Celica, MR2, Supra & More – Everything We Know!
The car industry seems to be in a constant state of flux these days. Electric vehicles are taking over, regulations are tightening, and traditional petrol-powered fun seems to be on the chopping block. But while many manufacturers are scrambling to figure out their future, Toyota – the world’s biggest car company – has made a bold decision: they’re bringing back the fun!
Not content with just churning out Corollas, Camrys, and Land Cruisers to maintain its number-one spot in global car sales, Toyota is going all in on sports cars. The return of the Celica, MR2, and a new Supra is more than just nostalgia – it’s a statement. Toyota is doubling down on performance cars, reviving legendary JDM nameplates, and expanding its Gazoo Racing (GR) lineup. But how much of this is confirmed, and how much is rumour? Let’s break it all down.
The Toyota Celica is Back! (Confirmed ✅)
Yes, the Celica is officially returning! Toyota has already trademarked the name, and sources confirm it’s in active development. But this isn’t just a retro reboot – the new Celica is set to be an all-wheel-drive, rally-inspired sports car, channelling the spirit of the legendary GT-Four.
- Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
- Power Output: Around 400 bhp (road version), over 600 bhp (track version)
- Drivetrain: All-wheel drive (AWD) – a proper WRC-inspired monster!
- Expected Release: Late 2024 or early 2025
Toyota’s history in rallying, especially with the Celica GT-Four, makes this the perfect comeback. Imagine a car that can take on the Audi RS3, Golf R, and AMG A45S, but with Toyota’s legendary reliability. Yes, please!
The MR2 Revival – A Mid-Engine Legend Returns? (Strongly Rumoured 🔥)
This one’s been in the rumour mill for a long time, but the latest leaks add fuel to the fire. Toyota showcased a mid-engine prototype at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2025, which turned out to be a GR Yaris with the engine behind the driver! While Toyota hasn’t outright confirmed it, industry insiders suggest this could be the basis for an all-new MR2.
- Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
- Power Output: Between 296–395 bhp
- Drivetrain: Mid-engine, possibly AWD
- Expected Release: 2026
Could the MR2 return as Toyota’s answer to the Porsche Cayman and Alpine A110? If so, it could be a game-changer for affordable mid-engine sports cars.
GR86 – The Next-Gen Rear-Wheel Drive Hero (Confirmed ✅)
The GR86 has already proven itself as one of the best driver’s cars on the market, but its current version won’t last forever. The next-generation GR86 is confirmed, but there’s a big twist – it’s all Toyota this time! No more Subaru BRZ twin – meaning Toyota has full control over its development.
- Powertrain Possibilities:
- 1.6-litre turbocharged inline-three (from GR Yaris)
- Detuned 2.0-litre turbo-four from the Celica
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (RWD – let’s hope it stays manual!)
- Expected Release: 2027-2028
There’s also speculation that Mazda could be involved in the car’s development, potentially sharing tech with the next-gen MX-5.
The Next Toyota Supra – A Pure JDM Comeback? (Possible 🤔)
The current A90 Supra has been a massive success, but let’s be honest – it’s really a BMW Z4 underneath. If you love true Japanese sports cars, you probably want the next Supra to be 100% Toyota – and that’s exactly what’s being rumoured.
The current BMW-based Supra ends production in 2026, as revealed by a recent Magna Steyr factory production schedule leak. But don’t worry – Toyota isn’t killing off the Supra nameplate. Instead, it’s expected to be co-developed with Mazda rather than BMW.
- Engine Possibilities:
- Inline-six hybrid (keeping Supra’s heritage)
- Fully electric (less likely, but an option)
- Platform: Rumoured partnership with Mazda
- Expected Release: 2028
Could the next Supra be Toyota’s answer to the Nissan Z? Will it finally be a true Japanese-engineered sports car again? Time will tell!
A New Lexus LFA Successor? (Supercar Incoming!)
Remember the Lexus LFA? One of the greatest V10 supercars of all time? Well, Toyota is quietly working on a successor, and it could be a V8 hybrid beast or an electric hypercar with solid-state batteries.
- Powertrain Possibilities:
- Twin-turbo V8 Hybrid (700+ bhp)
- Fully Electric Supercar
- Chassis: Lightweight carbon-fibre monocoque
- Expected Release: 2030
A new Lexus halo supercar would put Toyota back on the hypercar map, competing with McLaren, Ferrari, and Porsche.
GR Everything! Toyota’s Performance SUV & Hatchback Future
Toyota isn’t stopping at sports cars – their GR division is expanding across the entire lineup.
- GR Yaris & GR Corolla – Confirmed to continue, with possible hybrid versions in the future.
- GR Land Cruiser – A high-performance off-road beast?
- GR Hilux – Rally-bred pickup truck madness?
- GR RAV4 & C-HR – Sporty SUVs? Quite possibly!
Toyota isn’t playing it safe – they’re going all-in on performance while still developing EVs at their own pace.
Final Thoughts – Toyota is Keeping Sports Cars Alive!
While other brands are ditching petrol, Toyota is proving that enthusiast cars still have a future. They’re bringing back legendary names, expanding the GR lineup, and possibly building the most exciting JDM sports car lineup we’ve seen in decades.
If Toyota can revive the Celica, MR2, and keep the Supra alive, imagine what that means for the future of motoring? What do YOU think?
Which Toyota sports car are you most excited about? Drop a comment below!
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