New Toyota Celica Reportedly Ready, Might Stick to the ICE Recipe

The latest information about a possible brand-new Toyota Celica comes directly from the Land of the Rising Sun, where BestCarWeb claims the model has been finalized and it stays true to the ICE (internal combustion engine) recipe, sprinkled with an all-wheel drive system.

It appears that the sports car's development kicked off a few years ago, and if that's correct, then kudos to Toyota for keeping it a secret, even though we wish we would've seen it. The outlet claims that it might pack a 2.0-liter engine with forced induction and GT's all-wheel-drive system that was implemented in the GR Yaris and GR Corolla hot hatchbacks for improved traction and some rally-style performance.

To us, this approach sounds like a successor to the Celica GT-Four, hence the rallying reference made above. In all likelihood, it will be a coupe (a real two-door coupe, that is), perhaps with a low-slung silhouette that should've been inspired by the model’s past generations. An upscale cabin, probably with some premium features, in addition to the usual technology gizmos, has also been mentioned, and combined with Toyota's great build quality, it should be a stunner.

But when are we supposed to see the all-new Toyota Celica? Well, the logical answer would be sometime this summer or maybe in the fall. However, it appears that the car manufacturer has different plans, as the model is expected to celebrate its debut next year. Make that early next year, at the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon in January. It's also been hinted that it might be a concept, and if that's the case, then we're certain it will preview a production model.

After all, it would be a pity to present it as a study and then shelve the entire nameplate again, as some companies have done with various vehicles (ahem, Mazda RX-Vision). Then again, given that sports models with low ground clearances are not as popular as they once were, anything is possible. Still, deep down, we wish for a new Celica, just like we crave a fresh MR2 with a rear mid-engine with no electrification and a rear-wheel drive layout.

The Celica hasn't been around since 2006, which is when Toyota pulled the plug on it. The company manufactured it for seven generations, between 1970 and 2006, and we've heard numerous rumors over the years about a possible revival. Let's hope this one is the real thing, and Toyota will indeed present it early next year. So, are you excited about the possibility of a new Celica?