Toyota Celica Prototypes Testing for WRC 2027 in Spain
Written with artificial intelligence.
Toyota Gazoo Racing is testing its WRC27 prototype near Tarragona, Spain, hinting at the potential return of the iconic Toyota Celica for the 2027 World Rally Championship. Ott Tänak, the 2019 world champion, is involved in the development of this vehicle, which is expected to feature a new turbocharged engine.
Development of the WRC27 Prototype
Toyota Gazoo Racing has recently conducted tests for its WRC27 prototype, a vehicle anticipated to mark the return of the legendary Toyota Celica to the World Rally Championship (WRC) in 2027. The testing took place in the vicinity of Rojals, near Tarragona, with 2019 world champion Ott Tänak behind the wheel. This development has generated excitement among rally enthusiasts as it signals the direction Toyota is taking with its rally vehicles.
Specifications and Features
The WRC27 prototype is a tubular chassis vehicle designed to comply with new regulations. It features a 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, which is a modified version of the engine used in the Toyota GR Yaris and GR Corolla. The prototype is built around a safety cell that will be common among all manufacturers participating in the WRC27 category, indicating that the final production version of the Celica will differ significantly from this prototype.
Future Launch Plans
Toyota plans to introduce the new Celica to international markets around 2028, following a strategy similar to that of its GR Yaris, GR86, and GR Supra models. The upcoming GR MR2 is also under development, expected to feature a new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing around 400 hp. Both the Celica and MR2 are part of Toyota's ambitious lineup aimed at reviving its sports car heritage.
Challenges Ahead
The new WRC regulations for 2027 aim to revitalize the rally category, but they have also created some confusion. Each WRC27 vehicle must have a minimum of 10 units produced for customer teams. Currently, other manufacturers are also developing their WRC27 vehicles, adding to the competitive landscape as Toyota prepares to return with its iconic Celica. The future of Hyundai Motorsport remains uncertain as they have yet to confirm a successor to their i20 N Rally1.