Toyota prepares return of Celica: dealers already saw new generation of a legendary sports coupe

Japanese automaker Toyota has confirmed work on the eighth generation of the iconic Celica model, which may return to the market after almost two decades. According to Automotive News, the preliminary version of the sports coupe has already been presented to American dealers, and the first test copies are undergoing road tests in closed mode.

Official launch dates for the new product have not yet been announced, but company representatives emphasize that the project is at an advanced stage of development. This was announced by Cooper Eriksen, vice president of product planning for Toyota in North America, adding that both gasoline and hybrid versions are being considered, in line with global trends for electrification.

It is noteworthy that in November 2024, Toyota technical director Hiroki Nakajima confirmed that instead of the previously considered all-electric version, the decision was made to focus on a model with a gasoline engine. In particular, a new 2.0-liter turbo engine with a capacity of up to 407 hp is under development, which, according to unofficial information, may form the basis of the future Celica.

The return of the Celica is seen as an attempt by Toyota to strengthen its position in the affordable sports car segment, where the brand previously performed confidently on a par with models such as the Honda Prelude and Nissan Silvia. Celica production was conducted from 1970 to 2006 and during this time the car has received the status of a cult coupe among motorists around the world.

While the exact technical specifications, design, and release date of the eighth Celica remain a secret, dealer interest and the testing phase indicate that an official premiere may take place in the next two years. Auto experts are already calling the project one of the most anticipated sports releases of the decade.