Toyota Celica GT and MR2 GRMN Come to Life in CGI Through Imagination Land with 400 and 600 HP

Japanese car manufacturer Toyota boasts a wide range of high-performance vehicles thanks to its Gazoo Racing division: we are talking about the GR and GRMN models, not the lighter GR Sport variants.

The latter does nothing but exploit the star power of the former, and true connoisseurs would never abandon one. GRM or GR model for the lesser versions. Alas, some might still think Toyota could do more. After all, it’s been a while since they’ve produced a GRMN variant (the 2022 GRMN Yaris, just 500 examples, all for Japan), and only two of the GR models have a global presence: the GR86 and GR Supra.

Meanwhile, the GR Corolla is a regional affair: it’s available in North America, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Thailand, Malaysia, South Africa, and Indonesia; and so is the GR Yaris, which is offered in Japan, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines, Mexico, Argentina, Taiwan. As such, it’s no surprise that the rumor mill and parallel universes of vehicular CGI continue to churn out new ideas for Toyota’s Gazoo Racing range.

One of the most cherished dreams is obviously the dual return of the MR2 and Celica nameplates, and the imaginary realm of digital car content creators is not sitting idle. The Toyota MR2 was a line of mid-engine, two-seat RWD sports cars produced for the 1985 to 2007 model years with an emphasis on accessible sportiness. Meanwhile, the Celica was a broad-based model produced in seven generations between 1970 and 2006 with a variety of body styles: convertible, liftback, coupe, notchback, fastback hatch, etc.

Now, the Halo oto YouTube channel provides fresh automotive information backed up by their virtual designs; there are some new CGI ideas for the Celica and MR2, as well as the latest information from the rumor mill. While the resident pixel maestro was busy picturing the upcoming sports cars, the host reflects on the information he has gathered: apparently, a return is planned for the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon, with the MR2 retaining its roots as a more hardcore model while the Celica will be a true GT positioned above the GR Supra. Both are rumored to feature an all-new 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that could become the world’s most powerful if it hits the reported 600 hp mark.

Apparently, the reborn Toyota Celica will be a true grand tourer with “only” 400 horsepower under the hood (and an MSRP of $60k), while the MR2 (with a $70k sticker) will be the dedicated sports car with the GRMN versions hitting the sweet spot of 600 hp. Of course, take all these renderings and associated rumors with a healthy pinch of salt as there’s nothing official from Toyota just yet.