Latest news with #HondaPrelude
Toronto Star
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Toronto Star
He was homeless and stealing food to survive. Now he's teaching kids how to heal from trauma — with improv
At 17 years old, Youness Robert-Tahiri slung a hockey bag filled with clothes and textbooks over his shoulder and left his childhood home for good. As he hopped into his friend's red Honda Prelude, he realized he had no plan except to escape the home where he was suffering. A difficult upbringing manifested in depression, anxiety and a prevailing sense of inadequacy later in life. At his lowest points, he dabbled in drugs, drank heavily, and attempted suicide multiple times, he said. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Through years of therapy and discovering a passion for theatre and performance, Robert-Tahiri channelled his formative experiences into a program that teaches youth how to understand and cope with trauma through comedy. He piloted it at an orphanage in Cape Town, South Africa, last summer and will move there Friday to continue the workshop for three months and hopefully long term, he said. The program, called HaHaHelps, uses improv exercises to help orphaned and precariously housed youth analyze how their upbringing and experiences have shaped their emotions. It fuses comedy and psychology to develop confidence, emotional regulation skills and a stronger sense of self. Robert-Tahiri, who grew up in Brampton and graduates on Thursday with a degree in psychology from the University of Toronto's Woodsworth College, said he has a passion for working with kids, especially boys who are reluctant to share their feelings, because he can relate to their experiences. 'I'm validating them, encouraging them, homing in on their interests ... I try and give them what I wish I had,' he said. As a teenager, Robert-Tahiri said he felt like he was living a double life. To the outside world, he seemed privileged and never wanted for food or clothing. His father, who worked in the aviation industry, would take the family on annual trips to Hawaii. At the same time, he said his father constantly belittled him, telling him he was stupid and would never amount to anything, while his mother was emotionally distant. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Robert-Tahiri said he suppressed feelings of self-loathing for years and took on the role of class clown to find validation. 'I was so invisible at home. But as soon as I popped a joke and got a laugh in class, it was like 'Oh my God, I matter.' ' When he became homeless in high school, he started stealing food and selling drugs to make ends meet. He hid that he was couch-surfing from school staff, and remembers breaking into tears when a teacher once pulled him aside and asked why he hadn't submitted an important assignment. '(I said) I don't have a computer because I don't have a home,' he recalled. 'How am I supposed to write about Louis the 14th or whatever in the distant past when I don't even know if I got a future?' Robert-Tahiri tried to repress negative emotions he carried from childhood, but couldn't stop them from surfacing. After an angry outburst got him kicked off the soccer team, a classmate encouraged him to rehearse for a school play. He unexpectedly landed the lead role. One teacher, who would become a mentor, noticed his knack for performance and encouraged him to foster his talent and apply to the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW 'That's what sparked hope for me when I was homeless,' he said. Robert-Tahiri was accepted to the school, and paid for it through money he saved from working in a call centre and later a scholarship. He spent about a decade as an actor and comedian before enrolling in U of T as a mature student. He said he decided to study psychology to form a better understanding of the links between childhood adversity and mental health. Improv comedy, in particular, is helpful in building mindfulness, resilience and self-awareness for kids because of its kinetic pace, he said. Youness Robert-Tahiri is pictured holding a workshop last summer focused on mental health, delivered through improv comedy, at SOS Children's Villages in South Africa. Youness Robert-Tahiri Zama Mbele, program director of SOS Children's Villages in South Africa, where Robert-Tahiri piloted the program, said she marveled at how the kids she serves were able to connect with him because of his gentle approach and relatability. 'They actually saw themselves in Youness ... it helped them come out of their shell,' she said. Robert-Tahiri will travel back to South Africa on Friday and said he hopes to expand the program to other countries, including Canada. He's in talks with a youth homeless shelter in Toronto to implement a version of it. 'This won't resonate with every single child of course, but I believe there's potential for those kids who don't respond to traditional treatments,' he said. 'Now is the time to try new solutions, not $200-an-hour therapy, not a five-year wait-list, but something that's rooted in joy and connection.' If you are having thoughts of suicide or are worried about a loved one, call or text 988 for suicide-prevention support at any time of day or night, or call the Talk Suicide Canada helpline at 1-833-456-4566.
