A New Toyota Rally Car: Is the Celica Making a Comeback?

Daily Car

02/03/2026

Q1: What is this new camouflaged Toyota car seen in recent photos?

A: The vehicle is a new coupe-bodied rally car prototype from Toyota and its Gazoo Racing (GR) performance division. It was observed undergoing high-speed testing in Portugal. Its appearance has led to widespread discussion that it could be a test mule for the next-generation Toyota Celica, a nameplate with a rich rally history.

Q2: Is it confirmed that this car will be the new Toyota Celica?

A: No confirmation has been issued. The identity of the car is complicated by new regulations for the 2027 World Rally Championship (WRC). These rules allow teams to use a custom-designed body on a standardized chassis, meaning this car could be a purpose-built competition vehicle with no direct production counterpart. However, a senior Toyota executive has stated the company is working on a product that could potentially use the Celica name, leaving the possibility open.

Q3: What are the new 2027 WRC regulations and why are they important?

A: The 2027 WRC rules are a major shift designed to reduce the cost and complexity of the sport's top-tier cars. The key change is the use of a "unified safety cell," which is a standard frame that all teams will build upon. This allows for different body styles to be fitted, as long as they meet specific dimension requirements. The goal is to cut the cost of a car by about 50 percent compared to today's Rally1 models, making the sport more accessible.

Q4: What are the technical specifications of this new rally car?

A: While specific details of this prototype are secret, the 2027 WRC rules dictate its core components. It will be powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Power is sent to all four wheels through a five-speed manual transmission. The regulations also mandate a specific A-arm suspension design and braking systems derived from the current Rally2 class, which includes four-piston brake calipers. The aerodynamics are also simplified, as seen by the smaller wing and less complex bodywork on the test car.

Q5: What does this development mean for Toyota and the sport of rallying?

A: For the WRC, these new, less expensive rules could attract more manufacturers and private teams, increasing competition. For Toyota, this project underscores Gazoo Racing's continued investment in high-performance motorsports and road cars. Even if this prototype does not become a production Celica, it will require a name for marketing purposes. Tying it to a historic name like Celica would be a logical step to connect with fans and leverage Toyota's performance heritage. The car represents a serious commitment to the future of rallying.

2025-12-12

Europe’s Tariffs on Chinese Cars: What Happened and Why It Matters for Car Buyers

Chinese car sales in Europe rise despite tariffs, as brands pivot to hybrids and ICE models. Explore how EU policies impact choices for car buyers aged 40+.