Toyota May Bring Back Their Iconic Toyota Celica Sports Car, Suggests Former CEO Akio Toyoda
Speculations about the much-anticipated return of the Toyota Celica sports car have gained fresh momentum, courtesy of hints dropped by key figures within the company. Former President and CEO Akio Toyoda, currently serving as the Chairman, recently alluded to the potential revival of the iconic performance coupe.
During an intriguing conversation with Hitoshi Hongo, the former editor-in-chief of Best Car magazine, the 67-year-old business magnate revealed that he had formally requested the reintroduction of the Celica. Fueling the buzz further, Toyoda dropped a subtle hint about the sports car’s imminent return, stating, “I’m not just saying this because we’re at a rally event, but Kankkunen (who was invited to the demo run) is Mr. Celica. He was champion four times in the Celica. Now you can all have a think about why I’m using Kankkunen so much. See if you can guess!”
Interestingly, Toyoda is not the sole advocate within the company for the resurrection of the Celica. Earlier this year, during another rally event, Toyota President Koji Sato expressed his enthusiasm for an eighth-generation model. With the Celica having been phased out in 2006 following the retirement of the “T230” generation, the prospect of its return has generated widespread anticipation among fans and automobile enthusiasts.
A Brief Trivia on the Toyota Celica:
The Toyota Celica, first introduced in 1970, swiftly gained a reputation for its combination of stylish design, impressive performance, and reliable engineering. Over the years, the Celica has served as a symbol of Toyota’s commitment to producing exhilarating sports cars, cementing its status as an iconic vehicle in the automotive industry. Its agile handling, sleek profile, and strong performance have captured the hearts of driving enthusiasts globally, solidifying its place in the annals of automotive history.
Considering the evolving automotive landscape, it remains to be seen where a potential future Celica would fit within Toyota’s existing lineup. Additionally, the question of whether it will be equipped with a combustion engine or embrace alternative power sources remains a topic of intrigue, particularly in an era where the clock is ticking for traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) sports cars.
The potential resurgence of the Celica has sparked discussions among car enthusiasts worldwide, with many eagerly anticipating what the renowned Japanese automaker has in store for this beloved model.