Miami Herald
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Could the New Honda Prelude Spark a Comeback for Other Sport Coupes?
With the imminent arrival of Honda's resurrected Prelude sparking enthusiasm worldwide, its reception still remains divided over whether a hybrid-powered, CVT-equipped two-door coupe is a worthwhile successor to the now legendary nameplate. Honda's bold strategy to offer a personal compact coupe with mechanical furnishings not far off from that of a Toyota Prius, combined with simulated shift points and flappy paddles to add a sense of excitement, is a move that has drawn plenty of skepticism. However, the way in which it plays out could permanently alter the way that affordable sports cars are marketed. If the upcoming Honda Prelude's development strategy proves popular, perhaps we could see other manufacturers offering their own compact sport coupes with running gear borrowed from more frugal models. If Honda's upcoming Prelude proves to be a sales success, it could prompt rival automakers to resurrect their own iconic compact sport coupes with similar hybridized powertrains and simulated excitement, allowing them to once again offer fun-focused models without having to develop entirely new powertrains and platforms. Using generative text-to-image artificial intelligence and Adobe Photoshop, we take an imagined look at what some hypothetically revived compact sport coupes could look like from a variety of manufacturers. These renders in no way resemble any actual products and are exclusively for speculative and entertainment purposes. Taking style inspiration from the polarizing Hyundai Ioniq 6, reviving the Tiburon nameplate could be an excellent way for Hyundai to take on Honda's upcoming Prelude. The Korean automaker has come an extremely long way since the Tiburon was discontinued from its lineup back in 2008, and an all-new Tiburon could provide an excellent opportunity to show off just how much progress they've made. Equipped with the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which, when paired with a 51-kW electric motor, makes 192 horsepower in the 2025 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, the revived Tiburon could directly mirror the Prelude's development philosophy, albeit with Hyundai tech and engineering, and a genuine six-speed automatic transmission instead of a CVT. For the purist enthusiasts out there, the development of a revived Tiburon sport coupe could also open up the opportunity for a more hardened performance variant, possibly powered by the same 276-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine found in the Hyundai Elantra N, paired with the buyer's choice of either a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic. With these two hypothetical variants, the resurrected Hyundai Tiburon could cover a lot of enthusiast ground, appealing to both the hardcore purists and progressive, athletic modernists alike. A true Fast & Furious icon, the Mitsubishi Eclipse was once one of the most desirable compact sport coupes on the market, combining daily driver practicality with agile handling and torquey, turbocharged powertrain options. Reviving the Eclipse nameplate could go a long way towards rejuvenating Mitsubishi's brand image, which has lost plenty of steam in recent years thanks to the automaker's discontinuation of every single remotely exciting model from its lineup. Diluted with monotonous crossovers, Mitsubishi needs something to remind the world that it's still in business. Whether it employs a modified variant of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV's plug-in hybrid 2.4-liter four-cylinder powertrain or something juicier and turbocharged, we'd love to see something spicy back in Mitsubishi's portfolio of automobiles. Enthusiasts have been begging Toyota for a new Celica since the model was discontinued in 2006, and recent rumors suggest that their cries may soon be answered. Whether it will equip a similar, 300-horsepower, turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine as found in the GR Corolla, or a Prius-sourced, 196-horsepower hybrid powertrain with all-wheel drive, we're eagerly awaiting more information about Toyota's rumored upcoming sports coupe. As Honda's official release of the resurrected Prelude nears ever closer, we can't help but feel nostalgic about the glory days of the personal compact sport coupe, a segment that reigned supreme throughout the 1980s and '90s in North America. It seemed every manufacturer offered a small, sporty coupe of their own, reflecting an appreciation for frugal fun that seems to have been lost to the sands of time ever since. When the all-new Prelude returns, and if it proves popular, it's possible that we could see a resurgence of compact sporty coupes, albeit with an entirely modernized philosophy. Only time will tell, but the Honda Prelude has us feeling incredibly optimistic for the future of the affordable two-door coupe. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
