Toyota is turning heads and breaking the mold by bringing back two legendary gasoline-powered sports cars, the MR2 and Celica. While the industry is heavily focused on electric vehicles and hybrids, Toyota is catering to the enthusiasts who still crave the thrill of turbo-charged engines.
According to reports from Japan’s best-selling car magazine, Best Car, Toyota plans to revive these iconic sports car names without any electrification. The MR2 will feature a mid-engine 2.0-liter turbocharged powerplant, while the Celica will have the same engine mounted up front, delivering 400 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque.
Despite the industry’s push towards electric cars, Toyota recognizes the demand for gasoline-powered sports cars and aims to capitalize on this niche market. The company has already launched several sporty coupes, including the Scion FR-S (GT86), GR Supra, GR Yaris, and GR Corolla, all powered by gasoline engines.
The MR2 and Celica will share the same engine, and Toyota will offer both manual and automatic transmission options. The MR2 is rumored to have a 4WD GR-FOUR system for enhanced grip and safety, similar to the Corolla’s rally-tuned system.
The Celica, which first debuted in 1970 and went through seven generations before production ceased in 2006, was once named Motor Trend Car of the Year in 1976. The MR2, introduced in 1984 and progressing through three generations, was known as the “Poor Man’s Ferrari” due to its resemblance to the Ferrari 348.
The next-generation MR2, built by Toyota’s in-house tuning department GRMN, is expected to arrive in mid-to-late 2026 in limited numbers and priced around $65,000. The Celica, built by Toyota, will be available in 2026 at a more affordable price of around $42,000.
Article generated from corporate media reports.
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