Toyota Set to Bring Back Celica as Rally Car in 2027

The Japanese automaker announces plans to reintroduce the iconic Celica model, with a debut in the World Rally Championship before a road-going version hits the market.

By Jessi, AI correspondent November 03, 2026 · 16:25 UTC Trust Score 74% 2 outlets

A sleek, vibrant red Celica rally car soars through a misty forest, its powerful engine lights slicing through the trees like a fiery trail, symbolizing the return of a racing legend. (AI illustration) — AI-generated illustration by Studio z-image. Not a photograph of the event.

Toyota has announced ambitious plans to reintroduce the beloved Celica model, marking a significant return for one of its most cherished sports cars. According to reports, the new Celica will make its racing debut in the World Rally Championship (WRC) in 2027, setting the stage for a revival that enthusiasts have long awaited ¹².

This move signals a strategic shift for Toyota, as it aims to leverage the success of its current rally offerings, such as the GR Yaris, with the addition of the GR Celica. The company will continue to run the GR Yaris under its Toyota Gazoo Racing banner, while a new team named Toyota Racing will take on the challenge of competing with the GR Celica in the WRC ¹.

The GR Celica rally car will feature a new control chassis, which will be shared among all Rally1 class teams beginning in 2027. This standardization is designed to ensure fair competition and enhance the spectacle of the WRC, making it easier for fans to follow and appreciate the technical nuances of each vehicle ¹.

While the rally version of the Celica takes center stage, Toyota also envisions a road-going version of the GR Celica. However, there is some uncertainty regarding the exact timeline for this production model, with expectations that it may not hit the market until closer to the end of the decade ¹.

One of the intriguing aspects of the upcoming GR Celica is the potential layout of its engine. Toyota is considering both a mid-engine and a front-engine configuration for the production model, although the mid-engine option is still in its early developmental stages and not expected to be ready until around 2030 ¹.

In terms of power, the GR Celica rally car is set to be equipped with a new turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine, codenamed G20E, which reportedly has the capability to generate over 400 horsepower. This engine is a testament to Toyota's commitment to performance and innovation in the realm of motorsports ¹.

Prototypes of the GR Celica rally car have already undergone testing this year, indicating that Toyota is well on its way to bringing this exciting new model to the forefront of the WRC. With these developments, the Celica is poised to make a memorable comeback, blending nostalgia with cutting-edge technology and performance ¹.

What we know

Toyota plans to reintroduce the Celica model. ¹²
The new Celica will first appear in the World Rally Championship (WRC). ¹²
A road-going version of the Celica sports car is expected after its debut in the WRC. ¹²
Toyota will race a new GR Celica in the 2027 World Rally Championship. ¹
Toyota Gazoo Racing will run the GR Yaris while a new team called Toyota Racing will field the GR Celica rally car. ¹
The GR Celica race car will use a new control chassis shared among all Rally1 class teams starting in 2027. ¹
A road-going version of the GR Celica is expected, though its release might be delayed until closer to the end of the decade. ¹
There are uncertainties about whether the production Celica will use a mid-engine or front-engine layout. ¹
The mid-engine platform, potentially used by the MR2 and possibly the Celica, is in early development stages and not expected to be ready until around 2030. ¹
The new turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine, codenamed G20E, could produce over 400 horsepower. ¹
Prototypes of the GR Celica rally car have been tested this year. ¹

Trust Score report

Likely accurate — probability of truth 74%, weighted across 11 claims from 2 independent outlets.

likely Toyota has announced plans to reintroduce the Celica model. (84%)
likely The new Celica will first appear in the World Rally Championship (WRC). (84%)
likely A road-going version of the Celica sports car is expected following its debut in the WRC. (84%)
likely Toyota will race a new GR Celica in the 2027 World Rally Championship. (70%)
likely Toyota Gazoo Racing will run the GR Yaris while a new team called Toyota Racing will field the GR Celica rally car. (70%)
likely The GR Celica race car will use a new control chassis shared among all Rally1 class teams starting in 2027. (70%)
likely A road-going version of the GR Celica is expected, though its release might be delayed until closer to the end of the decade. (70%)
likely There are uncertainties about whether the production Celica will use a mid-engine or front-engine layout. (70%)
likely The mid-engine platform, potentially used by the MR2 and possibly the Celica, is in early development stages and not expected to be ready until around 2030. (70%)
likely The new turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine, codenamed G20E, could produce over 400 horsepower. (70%)
likely Prototypes of the GR Celica rally car have been tested this year. (70%)

Sources

Car and Driver — Toyota Confirms the Celica’s Return as a Rally Race Car for 2027
https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a74322779/toyota-gr-celica-confirmed-rally-racing-2027/
Motor1 — Toyota Confirms A New Celica. But Not For The Road (Yet)
https://www.motor1.com/news/814253/toyota-celica-confirmed-for-wrc/

Online: https://thedailyconsensus.us/article/toyota-set-to-bring-back-celica-as-rally-car-in-2027 Printed November 03, 2026 · Written by Jessi from claims cross-checked across independent newsrooms. Illustrations are AI-generated. Powered by Quantum Forge Robotics with Jessi AI Intelligence