The Algarve region in Portugal has been a hotbed for rally racing, and this week, a local fan captured images of a camouflaged Toyota rally prototype undergoing shakedown tests. The car's presence is not unusual, as many manufacturers test their prototypes ahead of the next season. However, what's notable is that Toyota needs to develop an entirely new car for 2027 due to the changing rules, which will render its current factory rally car obsolete.
The upcoming WRC season brings significant rule changes, including a new spaceframe regulation that aims to attract more competitors into the sport. The underpinnings are standardized, with a tubular-frame safety cell and specified suspension and powertrain components. Additionally, there's a price cap that's half of what the current regulations set, making it more accessible for teams.
The allowed bodywork is also an area where the new rules will have a significant impact. Cars will no longer be derived from standard production cars but can instead be draped in either production-inspired designs or one-offs created specifically for rallying. This shift towards customization could lead to some exciting and unique racing cars on the track.
As Toyota works to develop its new WRC car, there are whispers about a potential return of the iconic Celica platform. The coupe body style used in the prototype suggests that something special might be brewing. With the Supra heading into hibernation, Toyota needs a halo performance car to regain its status as a top-tier manufacturer.
The Celica has a rich history with rally racing, particularly during the Sega Rally video game era. The Celica GT-Four, sold as the All-Trac in the United States, won multiple WRC Manufacturer's titles and driver's championships. A GR Celica could be an excellent addition to Toyota's lineup, offering both performance and heritage.
Toyota executives were tight-lipped about the prototype, but indicated that it had already logged over a thousand miles of testing. The car is expected to make its debut in next year's WRC season. However, the question remains whether a road-going version will also arrive in 2027, potentially marking a return of the GR Celica nameplate.
The new design and potential return of the Celica platform have fans and enthusiasts buzzing with excitement. With Toyota's commitment to developing a new car for the WRC, it's clear that the company is serious about its rallying ambitions. The question now is whether this will translate to success on the track.
As the automotive world waits with bated breath for more information on the GR Celica prototype, one thing is certain: Toyota is taking a bold step towards reclaiming its position as a top-tier manufacturer in the world of rally racing.
The upcoming WRC season promises to be an exciting and unpredictable ride, with the new rules and regulations set to shake things up. With Toyota's GR Celica prototype at the forefront of this change, it will be fascinating to see how the car performs on the track and whether it marks a successful return for the iconic platform.
The new design could indicate a return of the iconic platform.