The Advertiser
06-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Toyota Celica edges closer, may return with petrol power
Development work on a new sports car which may revive the lauded Toyota Celica name is well advanced, according to a senior Toyota executive – and it may pass on electrification and instead offer only internal combustion engine (ICE) power. The long-rumoured return of the Celica, a two-door sports coupe dropped from the global Toyota lineup after seven generations in 2006, was confirmed by a Toyota executive in Japan in late 2024. The comment by Toyota executive vice president Yuki Nakajima was perhaps premature given there's been no official word on a born-again Celica since then – neither from Japan nor Australia or the US, which would be a key market for a new sports coupe wearing the well-regarded Celica nameplate. Of course, it may also have been a pre-emptive strike in response to news that a former Celica showroom rival – the Honda Prelude – would be making a comeback in 2026. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "To be honest, there is no sign of it right now," Nakajima-san said in translated comments reported by by Best Car Web in November. "However, there are many people within the company who are eagerly awaiting the Celica. So – I'm not sure if it's okay to say this in a public forum – but we're doing the Celica!" Release timing for the new Celica is yet to be confirmed, but dealers in the US have reportedly seen development versions of the vehicle, suggesting it is not far from showrooms and may be publicly revealed later this year – or early 2026. Speaking to US title Motor Trendrecently, Toyota Motor North America's product lead Cooper Ericksen said test mules for a suitable Celica replacement are at "pretty advanced" stages of development. "People are talking about it," Mr Ericksen told Motor Trend. "Bottom line is we are working on a product that could theoretically go by the Celica name if we can figure out how to pull it off and it gets approved." Mr Ericksen suggested the development vehicles shown to dealers and trundling around test tracks include non-hybrid versions, which would be in line with other Toyota GR-branded performance models like the GR Yaris, GR Corolla, GR 86 and GR Supra. "Akio [Toyoda, Toyota Motor Corporation chairman] has said when it comes to specialised GR performance products, it is very difficult to replicate that emotional driving feel out on track with something other than traditional ICE," he said. While not ruling out hybrid or battery-electric versions of the would-be Celica, the Toyota US product boss hinted at a return to pure petrol power in an effort to make it affordable and entertaining to drive. "I'm not closing the door to a vehicle that is ultra lightweight, that has a super-advanced system but is still a traditional ICE. It could be something that does not have an electric drive," said Mr Ericksen. An ICE powertrain could also pave the way for a new Celica equipped with a manual gearbox – something Toyota offers with all four of its existing GR models. The Celica name has not been confirmed for the test cars Ericksen spoke about (there's also speculation around Toyota reviving the MR2 name), and it's not clear where the new model would fit into Toyota's GR range, which currently comprises the GR 86 ($43,940-$49,600 before on-road costs), GR Yaris ($55,490-$62,990), GR Corolla ($67,990-$70,490) and GR Supra ($86,295-$96,295). Previous versions of the Celica have typically been based on mid-size sedans – which in Australia included the Corona and, later, the Camry – and the most affordable versions weren't fast enough to be considered serious performance cars. The flagship Celica GT-Four – which was campaigned in the World Rally Championship – was arguably overshadowed in the 1990s by cult cars such as the Subaru Impreza WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. A variant of the Celica called the Supra was introduced in the US in 1977, which became a model in its own right in 1986. Content originally sourced from: Development work on a new sports car which may revive the lauded Toyota Celica name is well advanced, according to a senior Toyota executive – and it may pass on electrification and instead offer only internal combustion engine (ICE) power. The long-rumoured return of the Celica, a two-door sports coupe dropped from the global Toyota lineup after seven generations in 2006, was confirmed by a Toyota executive in Japan in late 2024. The comment by Toyota executive vice president Yuki Nakajima was perhaps premature given there's been no official word on a born-again Celica since then – neither from Japan nor Australia or the US, which would be a key market for a new sports coupe wearing the well-regarded Celica nameplate. Of course, it may also have been a pre-emptive strike in response to news that a former Celica showroom rival – the Honda Prelude – would be making a comeback in 2026. