Toyota GR Celica’s Engine Layout Still Undecided: Mid or Front?

【PCauto】Toyota’s performance division Gazoo Racing is developing the next-generation GR Celica. This much-anticipated sports car is still in the early stages of development. One major question remains: will it use a front-engine layout or go for a more radical mid-engine design?

The Gazoo Racing team is now testing both options. The front-engine setup stays true to the Celica’s legacy, while the mid-engine layout could offer sharper handling and a more focused driving experience.

Mid-Engine Plan Draws Mixed Reactions

Although the idea is dividing opinions, Toyota engineers are already testing a GR Celica prototype with a mid-engine layout. This setup makes the car feel closer to the spirit of the MR2, rather than the traditional front-engine Celica we’re used to. Sources say the mid-engine version may come with rear-wheel drive. It’s also expected to be smaller and more compact than the GR Supra.

However, Toyota seems more likely to stick with a front-engine setup. Company leaders want the new Celica to stay true to its roots, rather than move entirely to a mid-engine layout.

Pairing the front-engine design with the GR-Four all-wheel drive system is also seen as a way to honor the Celica’s rally heritage.

Toyota Europe’s Design Director Lance Scott once suggested that the new Celica will carry strong rally DNA. Since most World Rally Championship (WRC) cars run with a front-engine and all-wheel-drive setup, his comments further support the idea of a front-engine layout.

“We’re working on a sports car that stirs real emotion,” Scott said. “And the Celica’s legacy is something we can’t overlook.”

GR Celica May Use a 2.0L Turbocharged Engine

No matter which engine layout it ends up with, the GR Celica’s powertrain is starting to take shape. The leading candidate is Toyota’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (G20E) announced last year. This engine will be tuned more aggressively to produce up to 400 horsepower (298 kW).

Toyota may also offer a 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine paired with a hybrid system to create a higher-performance model.

As for the transmission, a six-speed manual gearbox will almost certainly be offered as an option. The GR-Four all-wheel-drive system is likely to be standard. If the car uses a mid-engine layout, rear-wheel drive could be another option.

Production Version Could Debut in 2026 or 2027

No test cars have been spotted so far. But Toyota’s Senior Vice President of Product Planning and Strategy for North America said the GR Celica project is already in a fairly advanced stage.

Insiders say Toyota has shown the prototype to U.S. dealers, though details remain tightly under wraps.

The production model is expected in 2026. Some rumors suggest Toyota may reveal it globally at the 2027 Tokyo Motor Show.

Market Positioning and Competitors

The GR Celica’s final position will depend largely on the engine layout. If it goes with a mid-engine setup, it will compete directly with cars like the Alpine A110. If it sticks with a front-engine layout, it will be closer to the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86.

As development moves forward, Toyota’s top leaders will soon make the final call on the engine layout. No matter the choice, the GR Celica will mark an important step in Toyota’s effort to revive its sports car lineup. It will also showcase Gazoo Racing’s technical strength once again.