TOYOTA

Toyota Celica 2027 could get a new 2.0-liter turbo engine

Toyota is preparing to revive the legendary Celica with a new 2.0-liter turbo engine that develops 400 hp and has all-wheel drive.

Rumors about the revival of the legendary Toyota Celica have been circulating on the Internet for almost four years. The Japanese have kept the interest alive through anime series, patent filings and hints from executives. However, now the story is entering the specifics phase. According to a recent report by Autocar, a new coupe-like model, which could be called Celica Sport, is being prepared for a debut in 2027 as part of the Gazoo Racing division.

The main news is the powertrain. The familiar 1.6-liter three-cylinder G16E engine, which became the heart of the GR Yaris and GR Corolla, is gradually fading into the background. As Mikio Hayashi, GR marketing manager, explained, this engine is increasingly difficult to adapt to strict future environmental standards. Therefore, this engine will be replaced by an all-new 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine labeled G20E.

This engine promises more power, and is expected to produce around 400 hp in the "civilian" version, and for track modifications, the potential reaches 600 hp. Toyota is testing this unit on prototypes, although it is currently temporarily mounted in a mid-engine configuration based on the Yaris. However, the production Celica will retain the classic front-mounted engine layout.

The novelty will receive an all-wheel drive system, logically continuing the legacy of the famous GT-Four versions. An important detail is that Toyota Gazoo Racing is considering the use of hybrid technologies. This could include a self-charging hybrid and a plug-in version (PHEV).

Electrification is needed not only due to environmental requirements, but also to compensate for turbo lag and increase overall power. Of course, this will increase the weight of the car, but the experience of brands such as BMW or Audi shows that today it is practically impossible to keep powerful internal combustion engines in the offer without electrification. This 2.0-liter engine is expected to become the "backbone" for the entire future GR series, including the next-generation GR86.

Despite the lack of official confirmation of the design, sources say that dealers have already seen the first outlines of the body. If the forecasts come true, then in 2027 we will see a car that will try to bring back the spirit of rally victories of the 90s in a modern technological "package".

Toyota is actively developing a new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (designated G20E) intended for future high-performance Gazoo Racing (GR) models, including a rumored resurrection of the Celica. This engine is designed to produce roughly 400 horsepower (around 394–400 hp or 400 PS) in street-legal production vehicles, with race-tuned versions potentially exceeding 600 horsepower. 

Key aspects of the new 2.0L turbocharged engine(below):

Engine code: G20E-GTS.

Power output: ~400 hp (standard); >600 hp (racing/track version).

Target applications: Rumored for a new GR Celica (possibly reviving the "All-Trac Turbo" name), a new GR MR2, and future GR Corolla/Supra iterations.

Development philosophy: Engineered to outperform the legendary 2JZ-GTE engine in efficiency, packaging, and power, and designed to support carbon-neutral fuels.

Technical details: Features a shorter piston stroke for a more compact design, enabling better packaging for vehicles

Autonews