Written byThe legendary Toyota Celica has officially announced its return for 2027 after nearly two decades off the market. Yes, that’s right—Toyota is bringing back one of its most legendary sports coupes, and car fans worldwide are eager to discuss it. For everyone from classic car enthusiasts to a new generation of drivers who want sporty performance offered in a more modern package, the return of the Celica couldn’t come at a better time.
Toyota is not confirming all the details, but credible leaks and insider reports indicate a very aggressive path. The 2027 Celica looks set to corner the compact sports car market again, from hybrid performance choices to a potential GR-tuned variant. Here’s everything we currently know about it.
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A Legendary Nameplate Returns
Initially launched in 1970 as a sporty, budget-conscious coupe for the youth of the heart. Decades later, it developed a reputation for aggressive styling, solid performance, and rally-bred credit–especially from the GT-Four and All-Trac Turbo versions. When its seventh generation ended in 2006,enthusiasts feared the Celica would be nothing but a memory.
However, Toyota did not forget about it entirely. Considering cars that are intentionally retro with vehicles that can be affordable performance, the timing was finally right. As a reborn Celica—albeit with a bit of a twist, perhaps marrying its motorsport soul to Toyota’s push towards electrification.
What Will the 2027 Toyota Celica Look Like?
The rest remains under wraps, but the 2027 Toyota Celica will likely incorporate retro lines while adding more modern aerodynamic features. So think a long hood, low-slung coupe body, assertive LED lighting, and a muscular rear end with hints of previous generations.
Design insiders point to Toyota’s Calty design Research team as being at the helm. They’re the team that brought us the GR Supra and the Lexus LC500, practically guaranteeing a showroom presence for the Celica. Enthusiasts should also seek out a driver-oriented cabin with high-quality materials, a digital instrument cluster, and a simplified infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Hybrid or Electric Power: What’s Under the Hood?
Among the largest queries regarding a Celica revival is the powertrain. Toyota is all-in on hybrids and EVs, so it wouldn’t be a shock if the new Celica replaced conventional gasoline-only powertrains.
ATS also claims the car might use a turbocharged 1.6-liter hybrid powertrain, likely derived from the three-cylinder layout being used in the GR Corolla. This setup could produce over 250 horsepower while still being efficient and environmentally friendly. Top trims are also expected to feature an all-wheel-drive layout.
Aside from this, there’s also talk of a full electric Celica variant that would ride on Toyota’s e-TNGA platform, which will support Toyota’s upcoming EVs. In this scenario, the Celica could take a direct shot at electric coupes in the making, including the Nissan Silvia EV and even the new Roadster from Tesla.
Performance Division Involvement: Is a GR Celica Coming?
Possibly the most exciting speculation surrounds potential input from Toyota Gazoo Racing (GR), Toyota’s high-performance division. The GR Celica will likely feature a more rigid suspension setup, better brakes, sporty aero bits, and a manual six-speed transmission if it is real.
Kept as a GR, the Celica would align with the GR86, GR Supra, and GR Yaris, a delightful trifecta of track-ready Toyotas at an affordable price.
This is good news for fans who are hoping for a passionate drive. Toyota can also try to keep the Celica light—ideally below 3,000 pounds—to help it maintain its nimble handling.
Release Date and Production Timeline
Though not yet confirmed by Toyota, insiders with the project say that a 2026 concept debut could happen as early as the Tokyo Motor Show, and production could start shortly after in 2027. The Celica might be launched as a 2027 model-year vehicle, and it’s likely to be offered first in Japan, followed by the U.S. and Europe.
Production could happen at one of Toyota’s existing performance-oriented factories, perhaps the same one that makes the GR86 and Supra.
Expected Pricing and Target Audience
Toyota Could’ve had its sights set on a pure-track version with its renewed Celica but instead got it shooting for something much simpler: an affordable yet stylish and fun-to-drive sport coupe. The base price is estimated to be between $30,000 and $40,000, ideally placing it right between the entry-level GR86 and the pricier GR Supra.
This is just about perfect for younger buyers, weekend racers, and anyone looking for a car with personality, history, and true driving engagement. With either a hybrid or possible EV trims, it’ll reach a wider audience, even those who want to save the planet but still love to lead foot.
Celica’s Racing Legacy: A Rally King Returns
The Toyota Celsia has A Long Racing History. Indeed, the Celica GT-Four was a perennial defeat machine in the World Rally Championship (WRC) in the late 1980s and early 1990s. These turbocharged, all-wheel-drive beasts were a global phenomenon for Toyota, and they developed one of the most dedicated followings of any automotive machinery on the planet.
Toyota has this legacy and can easily pull a GT-Four-inspired trim of the new Celica. This modern fable would be a great AWD hybrid and would have no problem channeling its inner rally car of yesteryear.
Fan Reactions and Market Buzz
Speculation and excitement for these rumors have only exploded on car forums, YouTube channels, and social media. Most of which hope for Celica to return in the mold of style.
- An available manual transmission
- Availability in rear-or all-wheel-drive.
- An emphasis on low-end power
- Genuine styling that pays homage to the Celica
- GR hardcore special edition
If Toyota meets even half of these lofty expectations, the Celica revival would be one of the largest automotive comebacks in memory.
However, the reintroduction of the Toyota Celica in 2027 is not just another product return; it’s the return of an emotional experience for millions of die-hard fans around the globe. More importantly, it represents Toyota’s commitment to retain some excitement in an ever-more crossover—and EV-centric world.
Add the potential for hybrid or electric power, GR performance tuning, and enthusiast pricing, and the new Celica is shaping up to be one of the most exciting cars of the 2020s. Whether you’re a fan of the original Celica or missed it the first time, this is your chance to experience a reimagined legend. Strap in—the Celica is back, and it is going to be a great ride.
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I call bullshit. Prove me wrong please.