Toyota has been hinting at the return of the Celica and MR2, will it happen soon?
Toyota is teasing the return of several iconic sports cars, including the Celica and MR2, along with updated versions of the Supra and GR86. This exciting news was revealed through the company’s anime-style show, Grip, where models like “Supra Mk6,” “Celica Mk8,” and “MR2 Mk4” were mentioned.
These names suggest that Toyota may be planning to reintroduce some of its most beloved performance cars, potentially as part of its Gazoo Racing (GR) lineup, which has become synonymous with high-performance vehicles. The new vehicles could take inspiration from Toyota’s latest innovations in performance and electrification.
Moreover, last year, the company showcased an all-electric sports car concept called the FT-Se, which could be a clue as to what the next-generation MR2 might look like. Using Toyota’s slim and efficient battery units, this electric concept car could provide the foundation for a modern interpretation of the MR2, a small, agile sports car that first made its mark in the 1980s.
The Celica, which was produced by Toyota from 1971 to 2006, is another model with a strong legacy. Toyota’s Chairman, Akio Toyoda, has expressed interest in reviving the Celica, though it remains unclear how it would fit alongside the GR86, which has been a more recent addition to Toyota’s sports car lineup.
The GR86 itself could also see updates, potentially incorporating hybrid technology to enhance performance while meeting modern demands for fuel efficiency. Fans of the Supra will also have reason to be excited. The current generation of the Supra, which debuted in 2019, could be getting a redesign in the near future.
On top of that, the updated Supra may continue to build on the strong performance foundation laid by its BMW partnership, but with fresh design elements and improved performance. Toyota has also introduced the GR GT3 supercar, which is currently undergoing testing and could be a precursor to even more extreme performance models in the future.
This renewed focus on sports cars aligns with Akio Toyoda’ s vision of reuniting the “three brothers,” the Celica, MR2 and Supra, which have historically represented Toyota’s performance-oriented vehicles.
By bringing these iconic names back to the market, Toyota seems committed to reinforcing its reputation as a manufacturer of exciting, high-performance cars, blending rich history with future innovation. So will we see these iconic Toyota models revived? If so will they be fully electric, hybrid or good old fashioned petrol powered?
