Toyota is bringing the Celica back.
After years of speculation and wishful thinking, top-ranking execs for the Japanese carmaker have confirmed the return of its iconic sports coupe, last seen in 2006.
I had an ST162 Celica many moons ago. Well, it was my little brother’s, but I was licensed and he wasn’t, so it was basically mine. 😂 It was a cracking thing!
Official details on the new eighth-generation Celica are light for now, Toyota hinted at a modern twist, likely incorporating hybrid or electric tech to meet current emissions and performance standards.
As I wrote for WhichCar.com.au this morning: Best Car editor Jin Hongo asked Executive Vice President Yuki Nakajima about plans for a revived Celica, and Nakajima is understood to have responded with the following, in Japanese:
“To be honest, there is no sign of it right now. However, there are many people within the company who are eagerly awaiting the Celica. So…I’m not sure if it’s okay to say this in a public forum, but we’re doing the Celica!”
You might be thinking “well, it was bound to happen”, and it’d be fair to say so.
After all, the past decade has seen Toyota introduce nostalgic revivals like the GR Supra (technically a BMW underneath) and the GR86 (Subaru engine), both of which have been well-received by enthusiasts.
Slotting in alongside these models, the Celica is expected to target drivers who want something fun and sporty without the Supra’s price tag – but with a little more space and comfort than the compact, handling-focused 86.
Toyota seems keen to keep its sports car portfolio alive, and this latest addition will strengthen its appeal in an increasingly electrified world.
Key questions remain—how much power, what kind of drivetrain, and when will it hit the streets? Toyota’s famously tight-lipped approach means we’ll will need to wait a little longer for specifics.
Still, the confirmation alone is enough to stir excitement, with many hoping the Celica’s comeback stays true to the spirit of the originals while embracing the tech and refinement of today’s sports cars.
Below: the ST185 Celica is still the best-looking of the FWD generations, I reckon.
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