Celica to return in 2009 Options

[BloodyStupidDave...]

Further rumours that the Celica may rise from the ashes...

Automotive News is this week reporting that Toyota are going to bring back the Celica in 2009, pretty much re-itterating rumours from the start of the year (hybrid, 4WD option).

Channel 4 News expands upon these by guessing at what such a car might look like:
http://www.channel4.com/4car/news/news-sto...p?news_id=16733

In particular, several pundits thing that if there is a new Celica, it will be available in RWD and 4WD options, no FWD.

Speculation is that there will be a grand tourer version, a coupe version and a roadster version all based on the same chassis (and probably essentially the same chassis as another Toyta/Lexus model - IS-F?).

As a reminder, there have been a few concepts recently that could end up as the basis for a Celica.

FT-HS


LF-A


LW-S


Possible MR2 (spyshot)

[LewFX]

i know an architect at toyotas torrance headquarters...something has been in the works but because toyota took over the #1 position in sales over GM they didnt want to which from ecomony to performance just yet.

[95CelicaST]

last picture looks like someone's primered kit car

[LewFX]

LW-S looks like the civic

[njccmd2002]

a toyota civilica

[rjbibeau]

the LF-A is hella tits looks like a 300zx

[Shink]

Hmmm. While I'm thrilled at serious rumours of bringing back the Celica, I worry about some of the choices getting put out there. The Celica should be a front engined, 2 door, tourer. I think there's a heritage to be protected, not to mention a strong market niche. The FT-HS seems to do this. It's pretty damn hot, too, which doesn't hurt. A RWD option would be nice, too, as that's my personal preference (and I think a lot of other people, especially over in the US/Canada) and plus allows for higher bhp mods. Going with a mid-engine design or something too 'sporty' would not be the right car. Why bring back the Supra - which is the LF-A below - or the MR2, and call it a Celica?

The other thing that worries me is the engine. Japanese cars seem a little obsessed with hybrid fuels and electric motors. I would hate to see the Celica name attached to an under-performing Celica shaped Prius. If they must go hybrid/electric for commercial reasons (CO2 emission offsetting, for example) then I hope they don't bring the Celica back in 2009, and that they wait until they can do it properly.

This post has been edited by Shink: Nov 27, 2007 - 2:03 PM

[xs94st]

The other thing that worries me is the engine. Japanese cars seem a little obsessed with hybrid fuels and electric motors. I would hate to see the Celica name attached to an under-performing Celica shaped Prius. If they must go hybrid/electric for commercial reasons (CO2 emission offsetting, for example) then I hope they don't bring the Celica back in 2009, and that they wait until they can do it properly.

yep thats what im afraid of as well. the whole MPG idea that has spread across all car makers is a drain on all lower-priced autos. that is unless they keep one car primarily for performance, which is what most manufacturers do anyways.

[BloodyStupidDave...]

I worry about some of the choices getting put out there.

You raise several good points. If they can pull off something like the Tesla Roadster, I'm sure it will be a success. The articles didn't necessarily say that all three models would be called 'Celica' (although they can be read that way) - it seems just as likely that they'll call them all different names but one would assume that the three cars would look like siblings (just like the 5th gen Celica and the 2rd Gen MR2 did; or the 6th Gen Celica and the Supra MK IV).

This post has been edited by BloodyStupidDavey: Nov 27, 2007 - 3:28 PM

[playr158]

the LF-A won't be a basis for a celica
its already marketed for lexus and way more $ and power

[block]

let's hope it's not a FWD even though it states either RWD or AWD. the original celicas were RWD so that would be kool. if it's AWD, let it be turbo! hope they can bring back an updated version of the 3sgte, that would be badass! (even though it's not gonna happen!)

[LewFX]

the sportier turbo'ed matrix

[BloodyStupidDave...]

the LF-A won't be a basis for a celica
its already marketed for lexus and way more $ and power

I can't see why not. All they have to do is offer fewer options, standard trim and a crappier engine. Think of the difference between a US Curren and a Euro Celica GT. Essentially the same car, but big difference in price, market, performance, etc. A US Curren is still a good car, just not in the same league.

