Whispers within Toyota circles and automotive news outlets suggest a thrilling possibility: a revival of the Toyota Celica nameplate, potentially manifesting as a high-performance GR sport sedan in 2024. This speculation arises from a constellation of hints and reports, painting a compelling picture for enthusiasts of sporty four-door vehicles.
The GR division representatives have previously teased the idea of a GR sport sedan, gauging public interest in such a model. Further fueling the fire, a GRMN Prius prototype surfaced, though its relevance to a sport sedan remains ambiguous, it indicates Toyota’s performance ambitions extend beyond coupes.
Adding another layer to the speculation, Bestcar, a Japanese automotive publication, reported on the next-generation GR86 potentially utilizing a heavily revised and downsized platform derived from the outgoing Lexus IS sedan, coupled with the potent G16E engine. Intriguingly, Toyota subtly highlighted the 1998-2005 Altezza RS200 sport sedan – the Japanese market version of the first-generation Lexus IS – in their GR anime promotional series. This nostalgic nod hints at a possible design or conceptual inspiration.
Bestcar’s reports became somewhat convoluted when they later detailed the 3rd generation GR86 as both a coupe and sedan, only to subsequently extensively report on the S-FR and Celica. However, a quote attributed to a Toyota source within one of these articles emphasized the practicality of a sedan body style for a broader customer base. This highlights Toyota’s awareness of market demands and the potential for a GR sedan to reach a wider audience.
It’s widely understood that the current generation GR86/BRZ was essentially a stopgap model. Redesigning the existing chassis to meet stringent new EU crash safety regulations, along with global emissions and fuel economy standards, is deemed cost-prohibitive compared to developing an entirely new platform. This suggests the current GR86 generation might not continue beyond the 2025 model year, paving the way for new models in Toyota’s performance lineup.
Considering these pieces of information, a compelling narrative emerges: Toyota appears to be laying the groundwork for a new rear-wheel-drive (RWD) sport sedan, potentially as a successor to the spirit of the 1998-2005 Altezza RS200. The Altezza, ironically, was itself the successor to the iconic 1983-1987 Corolla GT-S AE86, showcasing Toyota’s penchant for reviving nostalgic models with a modern twist.
With the GR lineup currently dominated by two-door models like the SFR, Celica (potentially coupe), MR2, and Supra, a GR-branded RWD sport sedan would logically diversify the portfolio and cater to a different segment of performance car enthusiasts. The Toyota Celica 2024, in sedan form, could be the exciting addition to the GR family that many have been anticipating.
