Toyota is bringing the Celica nameplate back to competitive rally racing with the introduction of the new GR Celica Rally1, which will compete in the 2027 World Rally Championship (WRC). The announcement marks the return of a historic name, although it does not confirm that a road-going Celica will return to Toyota dealerships.
Toyota GR Celica Joins the 2027 Rally Championship
Rumors about Toyota reviving the Celica have circulated for some time. A potential GR Celica road car could sit above the GR86 in the lineup, possibly featuring an all-wheel-drive system and a turbocharged engine.
The GR Celica Rally1 will compete alongside the GR Yaris Rally1 rather than replacing it. However, the 2027 WRC regulations allow manufacturers to develop purpose-built rally cars without producing equivalent road-going models. This means the announcement should not be considered confirmation of a production version.
Could the GR Celica Return as a Road Car?
Bringing the GR Celica name back to major rally competitions could generate renewed interest in the nameplate. A future road-going model remains a possibility, but no production plans have been confirmed.
Gazoo Racing is now a standalone brand within Toyota, and expanding its portfolio could help it compete more effectively with Mercedes-AMG and BMW M.
Toyota Celica’s Successful Rally History
The Celica enjoyed a successful run in rally racing during the 1990s. Carlos Sainz won the Drivers’ Championship in 1990 and 1992, followed by Juha Kankkunen in 1993 and Didier Auriol in 1994.
During that period, the Lancia Delta Integrale was a dominant force in the sport, while the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution was beginning to establish itself. Tommi Mäkinen later secured four consecutive Drivers’ Championships from 1996 to 1999.
Toyota claimed the Manufacturers’ Championship in 1999 with the Corolla WRC before leaving the sport to focus on Formula 1.
2027 GR Celica Rally1 Engine and Performance
The new Rally1 cars scheduled for the 2027 WRC season, including the GR Celica, will feature sustainably fueled 1.6-liter turbocharged engines producing around 290 horsepower.
The engines will be paired with four-wheel-drive systems and five-speed sequential manual gearboxes.
Toyota Reveals GR Celica and GR Yaris Driver Lineups
Elfyn Evans, Oliver Solberg, and Sami Pajari will drive the GR Celica Rally1 under the Toyota Racing banner.
Meanwhile, Ott Tänak, Takamoto Katsuta, and Kalle Rovanperä will compete in the GR Yaris Rally1 under the Gazoo Racing Toyota banner.
Homologation is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. Toyota will reveal additional details about both cars, including their liveries, ahead of the 2027 season.
The GR Celica Rally1 will bring the Celica name back to competitive rally racing in 2027, while the possibility of a new production model remains unconfirmed.
