Toyota Revives Celica Sports Car After 20 Years: AWD and Up to 500 HP

Japanese automaker Toyota is preparing to bring back the legendary Celica sports coupe. Two decades after production ended, the model will return to the brand’s lineup featuring a new 2.0-liter G20E turbo engine, all-wheel drive, and a hybrid powertrain producing up to 500 hp.

The new model will move beyond the lightweight, affordable coupe segment to occupy a niche as a powerful AWD sports car, positioned above the Toyota GR86.

G20E Engine and Gazoo Racing Hybrid Tech

According to Motor1, the heart of the powertrain will be the G20E turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which Toyota engineers are developing for next-generation sports cars. In its base configuration, the engine produces 400–450 hp, while its racing potential with a larger turbocharger exceeds 600 hp.

As reported by Carscoops, the Gazoo Racing motorsports division is also testing electrified setups (a traditional hybrid and a plug-in hybrid PHEV) that will boost the road-going version’s total output to 500 hp. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual and an 8-speed automatic.

Legacy of the GT-Four Rally Legend

The main technical inspiration for the project is all-wheel drive, paying homage to the iconic Celica GT-Four rally cars. In the 1990s, these AWD models secured four WRC driver’s championships and two manufacturers’ titles for the brand.

Engineers aim to pair the high-output turbo engine with an advanced torque-distribution system to ensure stable cornering on the track.

Road Testing and Release Date

According to Car and Driver, the upcoming model’s components are already being put through their paces in test mules at Japan’s Fuji Speedway.

The final production design remains under wraps, and the images circulating online are unofficial renders. The official prototype debut is expected in late 2026 or early 2027, with the production model slated to hit the market for the 2028 model year at an estimated starting price of around $40,000–$45,000.