Toyota is going on a massive performance car offensive.
The Japanese giant is rumoured to be bringing back the Celica and the MR2, but now it is believed the Starlet will be reborn as a rally-bred GR pocket-rocket.
The latest from Japan’s rumour mill, via BestCar magazine, is the Starlet GR will be built on the company’s 'TNGA-B' platform that underpins the Yaris hatchback.
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It will be smaller than the Yaris, with dimensions closer to the pint-sized Kia Picanto.
Power is believed to come from a more potent version of the 1.0-litre hybrid three-cylinder engine found in the Yaris.
It was previously thought the Starlet would be all-wheel drive but it is more likely it will be front-wheel drive and will be in line with WRC Rally 4 classifications.
This means it will be two-wheel drive and weigh a little more than 1000kg.
It is expected to only be fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox. Toyota has initially launched its GR Yaris and Corolla with three pedals but has added an automatic version later.
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This news follows the confirmation a Celica is happening.
Toyota’s Vice President, Yuki Nakajima, said the iconic sports car will make a triumphant return, according to Japanese publication, Best Car.
“We're making the Celica!,” said Nakajima.
"To be honest, there is no sign of it right now. However, there are many people within the company who are eagerly awaiting the Celica. So… I wonder if it's okay to say this in a public forum, but we're doing the Celica!"
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It is believed a new Celica would use a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine paired with hybrid power to deliver an astounding 300kW.
Toyota Australia recently lodged a new trademark for the Celica name Down Under, read into that what you will.
The MR2 has been thought of as a new electric sports car, potentially previewed by the FT-Se concept at the 2023 Tokyo motor show.
It is expected to reach production in 2027 using Toyota's next-gen 'square cell' performance batteries.
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