Sales and marketing chief can’t hide his love for the iconic coupe – and won’t rule out bringing it back as new details firm for reborn sports carThe News
The long-rumoured return of the Toyota Celica is gathering momentum as details around a 2.0-litre turbocharged AWD configuration come into focus. And Australia could be in line if the reborn sports coupe gets the green light globally.
The Key Details
Toyota Australia boss says brand would “definitely be looking at it”
New model tipped to use turbo 2.0-litre engine and all-wheel drive
Likely to be developed by Gazoo Racing performance division
Could revive GT-Four-style performance formula
Reported to be badged ‘Celica Sport’ initially
1999 Toyota ZR CelicaThe Finer Details
If you want a sign that the reborn Toyota Celica could make it to Australian showrooms, look no further than the man responsible for deciding what Toyota sells here – and the fact he’s had two of them in his own family.
Speaking to carsales, Pappas pointed to the strong legacy of Toyota’s past sports cars in Australia, including the Celica, MR2 and Supra, suggesting there would be clear appetite if a new model became available.
“So I think if that car became available to us, we would definitely be looking at it,” he said of the Celica, before adding there was “nothing to confirm” right now.
Toyota MR2 and Supra
But it was his personal connection that gave the clearest signal.
The Toyota Australia sales chief revealed he owned an ‘89 Celica SX as his first car, bearing bold red paint work. His brother drove an earlier ’85 model – a reminder of just how deeply the nameplate resonates with Australian buyers.
Beyond the nostalgia, the next-generation Celica is shaping up to be far more than a heritage play.
According to Autocar UK, the new coupe could arrive wearing a Celica Sport badge – potentially laying the groundwork for a more hardcore GR version further down the track, following Toyota’s now-familiar Gazoo Racing playbook.
Toyota Sports EV
Under the bonnet, a significant shift is expected.
The much-loved 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder used in the GR Yaris and GR Corolla is unlikely to continue, with emissions regulations forcing a rethink.
Instead, a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine (almost certainly featuring a hybrid module) is under consideration, paired with all-wheel drive.
A combination that immediately echoes the legendary Toyota Celica GT-Four.
Toyota Celica GT-Four
That formula made the Celica a dominant force in the World Rally Championship through the 1990s, and homologation versions remain among Toyota’s most sought-after performance cars.
A camouflaged prototype wearing Gazoo Racing colours was spotted testing in Portugal earlier this year, fuelling speculation that development is already well underway.
While Toyota has yet to confirm the car’s identity, the timing and disguise point toward the Celica’s return.
Powerful hints have also come from within Toyota itself.
Back in 2024, Toyota’s global vice president Yuki Nakajima openly stated work had begun on an all-new Toyota Celica.
Digital Image: Best Car, Toyota Celica Render
Digital Image: Best Car, Toyota Celica Render
“We’re making the Celica,” he declared, before appearing to walk the comment back, which only added to the intrigue. And probably the secrecy… until now.
The new eighth-gen Celica is expected to sit in a similar size bracket to the seventh-generation car, which was axed in 2006 after a 36-year run.
That final iteration featured a high-revving 8200rpm engine co-developed with Yamaha, raising the question of whether Toyota might again tap into that partnership.
The Road Ahead
While Toyota is yet to officially unveil the new Celica, all signs point to a return led by Gazoo Racing, with performance credentials front and centre.
If the reported ‘Celica Sport’ arrives first, it would likely act as an entry point before a full GR flagship, potentially reviving the GT-Four moniker with modern turbo power and all-wheel drive.
For Australia, the outlook is increasingly positive.
Toyota Sports EV Concept
With strong historic demand, internal enthusiasm and a local boss openly backing the idea, the Celica appears far more likely than not to make it to local showrooms if production is confirmed.
With the country’s own sales boss reminiscing about his red ’89 Celica SX and talking about “definitely looking at it”, we’d be surprised if it didn’t arrive.
Stay tuned for more.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARCIO PEREIRA, via dirtfish.com.
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