[OOBE]

FT-HS will never look like that. It even makes the LF-A look like from the 90s. I hate when they make a nice concept car, and it looks ten years older when it comes to production.

[Supersprynt]

I been reading about this for over a week and from the multiple sites I've read it's not even slated for North America as of right now. Doesn't mean it won't come here, but they haven't even thought of it yet.

[playr158]

the LF-A won't be a basis for a celica
its already marketed for lexus and way more $ and power

I can't see why not. All they have to do is offer fewer options, standard trim and a crappier engine. Think of the difference between a US Curren and a Euro Celica GT. Essentially the same car, but big difference in price, market, performance, etc. A US Curren is still a good car, just not in the same league.

since there was never a US Curren......you FAIL

plus name 1 car that was marketed for the low end econobox "sports" car......and a refined version marketed for the top sports car slot in a production line up?!
.....NEVER

This post has been edited by playr158: Nov 29, 2007 - 1:10 PM

[BloodyStupidDave...]

name 1 car that was marketed for the low end econobox "sports" car......and a refined version marketed for the top sports car slot in a production line up?!

The Supra will never be at the top-end again unless it becomes the Lexus Supra. It is pretty clear that the Toyota badge is going to be used for the mid-market in the near future. And we aren't talking about "1 car" - we are talking about "1 chassis". Even then, I'd expect the chassis to be subtly different between the different models (how many different ST20x chassis are there?).

Good call on the US Curren, thou

This post has been edited by BloodyStupidDavey: Nov 29, 2007 - 2:00 PM

[trdproven]

1. I say produce a rwd and 4wd model.
2. Keep it front engine.
3. Keep the four seater.
4. Keep a strong four cylinder model in.
5. Create a body that is still within the lines of the 6th gen celi and supra.
6. Have a lot of JDM accessories.

[thespacepanda]

1. I say produce a rwd and 4wd model.
2. Keep it front engine.
3. Keep the four seater.
4. Keep a strong four cylinder model in.
5. Create a body that is still within the lines of the 6th gen celi and supra.
6. Have a lot of JDM accessories.

Sooooooo.... a rwd and 4wd model scion tC. Got it.

[j0e_p3t]

1. I say produce a rwd and 4wd model.
2. Keep it front engine.
3. Keep the four seater.
4. Keep a strong four cylinder model in.
5. Create a body that is still within the lines of the 6th gen celi and supra.
6. Have a lot of JDM accessories.

Sooooooo.... a rwd and 4wd model scion tC. Got it.

i'd actually consider the tc if it came in a spec with a more powerful engine and awd/rwd. kinda like the usdm 6gc's and the gt-four.

This post has been edited by j0e_p3t: Nov 30, 2007 - 12:01 AM

[OOBE]

Since when does the tC looks like a Celica or Supra?

[LeonStryfe]

rumor is just a rumor... just liek the supra rumor 4 years ago

[Kwanza26]

These rumors always pop up every few months or so. It just adds to the "new Silvia" "new AE86" rumors... however... really now. Stop dreaming. If it happens... it happens. If not... then ehh. It's not like everyone here will be able to instantly afford one anyway.

[thespacepanda]

Since when does the tC looks like a Celica or Supra?

The tC looks more like our cars than the 7th gens.

[trdproven]

Since when does the tC looks like a Celica or Supra?

The tC looks more like our cars than the 7th gens.

Not really, TC's are short. They have a flattened front ended not sharp like ours. They are not hatched and their trunk space is short. Our cars look more like integras or supras.

[chacha]

integra...don't compare...but supra's lil bro...yes....same family....I agree with one thing just like the history of celica...keep the heritage...that's what makes the celica the "celica" or "celestial." Makes the car very classy...I think if they do come out with the new celica...I think it would be cool to change the celica name to Celestial, bringing back the unique Dragon Badge.

[OOBE]

Since when does the tC looks like a Celica or Supra?

The tC looks more like our cars than the 7th gens.

