New Celica Rumors

New Celica on the Horizon?

Rumor has it that Toyota is stirring the pot with whispers of a new Celica on the way. While nothing’s set in stone for the U.S. market yet, there’s some serious talk about reigniting this iconic model nearly two decades after the seventh-generation bowed out.

Toyota’s Senior Vice President of Product Planning and Strategy spilled some beans, mentioning that they are developing a product that just might reclaim the Celica name. However, the model hasn’t gotten the official ‘go’ in the U.S. just yet.

Design and Tech

Reports hint at advanced development stages already. It’s said that prototypes and designs have already been shown to dealers, which means Toyota’s pretty far along in the process. Contrary to some speculative sketches floating around, the real deal is taking a different aesthetic path, keeping car enthusiasts on their toes.

A notable revelation is that the new Celica might not go down the all-electric path. Toyota’s Akio Toyoda emphasized the unique driving emotion of traditional internal combustion engines, especially in sporty GR models, suggesting that the familiar hum of a gasoline engine might still be part of the package.

Pushing Boundaries

Toyota’s GR series presents a fascinating landscape, with an ongoing dialogue about pricing strategy. The new Celica’s pricing, if it ever sees the light of day, would logically fit between the existing GR86 and the outgoing Supra.

For a bit of context, the 2005 Celica had a starting price of $19,830. Adjusting for inflation, that’s about $33,400 today, lining up nicely with the latest GR86, which kicks off at around $30,000, excluding destination charges.

Driving Experience

The potential Celica promises to offer a thrilling ride. If it sticks to traditional ICE technology, expect a responsive, exhilarating drive similar to that of current GR models, but with its own unique twist. Imagine the supreme handling of a GR86 but with a more retro-modern flair, conjuring nostalgia yet delivering contemporary zest.

Ultimately, whether this Celica makes it stateside and into the hearts of American gearheads remains a question. However, just hearing the name back in circulation is enough to get a nod of recognition from those who recall the fierce reputation it once held.

Keep those fingers crossed, as the car world waits with bated breath for any official nods from the U.S. side.