November 25, 2024
Benoit Charette
Célica fans have waited years. In 2017, Toyota filed a patent to relaunch the name, but it expired in 2021 without success. However, last October, Toyota reclaimed the trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), describing the Célica as “automobiles and structural parts thereof.”
A renaissance in the midst of energy transition
In an automobile industry moving towards electrification, Toyota is adopting a unique strategy by not turning its back entirely on thermal engines. Aware of its delay in the electric vehicle (EV) market, the manufacturer is focusing on hybrid solutions and internal combustion engines (ICE). The Célica could thus return in the form of a thermal model, powered by one of Toyota’s most efficient engines. In fact, the manufacturer recently revealed its work on a 2.0-liter turbo engine that can produce up to 600 horsepower. This powerful mechanism could find its place under the hood of the eighth generation of Célica.
An engine that meets expectations
The engine developed by Toyota would exceed the performance of the famous 2.0 liter Mercedes-AMG M139, which produces 421 horsepower. At the same time, Toyota could also offer a hybrid version, using the 1.6 liter three-cylinder turbo engine already proven in the GR Yaris. Purists are also hoping for a manual transmission, but this option has yet to be confirmed.
Official confirmation from Toyota
Hiroi Nakajima, Toyota’s chief technology officer, confirmed during the World Rally Championship that the Célica was indeed in development. “Many people within the company are looking forward to the Célica,” he said. Although no prototype is yet visible, this declaration marks a major milestone for fans of the legendary sports car.
La vision de Koji Sato
Last year, Koji Sato, newly elected president of Toyota, had already announced his ambition to resurrect the Célica. His words and recent developments confirm that the return of this icon is no longer a distant dream. With almost two decades of hiatus, the Célica is preparing to hit the road again. Its future rests on a blend of technological innovation and respect for its rich heritage, meeting the expectations of enthusiasts and the challenges of today’s industry.
A model that makes you dream
The return of the Célica, expected in the coming years, promises to be a pivotal moment for Toyota. Between tradition and modernity, this iconic sports car could redefine the future of the brand’s vehicles in a rapidly changing world.
With information from Auto evolution
About the author
Benoit Charette / Owner and editor-in-chief Benoit Charette has been practicing automotive journalism for 30 years. He is founder, owner and editor-in-chief of L’Annuel de l’automobile, which he has published since 2001. He hosted the shows RPM and RPM+ on V and Légendes de la route on Historia. On the radio since 1986, he hosts the show ça tête la route and participates for the second year in the show Passion Auto on RDS in addition to putting the official website of L’Annuel de l’automobile online on annualauto. That.