Is that so? The tC has a tall, squared nose versus the slanted, thin nose of the 6GC. tC is a boxy car, versus the Celica which is all curves. Heck, why are you even comparing it to ANY Celica. It shares NOTHING in common with them. A blind man could tell the HUGE difference. A 6GC and a 7GC are really low cars. Have you driven past a tC and noticed how hulking it looks? It gives you the impression that its window is taller than your roof. How many of you drive in fear because everything else around you is taller and you feel like about to get run over? The 6GC looks like nothing out there. To me, the tC wasn't even a Celica replacement per se. It just covered its market portion when it was discontinued. But what do I know?

[BloodyStupidDave...]

SC430 is quite nice.

[frosty]

the LF-A won't be a basis for a celica
its already marketed for lexus and way more $ and power

I can't see why not. All they have to do is offer fewer options, standard trim and a crappier engine. Think of the difference between a US Curren and a Euro Celica GT. Essentially the same car, but big difference in price, market, performance, etc. A US Curren is still a good car, just not in the same league.

Eh, those concept pics have already been designated as the "next supra". Come on, look at it, it would be the supra.

I think the new celica design would resemble more the 7gc but smoothed out more IMO. That's just how I see the design flow going...

I been reading about this for over a week and from the multiple sites I've read it's not even slated for North America as of right now. Doesn't mean it won't come here, but they haven't even thought of it yet.

I've read the same about it not an idea to come over here, but since I read that it would go to the euro market, that makes it stand a good chance here.

[thespacepanda]

Since when does the tC looks like a Celica or Supra?

The tC looks more like our cars than the 7th gens.

Is that so? The tC has a tall, squared nose versus the slanted, thin nose of the 6GC. tC is a boxy car, versus the Celica which is all curves. Heck, why are you even comparing it to ANY Celica. It shares NOTHING in common with them. A blind man could tell the HUGE difference. A 6GC and a 7GC are really low cars. Have you driven past a tC and noticed how hulking it looks? It gives you the impression that its window is taller than your roof. How many of you drive in fear because everything else around you is taller and you feel like about to get run over? The 6GC looks like nothing out there. To me, the tC wasn't even a Celica replacement per se. It just covered its market portion when it was discontinued. But what do I know?

God you're easy

[yarik83]

I think their main challenge of brinding a celica back to life is cost vs sell factor. For years they have been lowering celica potential to fit dot regulations. As a result celica grew from a car to a car with issues. People refused to pay so much money for a car with low horsepower. If you notice majority of the 7th gen celicas on the road are 2001-2003 and have traded hands at least once. Mitsubishi decided to bring back the eclipse. Successfull design, nice horsepower.. low sales. Think of how many late model eclipses are on the road in comparison to any other car of that class. Not that many. Car manufacturers are now struggling with sales because entire tuner market went for rear wheel drive due to drifting and rather than buying new vehicles many get a beat up nissan and or a honda and hook it up. There is significant gap between our generation interests and older generation interests. Your mom/dad would not be interested in car tuning in same ways we are. Your older brother may be interested in a 35 grand car with rims and tint and thats about it. Our generation likes cool stuff that fits within frames of fast and the furious series. As a result bringing back celica would be a mistake.

It is very unlikely that if released it will be priced affordably and hence our generation will still not be able to afford it withut financing. And hence it will not sell well as people car was designed for (aka 18 ish) dont have 22-29 grand lying around.

If I had to draw out a possible celica model I would look at competitor models such as integra, civic, eclipse etc. They all "kind of" resemble each other.


This post has been edited by yarik83: Dec 2, 2007 - 11:51 PM

[j0e_p3t]

if they do come out with a new celica... it'll probably be fwd only with the 2az engine. just like all the other new toyota cars.

[Kwanza26]

if they do come out with a new celica... it'll probably be fwd only with the 2az engine. just like all the other new toyota cars.

My thoughts exactly... hahaha

[OOBE]

Since when does the tC looks like a Celica or Supra?

The tC looks more like our cars than the 7th gens.