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "To be honest, there is no sign of it right now," Nakajima-san said in translated comments reported by by Best Car Web in November. "However, there are many people within the company who are eagerly awaiting the Celica. So – I'm not sure if it's okay to say this in a public forum – but we're doing the Celica!" Release timing for the new Celica is yet to be confirmed, but dealers in the US have reportedly seen development versions of the vehicle, suggesting it is not far from showrooms and may be publicly revealed later this year – or early 2026. Speaking to US title Motor Trendrecently, Toyota Motor North America's product lead Cooper Ericksen said test mules for a suitable Celica replacement are at "pretty advanced" stages of development. "People are talking about it," Mr Ericksen told Motor Trend. "Bottom line is we are working on a product that could theoretically go by the Celica name if we can figure out how to pull it off and it gets approved." Mr Ericksen suggested the development vehicles shown to dealers and trundling around test tracks include non-hybrid versions, which would be in line with other Toyota GR-branded performance models like the GR Yaris, GR Corolla, GR 86 and GR Supra. "Akio [Toyoda, Toyota Motor Corporation chairman] has said when it comes to specialised GR performance products, it is very difficult to replicate that emotional driving feel out on track with something other than traditional ICE," he said. While not ruling out hybrid or battery-electric versions of the would-be Celica, the Toyota US product boss hinted at a return to pure petrol power in an effort to make it affordable and entertaining to drive. "I'm not closing the door to a vehicle that is ultra lightweight, that has a super-advanced system but is still a traditional ICE. It could be something that does not have an electric drive," said Mr Ericksen. An ICE powertrain could also pave the way for a new Celica equipped with a manual gearbox – something Toyota offers with all four of its existing GR models. The Celica name has not been confirmed for the test cars Ericksen spoke about (there's also speculation around Toyota reviving the MR2 name), and it's not clear where the new model would fit into Toyota's GR range, which currently comprises the GR 86 ($43,940-$49,600 before on-road costs), GR Yaris ($55,490-$62,990), GR Corolla ($67,990-$70,490) and GR Supra ($86,295-$96,295). Previous versions of the Celica have typically been based on mid-size sedans – which in Australia included the Corona and, later, the Camry – and the most affordable versions weren't fast enough to be considered serious performance cars. The flagship Celica GT-Four – which was campaigned in the World Rally Championship – was arguably overshadowed in the 1990s by cult cars such as the Subaru Impreza WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. A variant of the Celica called the Supra was introduced in the US in 1977, which became a model in its own right in 1986. Content originally sourced from: Development work on a new sports car which may revive the lauded Toyota Celica name is well advanced, according to a senior Toyota executive – and it may pass on electrification and instead offer only internal combustion engine (ICE) power. The long-rumoured return of the Celica, a two-door sports coupe dropped from the global Toyota lineup after seven generations in 2006, was confirmed by a Toyota executive in Japan in late 2024. The comment by Toyota executive vice president Yuki Nakajima was perhaps premature given there's been no official word on a born-again Celica since then – neither from Japan nor Australia or the US, which would be a key market for a new sports coupe wearing the well-regarded Celica nameplate. Of course, it may also have been a pre-emptive strike in response to news that a former Celica showroom rival – the Honda Prelude – would be making a comeback in 2026. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "To be honest, there is no sign of it right now," Nakajima-san said in translated comments reported by by Best Car Web in November. "However, there are many people within the company who are eagerly awaiting the Celica. So – I'm not sure if it's okay to say this in a public forum – but we're doing the Celica!" Release timing for the new Celica is yet to be confirmed, but dealers in the US have reportedly seen development versions of the vehicle, suggesting it is not far from showrooms and may be publicly revealed later this year – or early 2026. Speaking to US title Motor Trendrecently, Toyota Motor North America's product lead Cooper Ericksen said test mules for a suitable Celica replacement are at "pretty advanced" stages of development. "People are talking about it," Mr Ericksen told Motor Trend. "Bottom line is we are working on a product that could theoretically go by the Celica name if we can figure out how to pull