Toyota Hints at Return of Celica/MR2

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I hope the Celica returns as a Prelude competitor. FWD and/or Hybrid AWD, with a "GR-Four" Turbo AWD top trim.

I just want a reliable, sporty interior liftback coupe. Give me the Camry powertrain in a smaller car just like the old Celica GT's used to do.

Save the turbo AWD (and its insane insurance rates) for those who can afford it and dont nullify the GR-86.

The MR2 (GR2?) Is interesting. Would be neat as a celebration of their Le Mans efforts. Turbo I3 Hybrid Roadster or possibly even full electric.

Im gonna post my theory about the next gen Supra:

Toyota is going to partner with Mazda on a new RWD architecture.

Reasoning: Toyota has insisted on the Supra being I6. BMW has indicated the Z4 is likely dead, and future partnerships on the project are murky. So... who else has an I6? Well, well, well Mazda! A scrappy company who already has a working relationship with Toyota and is in their backyard.

I suspect the two will partner for a new RWD architecture to underpin the upcoming Mazda Rotary coupe, Supra, Lexus IS, RC and possibly GR-86 and maybe even the MX-5.

All tin-hat-wearing theory at this point, though.
 
Yeah, there’s been chat about Mazda and Toyota working on the RWD platform.

From an article in the thread
According to Car and Driver, Mazda’s new mild-hybrid inline six will produce up to 350hp (260kW) and could also power the next-generation Lexus IS sedan and RC coupe.

The move would be the latest step in the blossoming relationship between Mazda and Toyota…
 
It'll be interesting to see if the Celica (and possibly Corolla) merge with the Mazda 3 as well.
Shoot. If they worked on a rwd Mazda, it would be all the 323 feels. Not to mention Toyota thinking of the shooting brake 86. A joint rwd Mazda3/Corolla wagon would be righteous.
 
Years ago there was talk that the SF-R and ND Miata were related but it turned out the SF-R was a modified Daihatsu platform which made more sense anyway. Still, the potential exists for this partnership to spawn several different models on several platforms.
 
Shoot. If they worked on a rwd Mazda, it would be all the 323 feels. Not to mention Toyota thinking of the shooting brake 86. A joint rwd Mazda3/Corolla wagon would be righteous.
Oh, I didn't mean to get you that excited.

I wouldn't even begin to wish for a RWD Corolla/Mazda3/Celica. I was anticipating FWD-biased cars.

I'd like to see a liftback Celica with the Camry's hybrid powertrain. I just want a commuter car in a track suit with bolstered seats and a semi-practical body style.

I think a RWD Celica would be way too close to the GR86 and I don't want that to have to die.
 
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Oh, I didn't mean to get you that excited.

I wouldn't even begin to wish for a RWD Corolla/Mazda3/Celica. I was anticipating FWD-biased cars.

I'd like to see a liftback Celica with the Camry's hybrid powertrain. I just want a commuter car in a track suit with bolstered seats and a semi-practical body style.

I think a RWD Celica would be way too close to the GR86 and I don't want that to have to die.
:lol:
This was also back in February of this year. From the ScionbaruBreezFrees thread. ;)
That’s interesting.
 
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The new MR2 was already sort of confirmed for some time after 2026 from the other MR2 thread


Toyota FT-Se


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GR Design Group product manager claims the FT-Se will go in production some time after 2026

 
:lol:
This was also back in February of this year. From the ScionbaruBreezFrees thread. ;)
Im gonna be pretty disappointed if thats the direction they go.

Anything that hits the US with the engine might as well add $5k dealer mark up to it.

I just want a spiritual successor to the 5th/6th gen Celicas with the Prius powertrain and some spirited chassi tuning.

I dont want to DD "because Racecar!" With the insurance, maintenance and rigamaroll that comes with it.
 
Man, just make it an entry level 2+2, 190bhp/1000kg and 250bhp/1050kg. Higher performance GR(MN) models of GRMN 325bhp/1150kg, GR 400bhp/1200kg.
 
There haven't been many "sporty-coupe with wrc configuration" type cars, period, so seeing this is encouraging. In the "modern" era I can think of:

Celica GT-Four
Audi TT (kind of)
Eclipse GSX

That's about all I can think of.
 
