The 2027 Toyota Celica was photographed for the first time ahead of its official unveiling as a showroom model and its competitive debut in the World Rally Championship (WRC) in 2027.
Toyota has not yet officially announced the return of the Celica nameplate – a Honda Prelude competitor that was last sold here in 2005 – although previous comments from a Toyota North America executive revealed the company wanted to bring the name back.
Still the world’s leading motorsport website DirtFish has released images of a new two-door rally coupe being tested by Toyota, with the automaker set to drop the GR Yaris as a WRC contender from 2027.
New regulations for this year allow a “road body” to be draped over a tubular space frame using the mechanical package from the current GR Yaris Rally2 car, suggesting the coupe snaking along dusty Algarve roads is destined for showrooms.
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The important wording is “road car,” which means a production model body.
Toyota Australia declined to comment when contacted Daily Sparkz about whether a Celica goes into production or whether it will be sold here.
“At this point we are already driving our prototype test car,” said Toyota technical director Tom Fowler DirtFish.
“The design team is focusing on all the feedback coming from this car and working on issues and improvements.
“The original goal was to put the car into operation in 2026. We have achieved this goal. The car has already run some tests and has definitely covered more than 2,000 kilometers. I can’t tell you the exact numbers.”
The report included video footage with the same familiar engine note as the current Yaris rally car, but with a body design reminiscent of the Toyota FT-Se concept car shown at the 2024 Tokyo Motor Show.
While it was described as reflecting the spirit of Gazoo Racing (GR) – the brand’s performance and racing division, which is now one of Toyota’s five pillars – it was unveiled with an electric powertrain, which is apparently not used in the car racing in Portugal.
The Celica is one of several new sports cars expected as part of Toyota’s increased emphasis on performance models, with the return of another name – the MR2 – also being speculated.
This follows testing of a Yaris with a mid-engine powertrain – the previous name MR2 reflects its mid-mounted 2.0-litre petrol engine – and the registration of the GR MR2 and GR MR-S brands (MR-S is the name of the third-generation MR2 in Japan) in Australia.
Gazoo Racing unveiled the GR GT alongside a GT3 racing version in December 2025, positioning it as its halo sports car – the fastest and most powerful showroom model to wear a Toyota badge.
Toyota Australia has expressed interest in the GR GT for local showrooms after it is expected to launch in Japan in 2027.
Production of the GR Supra, a redesigned twin of the BMW Z4, will end in March 2026. A V8 version will make its debut in the Repco Supercars Championship in Australia and will compete in the legendary Bathurst 1000 endurance race in October.
MORE: Explore the Toyota showroom