it off and it gets approved." Mr Ericksen suggested the development vehicles shown to dealers and trundling around test tracks include non-hybrid versions, which would be in line with other Toyota GR-branded performance models like the GR Yaris, GR Corolla, GR 86 and GR Supra. "Akio [Toyoda, Toyota Motor Corporation chairman] has said when it comes to specialised GR performance products, it is very difficult to replicate that emotional driving feel out on track with something other than traditional ICE," he said. While not ruling out hybrid or battery-electric versions of the would-be Celica, the Toyota US product boss hinted at a return to pure petrol power in an effort to make it affordable and entertaining to drive. "I'm not closing the door to a vehicle that is ultra lightweight, that has a super-advanced system but is still a traditional ICE. It could be something that does not have an electric drive," said Mr Ericksen. An ICE powertrain could also pave the way for a new Celica equipped with a manual gearbox – something Toyota offers with all four of its existing GR models. The Celica name has not been confirmed for the test cars Ericksen spoke about (there's also speculation around Toyota reviving the MR2 name), and it's not clear where the new model would fit into Toyota's GR range, which currently comprises the GR 86 ($43,940-$49,600 before on-road costs), GR Yaris ($55,490-$62,990), GR Corolla ($67,990-$70,490) and GR Supra ($86,295-$96,295). Previous versions of the Celica have typically been based on mid-size sedans – which in Australia included the Corona and, later, the Camry – and the most affordable versions weren't fast enough to be considered serious performance cars. The flagship Celica GT-Four – which was campaigned in the World Rally Championship – was arguably overshadowed in the 1990s by cult cars such as the Subaru Impreza WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. A variant of the Celica called the Supra was introduced in the US in 1977, which became a model in its own right in 1986. Content originally sourced from: Development work on a new sports car which may revive the lauded Toyota Celica name is well advanced, according to a senior Toyota executive – and it may pass on electrification and instead offer only internal combustion engine (ICE) power. The long-rumoured return of the Celica, a two-door sports coupe dropped from the global Toyota lineup after seven generations in 2006, was confirmed by a Toyota executive in Japan in late 2024. The comment by Toyota executive vice president Yuki Nakajima was perhaps premature given there's been no official word on a born-again Celica since then – neither from Japan nor Australia or the US, which would be a key market for a new sports coupe wearing the well-regarded Celica nameplate. Of course, it may also have been a pre-emptive strike in response to news that a former Celica showroom rival – the Honda Prelude – would be making a comeback in 2026. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "To be honest, there is no sign of it right now," Nakajima-san said in translated comments reported by by Best Car Web in November. "However, there are many people within the company who are eagerly awaiting the Celica. So – I'm not sure if it's okay to say this in a public forum – but we're doing the Celica!" Release timing for the new Celica is yet to be confirmed, but dealers in the US have reportedly seen development versions of the vehicle, suggesting it is not far from showrooms and may be publicly revealed later this year – or early 2026. Speaking to US title Motor Trendrecently, Toyota Motor North America's product lead Cooper Ericksen said test mules for a suitable Celica replacement are at "pretty advanced" stages of development. "People are talking about it," Mr Ericksen told Motor Trend. "Bottom line is we are working on a product that could theoretically go by the Celica name if we can figure out how to pull it off and it gets approved." Mr Ericksen suggested the development vehicles shown to dealers and trundling around test tracks include non-hybrid versions, which would be in line with other Toyota GR-branded performance models like the GR Yaris, GR Corolla, GR 86 and GR Supra. "Akio [Toyoda, Toyota Motor Corporation chairman] has said when it comes to specialised GR performance products, it is very difficult to replicate that emotional driving feel out on track with something other than traditional ICE," he said. While not ruling out hybrid or battery-electric versions of the would-be Celica, the Toyota US product boss hinted at a return to pure petrol power in an effort to make it affordable and entertaining to drive. "I'm not closing the door to a vehicle that is ultra lightweight, that has a super-advanced system but is still a traditional ICE. It could be something that does not have an electric drive," said Mr Ericksen. An ICE powertrain could also pave the way for a new Celica equipped with a manual gearbox – something Toyota offers with all four of its existing GR models. The Celica name has not been confirmed for the test cars Ericksen spoke about (there's also speculation around Toyota reviving the MR2 name), and it's not clear where the new model would fit into Toyota's GR range, which currently comprises the GR 86 ($43,940-$49,600 before on-road costs), GR Yaris ($55,490-$62,990), GR Corolla ($67,990-$70,490) and GR Supra ($86,295-$96,295). Previous versions of the Celica have typically been based on mid-size sedans – which in Australia included the Corona and, later, the Camry – and the most affordable versions weren't fast enough to be considered serious performance cars. The flagship Celica GT-Four – which was campaigned in the World Rally Championship – was arguably overshadowed in the 1990s by cult cars such as the Subaru Impreza WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. A variant of the Celica called the Supra was introduced in the US in 1977, which became a model in its own right in 1986. Content originally sourced from:
7NEWS
05-06-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
Toyota Celica edges closer, may return with petrol power
Development work on a new sports car which may revive the lauded Toyota Celica name is well advanced, according to a senior Toyota executive – and it may pass on electrification and instead offer only internal combustion engine (ICE) power. The long-rumoured return of the Celica, a two-door sports coupe dropped from the global Toyota lineup after seven generations in 2006, was confirmed by a Toyota executive in Japan in late 2024. The comment by Toyota executive vice president Yuki Nakajima was perhaps premature given there's been no official word on a born-again Celica since then – neither from Japan nor Australia or the US, which would be a key market for a new sports coupe wearing the well-regarded Celica nameplate. Of course, it may also have been a pre-emptive strike in response to news that a former Celica showroom rival – the Honda Prelude – would be making a comeback in 2026. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. 'To be honest, there is no sign of it right now,' Nakajima-san said in translated comments reported by by Best Car Web in November. 'However, there are many people within the company who are eagerly awaiting the Celica. So – I'm not sure if it's okay to say this in a public forum – but we're doing the Celica!' Release timing for the new Celica is yet to be confirmed, but dealers in the US have reportedly seen development versions of the vehicle, suggesting it is not far from showrooms and may be publicly revealed later this year – or early 2026. Speaking to US title Motor Trend recently, Toyota Motor North America's product lead Cooper Ericksen said test mules for a suitable Celica replacement are at 'pretty advanced' stages of development. 'People are talking about it,' Mr Ericksen told Motor Trend. 'Bottom line is we are working on a product that could theoretically go by the Celica name if we can figure out how to pull it off and it gets approved.' Mr Ericksen suggested the development vehicles shown to dealers and trundling around test tracks include non-hybrid versions, which would be in line with other Toyota GR-branded performance models like the GR Yaris, GR Corolla, GR 86 and GR Supra. 'Akio [Toyoda, Toyota Motor Corporation chairman] has said when it comes to specialised GR performance products, it is very difficult to replicate that emotional driving feel out on track with something other than traditional ICE,' he said. While not ruling out hybrid or battery-electric versions of the would-be Celica, the Toyota US product boss hinted at a return to pure petrol power in an effort to make it affordable and entertaining to drive. 'I'm not closing the door to a vehicle that is ultra lightweight, that has a super-advanced system but is still a traditional ICE. It could be something that does not have an electric drive,' said Mr Ericksen. An ICE powertrain could also pave the way for a new Celica equipped with a manual gearbox – something Toyota offers with all four of its existing GR models. The Celica name has not been confirmed for the test cars Ericksen spoke about (there's also speculation around Toyota reviving the MR2 name), and it's not clear where the new model would fit into Toyota's GR range, which currently comprises the GR 86 ($43,940-$49,600 before on-road costs), GR Yaris ($55,490-$62,990), GR Corolla ($67,990-$70,490) and GR Supra ($86,295-$96,295). Previous versions of the Celica have typically been based on mid-size sedans – which in Australia included the Corona and, later, the Camry – and the most affordable versions weren't fast enough to be considered serious performance cars. The flagship Celica GT-Four – which was campaigned in the World Rally Championship – was arguably overshadowed in the 1990s by cult cars such as the Subaru Impreza WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.
