Toyota is preparing to bring back the Celica for the World Rally Championship in 2027. Leaked photos and insider comments suggest the Japanese brand is ready to retire the Yaris and revive a car that once defined its rally legacy.
Recent spy photos of a camouflaged prototype on gravel have sparked talk that Toyota is close to bringing the Celica back to the World Rally Championship, with a debut planned for 2027. This would mean the Yaris is on its way out, and Toyota is looking to reconnect with its rally roots.
The Celica name has lingered at Toyota for years, but now there are real signs of its return. The main reason is the WRC’s upcoming rule changes, which require all teams to rethink their cars. Toyota has moved quickly to make sure its next rally entry is ready for these new regulations, which are expected to shape the sport for years to come.
The FIA confirmed that the new WRC regulations coming into effect in 2027 will emphasize hybrid technology and stricter cost controls, prompting several manufacturers to reconsider their rally strategies.
Comments from insiders and former champions have added to the speculation. Luis Moya, who co-drove with Carlos Sainz, recently said, "the next year will be a bit dull, but we already know Toyota will have a Celica." His remarks, along with leaked images of a disguised rally car with clear Celica lines, have made Toyota’s intentions hard to miss.
The Celica first entered the World Rally Championship in 1976 and became a fixture through the 1980s and 1990s, winning events like the Safari Rally and taking titles with drivers such as Carlos Sainz, Juha Kankkunen, and Didier Auriol. Its reputation for reliability and speed set a standard in the sport, and its absence has been noticed by fans and rivals alike.
With the Yaris set to leave, Toyota now faces the task of adapting the Celica for a new era. The car is expected to carry the GR badge and, according to leaks, will use a turbocharged G20E engine to meet the technical demands of the 2027 rules. Toyota’s early start on development shows it wants to be ready from the beginning, not playing catch-up.
According to a recent report by Autosport, Toyota’s rally division began preliminary testing of the new Celica platform as early as late 2023, well ahead of most competitors. This proactive approach is seen as a direct response to the FIA’s push for innovation and sustainability in the next WRC era. Industry analysts note that Toyota’s investment in hybrid and alternative powertrains for motorsport has increased by over 20% since 2022.
This shift reflects a wider trend in motorsport, where established brands are using their history to win over fans and stay competitive. The Celica’s return is more than a marketing move; it’s Toyota’s way of reasserting itself in a sport where tradition and new technology meet. The anticipation is similar to the buzz around other big returns, like the recent debut of the Tesla Semi in Europe, which also marked a new phase for its segment.
For rally fans, the idea of seeing the Celica back on the world stage is more than nostalgia—it promises fresh competition and technical progress. If Toyota follows through on what these leaks and statements suggest, the 2027 WRC season could be the start of a new chapter for both the brand and the sport. By bringing back the Celica, Toyota is making it clear it wants to lead the next era of rallying, setting a high bar for what fans and competitors can expect.
