The Battle of the Japanese Coupes Return With This All New Celica
The classic Japanese sports coupe rivalry is reigniting with the arrival of an all new Celica in late 2027. The Celica nameplate goes back decades and classic Celica models command high prices today in the used car market.
The 6th generation Celica from 1994 was a rally champion and a street racer that till today has many admirers and prices hover higher than other Japanese super coupes from its era. Back in 2023, Toyota management hinted of the revival of the Celica but it now becomes a reality with the success of the Honda Prelude.
With Honda bringing back the legendary Honda Prelude (Malaysian launch at RM278,000), Toyota Motor Corporation is preparing its response which is the resurrection of the Toyota Celica.
Designed to slot into the Gazoo Racing (GR) performance family, the new Celica is set to deliver a sharper, track-ready alternative to Honda’s hybrid cruiser.
While both automakers are resurrecting iconic 1990s nameplates, their engineering philosophies target completely different drivers. Let us explain.
Honda Prelude 2026 Model (The Daily Grand Tourer pictured below): Built on Honda’s proven two-motor hybrid setup, the Prelude emphasizes refined styling, high fuel efficiency, and smooth front-wheel-drive dynamics. It’s designed as an accessible, eco-conscious sports coupe.
Toyota Celica 2027 Model (The Performance Machine): Leaning heavily into Toyota’s World Rally Championship (WRC) heritage, the Celica is rumored to feature a high-output 2.0-liter turbocharged engine paired with Toyota’s rally-tested GR-Four AWD system. Rather than just a hybrid commuter, it promises raw, enthusiast-focused power to challenge both the Prelude and higher-tier sports cars.
What to Expect from the all new 2027 Toyota Celica
Expect broad hips, functional air ducts, a low center of gravity, and sleek LED lighting derived from GR design cues. Inside you will get a digitized, physical-button-heavy interior geared toward performance driving, featuring sports bucket seats and advanced telematics. Under the hood will be Toyota’s turbocharged combustion engine with a compact hybrid electric motor to deliver instant low-end torque without sacrificing high-rev performance. As Toyota finalizes development prototypes, this match-up signals a true golden era renaissance for Japanese two-door coupes.
We cant wait to get behind the wheel of this all new Celica and will there be a GR Celica coming also?
