Toyota comes up with the strongest hint yet that the Japanese are on their way with a new Celica and an MR2. Both the GR86 and the Supra continue.
Toyota appears to be preparing a relaunch of the iconic Celica and MR2 sports cars, while also updating models such as the GR86 and GR Supra.
In a new episode of Toyota's own cartoon "Grip", a board is seen where models such as the Supra Mk6, Celica Mk8, MR2 Mk4, GR86 Mk3 and GR GT3 are listed on a list of upcoming car models. The board appears next to a character named Master Rugu, who guides the series' protagonists in their battle against self-driving racing cars.
Although Toyota has yet to officially confirm the production of these new sports cars, rumors have long been rife that the Gazoo Racing lineup is set to expand significantly.
Akio Toyoda, who is behind Gazoo Racing and has previously spoken of ambitions to bring "the three brothers" – Celica, MR2 and Supra – back to the market, appears to be the driving force behind the plans.
That's what Autocar writes.
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Toyota is reportedly exploring the possibility of a new Celica using a new electric platform, which opens up more types of sedans. According to Toyota's developers, the architecture will be able to support sports cars with a low center of gravity.
The FT-Se concept, presented at the Tokyo Motor Show last year, is an example of this platform. The center of gravity is 75 mm lower than a Porsche 718 Cayman.
The FT-Se platform could also form the basis of a new two-seat sports car in the vein of the MR2, although it might not carry the MR2 moniker.
According to Japanese magazine Best Car, the 2015 S-FR roadster concept may also be a candidate to take the MR2's place in Toyota's sports car lineup. Although the S-FR has the engine located at the front and not in the middle, it could still be Toyota's bid for a smaller sports car that can compete with, for example, the Mazda MX-5.
As for the Supra, a new generation is expected within the next three to four years as the current model was launched in 2019. The GR86 model is also facing a facelift to meet future safety and emission standards. It is expected that the GR86 will get a hybrid variant of the turbocharged three-cylinder engine from the GR Yaris.
During the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed, Toyota's chief technology officer Hiroki Nakajima commented on the possibility of a hybrid-powered GR86. He would not confirm such a development, but called the idea "good."
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