Toyota GR Celica May Be Concealing Its Engine in an Unexpected Location | Carscoops

      Some individuals have previously viewed prototypes of the upcoming sports car, but they are skilled at maintaining confidentiality.

      Toyota Gazoo Racing has announced that a new generation of the Celica is currently being developed.

      This sports car may combine a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with all-wheel drive and a manual transmission.

      The discussion continues regarding whether the GR Celica will have a front-engine or mid-engine layout.

      After a long period of speculation, Toyota’s long-dormant Celica nameplate is officially making a comeback. The company has confirmed the revival and even registered a trademark for the "GR Celica" name. As the development of the eighth generation progresses, we have compiled the latest insights, along with some fascinating (and sometimes unlikely) rumors emerging from Japan.

      The Layout Debate

      Toyota has not disclosed official specifications for the new GR Celica, leaving much room for speculation. However, the turbocharged 2.0-liter G20E four-cylinder engine announced last year seems like a strong candidate for the GR Celica. In its standard configuration, this engine generates up to 400 hp (298 kW / 406 PS), but Toyota officials have stated that it can "easily" exceed 600 horsepower for everyday use with a larger turbocharger.

      Nonetheless, the vehicle's layout remains a topic of contention. While the Celica has traditionally been front-engine, it may deviate from this norm. Japanese publication Best Car reports that the forthcoming model could feature a mid-engine layout. If this is accurate, it would blur the distinctions between the Celica and the rumored MR2 revival, with the report suggesting that both models may have merged into a single project.

      Toyota previewed the G20E engine in the mid-engine GR Yaris M Concept at the Tokyo Auto Salon. This vehicle is slated for motorsport testing, which could assist in fine-tuning the configuration for upcoming production variants.

      The Challenge of the Mid-Engine Theory

      The issue with the mid-engine hypothesis is that a previous Toyota teaser mentioned both the eighth-generation Celica and the fourth-generation MR2 alongside new generations of the GR 86, GR Supra, and the GR GT3 supercar. Additionally, at a press event in Tokyo, a Toyota driver hinted that the new engine might be installed in an "MR-something," while the Celica was also mentioned by someone in the background.

      Regardless of engine placement, the GR Celica is anticipated to incorporate Toyota’s GR-Four all-wheel-drive system. This would be consistent with the rally heritage of former GT-Four Celicas, which gained recognition in their fourth, fifth, and sixth generations. A six-speed manual transmission could be available alongside an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, following the design used in the GR Corolla and GR Yaris.

      Advanced Development Prototypes

      Up to now, no test mules have been spotted in the open, but that doesn’t imply they do not exist. Cooper Ericksen, Toyota North America’s Senior VP of Product Planning and Strategy, informed MotorTrend that “a product that could theoretically be called the Celica” is in progress and is at a “fairly advanced development” stage, although he refrained from providing a timeline for the launch.

      According to the same report, the company has already presented prototypes of the GR Celica to US dealers. However, Toyota executives dismissed the accuracy of unofficial designs circulating online, implying that the actual design is quite different. Ultimately, it is challenging to predict the appearance of the forthcoming model, as it must distinguish itself from the GR 86 and GR Supra within Toyota's future lineup.

      A Rally Comeback in Progress?

      Another intriguing rumor suggests that the new GR Celica could serve as a basis for a future rally vehicle in the top category of the WRC, taking over from the GR Yaris. This would align with the historical success of its predecessors, which competed in the World Rally Championship from 1988 to 1995, winning two manufacturers’ and three drivers’ titles.

      Best Car speculates that the production version may be revealed at the 2027 Tokyo Auto Salon. Naturally, additional information may emerge before that time. For now, the GR Celica appears poised to continue a legacy that began in 1970 and spanned seven generations until its discontinuation in 2006.