There haven't been many "sporty-coupe with wrc configuration" type cars, period, so seeing this is encouraging. In the "modern" era I can think of:

Celica GT-Four
Audi TT (kind of)
Eclipse GSX

That's about all I can think of.
I know I'm using the term "Sporty" here very loosely, but this was the first car I thought of when I saw that Toyota testing.
1 (1).webp
 
There haven't been many "sporty-coupe with wrc configuration" type cars, period, so seeing this is encouraging. In the "modern" era I can think of:

Celica GT-Four
Audi TT (kind of)
Eclipse GSX

That's about all I can think of.
JDM and UK Impreza coupes. I used to look at a 22B everyday when I worked at a Subaru dealer in Melbourne.
 
MR2? 🤔 Appears that Toyota is going racing with it very soon.

Edit: this actually might be the front engine Celica since the fuel port on the side like that means a rear mounted fuel tank.

 
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A buddy of mine who works directly with Lexus/Toyota NA teased this today on his personal page, hashtagging MR2, Celica & GTR, but refusing to clarify which. He did say this mule has been around since late 2024, so he's surprised it finally got spied.
 
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Well, if it’s going to show up in Super Taikyu next year, make sure it’s running a Toy Story 6 livery. ;)
 
Are Toyota the only manufacturer left who consistently produce vehicles that people actively want?

Dull everyday cars for people who just require transport but want it to be largely bullet-proof? - check.

Solid SUVs/4x4s that can go anywhere on the planet and are reliable? - check.

Luxury saloons, coupes and supercars with a premium badge? (Lexus) - check.

Interesting hot hatches, sports coupes and sports cars that appeal to enthusiasts? - check.

I've never really been a fan of Toyotas, but you've got to hand it to them for continuing doing what they've always stood for whilst every other manufacturer seems to be losing their heads or losing their direction.
 
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Yeah I can't understand how a manufacturer that produces something as horrid as the Prius, can make the GR Yaris.
 
I’ve watched this guy’s channel for a little while. He’s had plenty fast cars, but is happy with these two.
 
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MR2? 🤔 Appears that Toyota is going racing with it very soon.

Edit: this actually might be the front engine Celica since the fuel port on the side like that means a rear mounted fuel tank.

Not a valid observation in my opinion. The only reason Porsche has their fuel doors on the front fender is because the 911 has rear seats and a rear-shifted cabin. They chose to keep that architecture for the Boxster and Cayman since they share the chassis from the front seats forward.

Many mid-engined cars, both longitudinal and transverse, from the C8 and modern McLarens, Ferraris, and Toyota's own transverse SW20 MR2 and very short-length MRS all have fuel tanks mounted low and behind the seats, between the seats and engine bay, with fuel caps behind the doors.

Everything about this car, particularly the amount of tire at the rear, is looking mid-engined to me. This is an MR2, possibly with the Yaris or Corolla's (or both) transverse engines mid-mounted.
 
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Not a valid observation in my opinion. The only reason Porsche has their fuel doors on the front fender is because the 911 has rear seats and a rear-shifted cabin. They chose to keep that architecture for the Boxster and Cayman since they share the chassis from the front seats forward.

Many mid-engined cars, both longitudinal and transverse, from the C8 and modern McLarens, Ferraris, and Toyota's own transverse SW20 MR2 and very short-length MRS all have fuel tanks mounted low and behind the seats, between the seats and engine bay, with fuel caps behind the doors.

Everything about this car, particularly the amount of tire at the rear, is looking mid-engined to me. This is an MR2, possibly with the Yaris or Corolla's (or both) transverse engines mid-mounted.
The very short dash to front axle ratio and obvious front mount radiator ventilation outlet in the hood would preclude this being a front engine car, no?
 
The very short dash to front axle ratio and obvious front mount radiator ventilation outlet in the hood would preclude this being a front engine car, no?
Not necessarily. The engine is tiny, and the GR Yaris has an even shorter nose. If the radiator outlet skims the engine surface it might even be possible - not likely, but possible.
 
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