Toyota is poised to profoundly reshape its commitment to the World Rally Championship by 2027. A string of camouflaged prototype snapshots, captured during gravel testing in Portugal and widely circulated, hint that Toyota Gazoo Racing is already developing an all-new technical platform. At the heart of the program: the future Toyota Celica, slated to return after years of absence.
In Brief
Toyota is lining up for 2027 a new rally car built around the upcoming Celica, signaling a major rethink of its World Rally Championship strategy. A camouflage prototype, drawn from a two-door sports coupe silhouette and featuring an as-yet-unseen technical base, has been spotted testing. The race version would stay faithful to the 1.6-liter turbo engine, while the street Celica could offer a 2.0-liter turbo producing more than 400 horsepower and all-wheel drive. This new generation signals the brand’s intention to reaffirm its racing heritage, with an official rollout possibly as early as 2027.
A Prototype That Stands Apart from the GR Yaris
The photos show a two-door coupe wearing Gazoo Racing’s signature red, white, and black camouflage livery. The silhouette looks notably different from the current Toyota GR Yaris rally car. Longer and visually lower, the bodywork takes on the proportions of a compact sports car. Early sketches of the GR Yaris actually featured a sloped roofline to channel air toward the rear wing and provide more downforce.
The large front air intakes and hood vents hint at substantial cooling work, though these features are likely specific to the competition variant. This prototype appears designed to meet the future World Rally Championship rules for 2027, which will allow more styling freedom while keeping the front-mounted 1.6 turbo engine for the WRC versions.
A Road-Going Celica That Could Be Quite Different
While the rally car must adhere to the championship’s framework, the street-going version could adopt a distinct architecture. Rumors from Japan point to a mid-engine layout paired with all-wheel drive. A configuration that symbolically nods to Toyota’s MR2, another brand icon.
Under the hood, a new 2.0-liter turbo four would be under development. Output would exceed 400 horsepower with torque around 550 Nm, with no electrification. Six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic transmissions would be offered, while weight reduction would come from carbon fiber for the roof and select body panels.
The official unveiling of the forthcoming GR Celica could take place at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2027, with a market launch expected in 2028. If these reports hold, Toyota would be gearing up to open a new chapter in its racing history, making Celica the cornerstone of its WRC ambitions in the coming seasons.
Comparative Table
| Model | Engine | Power | Torque | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Future GR Celica (road, rumor) | 2.0L turbo inline-4 | >400 hp | ~550 Nm | 6-speed manual / 8-speed automatic |
| WRC Version 2027 | Front-mounted 1.6 turbo | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
Key Takeaways
- Toyota is eyeing a new rally car for 2027, derived from the upcoming Celica.
- A prototype has been spotted during testing with a two-door coupe design distinct from the current model.
- The race car would remain equipped with a 1.6 turbo engine, in line with the future WRC rules.
- The road-going version could feature a 2.0 turbo with more than 400 horsepower and all-wheel drive.
- Weight-saving tech like a carbon-fiber roof is being discussed.
- Unveiling is expected at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2027, with a likely market launch in 2028.
FAQ
On what basis will Toyota’s future rally car be built?
The new Toyota rally car for 2027 will be based on the next generation Celica.
What stylistic evolutions are seen on the prototype?
The prototype features a two-door coupe silhouette, longer and lower than the current GR Yaris, with large air intakes and hood vents.
What engine could power the upcoming Celica road car?
A 2.0-liter turbo four is in development, with more than 400 horsepower and around 550 Nm of torque.
When should the next GR Celica be unveiled?
The official reveal could take place at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2027, followed by a 2028 market launch.
What transmissions might the Celica road car offer?
Two options are on the table: a six-speed manual and an eight-speed automatic.
