Toyota Chairman Stirs a Celica Comeback: An Electric Rebirth on the Horizon?

Toyota's Chairman and former CEO, Akio Toyoda, has expressed his desire for a revival of the iconic Celica, as per an interaction with the Toyota Times. Known for spearheading Toyota's transformation into a producer of exciting sports cars like the GR Yaris, GR Corolla, GR 86, and the Supra, Toyoda’s wish carries significant weight.

His comments came to light during the Rally Hokkaido, where he made notable references to four-time WRC champion Juha Kankkunen, known for his victories with the Celica.

The discussion steered towards the possible reincarnation of the Celica amidst Toyota's aggressive push towards electric vehicles under the new CEO, Koji Sato, who plans to launch 10 new EVs by 2026. The transition of the Celica to an electric platform could provide a unique selling point, blending heritage with modern EV technology. This speculation gains traction with Toyota's recent $3 billion investment with LG for battery production in the USA, and the unveiling of an ambitious EV roadmap aiming for vehicles with a range of up to 745 miles.

Celica has a historical essence, known for its four-pot engines and varying drivetrain configurations over the generations. But how would fans react to an electric Celica?