as the likely direction. Moving forward, the focus will shift to the type of hybrid system to be employed and the choice between a front-engine and mid-ship layout.
 
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supraboi

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The older and smaller mule could be for the Starlet. :dunno:

Old vid, but I don't think Toyota needs Mazda. It could be in house with their subsidiaries.
That could very well be .

I would have agree with that statement before Daihatsu down sized the K-Open concept. Now I'm pretty sure whatever comes from that project will be JDM only.

The current Miata and 86 were both joint venture collaborations. Just my 2 cent, but with Fiat and Subaru exiting it makes sense for Toyota and Mazda to team up for a small niche 2 seater. Either way, I hope we will start seeing something happening soon. The ND is getting long in the tooth and the 86 is living on borrowed time.
 

Zboy

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Maybe a test mule for the next Supra? The engine also looks like a 4 cylinder, sadly it looks too short to be a straight six.
 

KahnBB6

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Maybe a test mule for the next Supra? The engine also looks like a 4 cylinder, sadly it looks too short to be a straight six.
It's not a Supra test mule. And yeah that's definitely not an I-6. Most likely it is one of the handful of GR86 G16E 3cyl test cars that Toyota built a couple of years ago. Maybe updated now with an G20E... but if so possibly not turbo. Probably with a mild hybrid system.

I would suspect it's re-using the GR86 chassis as a drivetrain mule... not as an indication of what the 3rd gen GR86 will actually look like.

The hood cutout tells us it would need major reworking to accommodate the G engine (whichever it is). And the chassis itself already needed major redesign investment to meet new safety regs... and its front section and engine compartment is designed for the previous regs around the FA20/24 engine.

The I-6 is possible because of the existence of the G16E and the announcement that the Century Coupe will have a Toyota V-12 TT hybrid. Certainly there could be an I-6 engine possible between the 3cyl or super expensive V-12.

The next Supra will still get some version of the G20E 2.0L because some markets (Japan and Italy for starters) will demand that engine displacement to not go into a very costly tax bracket. But Toyota would be foolish to miss an opportunity to not do an I-6 if they've already done a performance I-3 and are working on an ultra luxury V-12 too.
 

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Lovely video, speaking of next gen Supra. Whats that in the background; already testing something?

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mmspider

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The next Supra will still get some version of the G20E 2.0L because some markets (Japan and Italy for starters) will demand that engine displacement to not go into a very costly tax bracket. But Toyota would be foolish to miss an opportunity to not do an I-6 if they've already done a performance I-3 and are working on an ultra luxury V-12 too.
Are you saying putting combining 2 G16E together?
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