Toyota GR Celica Prototype Materializes as 2027 WRC Challenger

• Toyota tests new two-door coupe for 2027 WRC program.

• Prototype proportions suggest potential Celica revival.

• New turbo inline-four engines expected across future GR models.

An exciting camouflaged two-door Toyota prototype has surfaced during testing in Portugal, reportedly serving as the brand’s development car for the 2027 World Rally Championship program. The images landed on X.

The unexpected appearance is notable because the car is clearly not based on the current GR Yaris rally platform; also, it doesn’t look like a Corolla or an 86. Instead, it features coupe proportions that point toward an entirely new model.

Premières images de la Toyota WRC27 en essais au Portugal #WRC

Photos : Marcio Pereira pic.twitter.com/JLDMR9ejMn

— Rallye Sport (@RallyeSport) February 26, 2026

Under WRC homologation rules, competition vehicles must be derived from production-based architectures. The presence of a new coupe body strongly suggests Toyota is preparing a future road-going sports car to underpin its next rally entry.

Proportions offer important clues. The test car carries a relatively upright roofline toward the rear and a higher hood profile. Its short front overhang suggests a transverse engine layout enabling an AWD drivetrain. Observers also note visual similarities to past Celica rally cars, particularly in overall stance and cabin shape. This car’s fender flares, consistent with those of rally cars, remind us of the Action Package, or optional TRD body kit, also offered under the Panasonic Edition version, which was available for the final 7^th-generation Celica. The same goes for the large, squared-off rear spoiler.

The prototype’s posture and size seriously support speculations that Toyota may revive the Celica nameplate. The company has previously indicated interest in reintroducing several performance models, including a next-generation GR86 and a mid-engined MR2 successor. However, this test vehicle clearly appears front-engined.

Powertrain details remain unconfirmed, but speculation indicates a new generation of turbocharged inline-four engines is under development. These reportedly include 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre variants derived from Toyota’s existing brilliant G16E three-cylinder architecture used in the GR Yaris and GR Corolla. The larger 2.0-litre unit is expected to support hybrid integration and could deliver output ranging from around 400 hp to as high as 600 hp, depending on application.

Toyota has not released official specifications or timelines. Based on current testing activity and WRC alignment, we’ll need to wait until 2028, at least, before we see a production version.

Source: X