Toyota Says New Celica Test Mules Are Already Driving Around
Toyota’s rumored Celica revival appears to be gaining traction.
Key Points
- Toyota is actively developing a new vehicle that could revive the Celica name, with running test mules and dealer previews already underway.
- The powertrain remains undecided, with Toyota considering both hybrid and traditional internal combustion options.
- Styling details are still under wraps, and Toyota executives say none of the online renderings are accurate; development is being led outside North America, and the car may launch in Japan before reaching other markets.
The last Celica rolled off the assembly line in 2006, ending a run that spanned decades of popularity in the affordable sports coupe market. Since then, rumors about its return have occasionally swirled.
Speaking with MotorTrend, Cooper Ericksen, Toyota’s senior vice president of product planning for North America, confirmed that the Celica project is already at the point where test mules are running on the road and previews of potential styling directions have been shown to dealers.
“Bottom line is we are working on a product that could theoretically go by the Celica name. If we can figure out how to pull it off and it gets approved,” said Erickson. Japanese officials have already confirmed the 8th-gen Celica is being developed, so it's unlikely whatever Toyota is working on wears a name other than Celica.
The powertrain options also remain up in the air. Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda has voiced skepticism about electric-only setups for performance cars, arguing that they don't deliver the kind of visceral, mechanical engagement associated with internal combustion. Toyota has a new turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, developed as part of Toyota’s collaboration with Subaru and Mazda, that is rumored to deliver up to 400 horsepower.
While the Celica becoming a full EV is unlikely, it could return as a hybrid, especially with Honda resurrecting the Prelude as a hybrid. If it does arrive as a hybrid, it's unlikely a reborn Celica would offer a manual transmission—much like the incoming Prelude. Regardless of the final configuration, a modern Celica would need to find a defined role within Toyota’s growing performance lineup, which already includes the GR86, GR Supra, and GR Corolla. Earlier this year, Toyota trademarked the GR Celica name.
According to Ericksen, the car is being engineered primarily outside North America, with Japan likely to be the first market to receive the car, should Toyota move forward. As of now, Toyota still hasn't decided if the car will make its way to the U.S. even if the project is greenlit.
Even with no official debut date, a 2027 launch seems like the earliest realistic outcome—but it's possible we could see a prototype version during the 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon.
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An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, been over the wall during the Rolex 24, and worked in the intense world of IndyCar.
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Have we seen spy photos? Maybe they are using an entirely different body to throw people off.