Toyota Celica Could Return as a 400 HP Mid Engine Sports Car by 2028
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Toyota Is Working on a Wild New Sports Car
Toyota may finally bring back one of its most iconic names, and this time it could be unlike any Celica before it. A new mid engine sports car powered by a turbocharged four cylinder engine producing around 400 horsepower is currently under development, with reports suggesting a production model could arrive around 2028.
While Toyota has not officially confirmed the name, several insiders have hinted that the legendary Celica badge is a strong possibility for the upcoming model.
Instead of following tradition, Toyota appears ready to rewrite the rulebook.
The M Concept Is the Foundation for the New Celica
The prototype currently testing is called the M Concept. It is based on the GR Yaris platform but features a completely different layout.
Unlike the standard GR Yaris, the new concept places Toyota’s latest 2 litre turbocharged G20E engine behind the front seats, creating a true mid engine configuration.
Key highlights include:
- Mid engine layout
- Turbocharged 2 litre four cylinder engine
- Expected output of around 400 horsepower
- All wheel drive system
- Potential ability to send full torque to the rear axle
- Development focused on driver engagement
Toyota is using this prototype as a rolling laboratory before the final production car reaches the market.
Toyota Is Developing the Car on Race Tracks Instead of Behind Closed Doors
Most manufacturers finish development before taking a new sports car racing.
Toyota does the opposite.
The company enters prototype vehicles into endurance races to discover weaknesses under extreme conditions. Engineers then repair the issues, improve the components, and return to testing.
Toyota calls this philosophy:
- Test
- Break
- Fix
- Repeat
This process has already helped improve previous GR models, including updates to engines, transfer cases, aerodynamics, and braking systems before customers ever receive the cars.
Why Toyota Gazoo Racing Is Different
Gazoo Racing focuses first on driving experience rather than specifications.
According to Toyota engineers, they are still finalising many aspects of the future production car, including its overall configuration. However, chassis balance, steering feel, engine response, and handling are already being tested aggressively.
Instead of spending years hidden inside development centres, prototypes are driven in real motorsport events where failures become valuable lessons.
That philosophy has become one of the biggest reasons behind the success of Toyota’s modern GR lineup.
New G20E Engine Could Power Multiple Future Performance Cars
At the heart of the M Concept sits Toyota’s all new G20E turbocharged engine.
Expected specifications include:
| Specification | Expected Figure |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0-litre Turbocharged Four-Cylinder |
| Power | Around 400 Horsepower |
| Layout | Mid-Engine |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
| Launch Estimate | Around 2028 |
Toyota has not confirmed final production specifications, so these figures could change during development.
Mid Engine Layout Changes the Driving Experience Completely
Engineers report that the prototype behaves very differently from the front engine GR Yaris.
Instead of pushing wide through corners, the mid engine layout allows the car to rotate naturally, giving drivers sharper turn in and more agile handling.
The combination of high power, all wheel drive traction, and balanced weight distribution could make this one of Toyota’s most exciting performance cars in decades.
Toyota Continues to Explore Alternative Fuels
Alongside traditional performance development, Toyota is also investing heavily in hydrogen combustion technology.
Unlike hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, these engines burn hydrogen inside a conventional internal combustion engine while retaining familiar characteristics such as:
- Engine sound
- Manual gearbox compatibility
- Driver involvement
- Lower carbon emissions potential
Toyota believes alternative fuel technologies can exist alongside electrification rather than replacing enthusiast focused cars entirely.
GR Corolla GRMN Also Debuts with Major Upgrades
Toyota also showcased an updated GR Corolla GRMN featuring significant performance improvements.
Some of the upgrades include:
- Carbon fibre bonnet
- Carbon fibre front wings
- Adjustable carbon fibre rear spoiler
- Stiffer chassis with rear brace bars
- Approximately 30 kg weight reduction
- Torque increased to 415 Nm
- Racing bucket seats
- Revised suspension setup
The model is expected to be available in markets including Japan, the United States, and Australia.
Could This Really Be the Next Toyota Celica?
Toyota has not officially announced the return of the Celica nameplate.
However, multiple reports and comments from people familiar with the project suggest the famous badge could return on this all new mid engine sports car rather than on a traditional front engine coupe.
If that happens, it would represent one of the biggest transformations in Celica history.
Final Thoughts
Toyota appears determined to prove that exciting performance cars still have a future. Rather than relying only on simulations, the company continues to develop its vehicles through motorsport, using real world testing to improve reliability and driver engagement.
If the current development timeline stays on track, enthusiasts could see a production version of this 400 horsepower mid engine sports car around 2028. Whether it ultimately carries the Celica name or another badge, it has the potential to become one of the most exciting Toyota performance models of the modern era.
Sources and References
1. Toyota Global Newsroom
Toyota Global Newsroom – GR Yaris M Concept Racing Debut
Official Toyota announcement explaining the GR Yaris M Concept, the new G20E engine, and its motorsport development program.
2. Toyota Global Newsroom – GRMN Corolla
Toyota Global Newsroom – GRMN Corolla Official Release
Official details about the GRMN Corolla, performance upgrades, torque figures, and future GR Corolla development.
3. Toyota Gazoo Racing Official
Toyota Gazoo Racing Official Website
Official Gazoo Racing website covering Toyota’s motorsport philosophy, performance vehicles, and racing programs.
4. Toyota North America Pressroom
Toyota North America Pressroom – GR Corolla
Official US press release with technical specifications and updates for the GR Corolla lineup.
5. Toyota Hydrogen Racing Project
Toyota Gazoo Racing Hydrogen Project
Official overview of Toyota’s hydrogen powered racing technology and future combustion engine development.
6. Carwow
Carwow – New Toyota Celica Exclusive Report
Exclusive drive and detailed report covering Toyota’s mid engine prototype, G20E engine, and development philosophy.
7. Motor1
Motor1 – Toyota Confirms New Mid Engine Sports Car
Reports on Toyota’s official confirmation that a new mid engine sports car is under development.
8. Road & Track
Road & Track – Toyota Executive Confirms Mid Engine Sports Car
Covers executive comments regarding Toyota’s upcoming mid engine sports car and projected development timeline.
9. Car and Driver
Car and Driver – Future Toyota Celica Sport Report
Analysis of the rumored Celica revival, expected AWD hybrid powertrain, and new G20E engine.
10. Autocar
Autocar – Toyota Celica and MR2 Under Development
Explores Toyota’s future sports car strategy, including the Celica, MR2, and next generation G20E turbo engine.