Is that so? The tC has a tall, squared nose versus the slanted, thin nose of the 6GC. tC is a boxy car, versus the Celica which is all curves. Heck, why are you even comparing it to ANY Celica. It shares NOTHING in common with them. A blind man could tell the HUGE difference. A 6GC and a 7GC are really low cars. Have you driven past a tC and noticed how hulking it looks? It gives you the impression that its window is taller than your roof. How many of you drive in fear because everything else around you is taller and you feel like about to get run over? The 6GC looks like nothing out there. To me, the tC wasn't even a Celica replacement per se. It just covered its market portion when it was discontinued. But what do I know?

God you're easy

Of course.

[gt_driFFter]

These rumors always pop up every few months or so. It just adds to the "new Silvia" "new AE86" rumors... however... really now. Stop dreaming. If it happens... it happens. If not... then ehh. It's not like everyone here will be able to instantly afford one anyway.

Word.

The title to this thread implies that this is a done deal thing. It should instead start with "Even more rumors of..."

Seriously, it's getting old.

[easternpiro1]

I stopped even getting my hopes up...come on now we're talking about TOYOTA. the pussies that were hesitant to overcome US automakers for the number one spot out of BACKLASH?!?!?


dont expect a celica anytime soon. take yarik's great example about the new eclipse...I SEE more 6gc's ON A DAILY BASIS than i see new eclipses IN A MONTH! REAL TALK!

In case youre wondering... I see at least 3 6g's average every day AND NOT usually the same ones. charlotte has a high number of them for some reason...

This post has been edited by easternpiro1: Dec 4, 2007 - 1:28 AM

[6strngs]

what's funny is, I've seen these concepts tons of times, but depending on where you go it's called something else. I've seen them called the new mr2, the new supra, the AE86, and now the new celica... yet somehow I have a feeling that if they do come out with something, it won't be called any of these and would be something new altogether.

[tads]

The only reason I would put any credence to the rumors of a Celica return is that the Solara is being killed off. This will leave a hole the Toyota line for a 2 door coupe. I really believe that a new Celica would be built around the 2AZ for the US market. I would rather see that than the tired 1ZZ being dropped into it again. I have a 1ZZ in my Corolla, but it’s a dog when compared with even the sluggish 5S in my Celica. If they kept the weight down a 2AZ powered Celica would be fun to drive. If they got ballsy and wanted to rattle Detroit’s cage a little they could also build it with a GTS trim and use the new 3.5L power plant. That would only be 32hp short of the advertised 300hp of a V8 Mustang. That would be a pretty quick car and by using Camry motors and transmissions the price shouldn’t be too ridiculous.

[BloodyStupidDave...]

The only reason I would put any credence to the rumors of a Celica return is that the Solara is being killed off. This will leave a hole the Toyota line for a 2 door coupe. I really believe that a new Celica would be built around the 2AZ for the US market. I would rather see that than the tired 1ZZ being dropped into it again. I have a 1ZZ in my Corolla, but it’s a dog when compared with even the sluggish 5S in my Celica. If they kept the weight down a 2AZ powered Celica would be fun to drive. If they got ballsy and wanted to rattle Detroit’s cage a little they could also build it with a GTS trim and use the new 3.5L power plant. That would only be 32hp short of the advertised 300hp of a V8 Mustang. That would be a pretty quick car and by using Camry motors and transmissions the price shouldn’t be too ridiculous.

I'd like to see the Celica return as a 4WD-only model. Something generally based around the shape of the MKIV Supra but with a slightly shorter bonnet and similar width to the 6th Gen Celica. If the more modern construction techniques and materials were used, and an engine based on the 2ZZ-GE, supercharged it should end up weighing less than 1600kg, 0-60 in around 6s with over 250bhp.

[Rayme]

I stopped even getting my hopes up...come on now we're talking about TOYOTA. the pussies that were hesitant to overcome US automakers for the number one spot out of BACKLASH?!?!?


dont expect a celica anytime soon. take yarik's great example about the new eclipse...I SEE more 6gc's ON A DAILY BASIS than i see new eclipses IN A MONTH! REAL TALK!

In case youre wondering... I see at least 3 6g's average every day AND NOT usually the same ones. charlotte has a high number of them for some reason...

well that's kinda unfair comparing a car that had 6 years of sale vs what...2 ?

[spolski07]

i see those ugly ass ecplise's everywhere i go
seriously see about 10-15 on a daily basis