Perth Now
05-06-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Toyota Celica edges closer, may return with petrol power
Development work on a new sports car which may revive the lauded Toyota Celica name is well advanced, according to a senior Toyota executive – and it may pass on electrification and instead offer only internal combustion engine (ICE) power. The long-rumoured return of the Celica, a two-door sports coupe dropped from the global Toyota lineup after seven generations in 2006, was confirmed by a Toyota executive in Japan in late 2024. The comment by Toyota executive vice president Yuki Nakajima was perhaps premature given there's been no official word on a born-again Celica since then – neither from Japan nor Australia or the US, which would be a key market for a new sports coupe wearing the well-regarded Celica nameplate. Of course, it may also have been a pre-emptive strike in response to news that a former Celica showroom rival – the Honda Prelude – would be making a comeback in 2026. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert 'To be honest, there is no sign of it right now,' Nakajima-san said in translated comments reported by by Best Car Web in November. 'However, there are many people within the company who are eagerly awaiting the Celica. So – I'm not sure if it's okay to say this in a public forum – but we're doing the Celica!' Release timing for the new Celica is yet to be confirmed, but dealers in the US have reportedly seen development versions of the vehicle, suggesting it is not far from showrooms and may be publicly revealed later this year – or early 2026. Speaking to US title Motor Trend recently, Toyota Motor North America's product lead Cooper Ericksen said test mules for a suitable Celica replacement are at 'pretty advanced' stages of development. 'People are talking about it,' Mr Ericksen told Motor Trend. Supplied Credit: CarExpert 'Bottom line is we are working on a product that could theoretically go by the Celica name if we can figure out how to pull it off and it gets approved.' Mr Ericksen suggested the development vehicles shown to dealers and trundling around test tracks include non-hybrid versions, which would be in line with other Toyota GR-branded performance models like the GR Yaris, GR Corolla, GR 86 and GR Supra. 'Akio [Toyoda, Toyota Motor Corporation chairman] has said when it comes to specialised GR performance products, it is very difficult to replicate that emotional driving feel out on track with something other than traditional ICE,' he said. While not ruling out hybrid or battery-electric versions of the would-be Celica, the Toyota US product boss hinted at a return to pure petrol power in an effort to make it affordable and entertaining to drive. 'I'm not closing the door to a vehicle that is ultra lightweight, that has a super-advanced system but is still a traditional ICE. It could be something that does not have an electric drive,' said Mr Ericksen. Supplied Credit: CarExpert An ICE powertrain could also pave the way for a new Celica equipped with a manual gearbox – something Toyota offers with all four of its existing GR models. The Celica name has not been confirmed for the test cars Ericksen spoke about (there's also speculation around Toyota reviving the MR2 name), and it's not clear where the new model would fit into Toyota's GR range, which currently comprises the GR 86 ($43,940-$49,600 before on-road costs), GR Yaris ($55,490-$62,990), GR Corolla ($67,990-$70,490) and GR Supra ($86,295-$96,295). Previous versions of the Celica have typically been based on mid-size sedans – which in Australia included the Corona and, later, the Camry – and the most affordable versions weren't fast enough to be considered serious performance cars. The flagship Celica GT-Four – which was campaigned in the World Rally Championship – was arguably overshadowed in the 1990s by cult cars such as the Subaru Impreza WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. A variant of the Celica called the Supra was introduced in the US in 1977, which became a model in its own right in 1986.
