Toyota “Celica” to be revived as a BEV sports car, with an innovative battery that will run 1000km!
According to the latest information obtained by the Scoop Team, the car will be a BEV (battery-electric vehicle) sports car that uses the innovative EV platform used in the Lexus LF-ZC concept and Toyota’s compact FT-Se and FT-3e concepts. Production is also likely to use “Gigacast,” which integrally molds the body structure to significantly reduce the number of parts required and improve efficiency. In GIGACAST, the front and rear modules are each molded as one piece, and the central section houses the battery.
Toyota’s advanced new rectangular battery could also be a key element in the Celica’s revival. The packs will be produced in two sizes, one of which will be built into the floor at a height of only 100 mm. This would allow for the production of BEV sports cars with a lower center of gravity. The evolution of batteries will undoubtedly have a profound impact on future sports car design.
The next generation of BEV sports cars is expected to have aerodynamic performance with a Cd value of 0.2 level, maximum output of 250ps to 300ps, and a following range of 1000km per full charge. It is also expected to be equipped with a virtual manual transmission, which is currently under development.
Set to be reborn as a high-performance coupe with over 400 horsepower
Expected to feature next-generation GR-FOUR system
Toyota Motor Corporation plans to revive its ‘Celica’ model in 2026, according to a report by Japanese automotive magazine ‘Best Car’. The Celica, discontinued in 1999, was one of Toyota’s iconic sports cars, with its GT-FOUR model notably active in the World Rally Championship (WRC).
Key Features:
Powertrain
Next-generation 2.0-liter turbocharged engine
Estimated maximum output of 400 horsepower and 56.1 kg·m of torque
Capable of using CN (Carbon Neutral) fuels
Drive System
Implementation of next-generation GR-FOUR system
Planned for release as an all-wheel drive model
Transmission
Options for 6-speed manual and 8-speed automatic transmissions
Positioning
Aimed at the luxury sports car market
Returning to its roots, moving away from the hardcore image of the 90s
A Toyota spokesperson stated, “The new Celica is being developed to inherit the DNA of past models while incorporating modern technology. We aim to achieve both high performance and environmental friendliness.”
Industry sources suggest that a prototype of the Celica might be unveiled at the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon.
The automotive industry is closely watching how Toyota’s decision will impact the sports car market. The revival of an internal combustion engine sports car amidst the trend towards electric vehicles is seen as an unusual move, and competitors’ responses are also drawing attention.
Toyota has yet to comment on specific launch dates and pricing details.
This move by Toyota is seen as a strategic effort to maintain its presence in the performance car segment while adapting to changing market demands and environmental regulations. The incorporation of CN fuel compatibility suggests Toyota’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions even in its high-performance vehicles.
