- Toyota’s 2027 WRC prototype spied testing, revealing new styling cues.
- The two-door coupe rally car has a wide bodykit and oversized aero.
- The roadgoing version will get a turbo 2.0-liter engine and AWD.
Gazoo Racing continues testing its next rally weapon ahead of the 2027 WRC season, with a new prototype making a spy appearance at the rally stages of Tarragona in Spain. This gives us our best look yet at what is believed to be the rally version of the next Celica, ahead of its debut next year.
The first time we laid eyes on Gazoo Racing’s 2027 WRC prototype was in February 2026 during development testing in Portugal. The new prototype spotted in Spain appears to wear a redesigned body, while retaining similar proportions.
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The rally car is covered in Gazoo Racing’s signature red, black, gray, and white camouflage wrap. However, WRC driver Ott Tänak who was behind the wheel of the prototype was kind enough to park it close to fans and photographers, giving us a better look at its exterior design.
The latest prototype features aggressive headlights similar to the current EU-spec Corolla sedan. It also has a prominent hood scoop right above the grille, extra vents and creases on the hood, plus a large cooling intake on the front bumper.
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The profile is characterized by the two-door coupe silhouette with wide fender extensions, thick side skirts and intakes under the rear quarter windows. The fastback tail has a fixed rear wing mounted right onto an integrated spoiler. The taillights appear to be connected via a full-width trim above the sculpted rear bumper with a single exhaust pipe positioned in the center.
Is It A Celica?
The company has yet to confirm the name of the upcoming rally car which is designed to replace the dominant GR Yaris Rally1 in the 2027 season. However, judging from its two-door coupe bodystyle, and the timing of its launch, it will most likely mark the return of the Celica nameplate in the world of rallying. Toyota has won 2 manufacturer’s titles and 4 driver’s titles with past iterations of the Celica in WRC, so bringing it back is a logical move from a marketing standpoint.
La Toyota WRC27 encore en essais #WRC pic.twitter.com/Cg4Es2lqms
— Rallye Sport (@RallyeSport) September 29, 2026
It is worth noting that the rally car and the roadgoing model might share the same name and a few styling traits, but they will be entirely different beasts. The new WRC regulations require all automakers to use a common tubular spaceframe chassis and turbocharged 1.6-liter engines. On the contrary, the roadgoing Celica will likely ride on a TNGA chassis with Toyota’s brand-new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine under the hood and a rally-bred AWD system.
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Reading between the lines, the WRC prototype may give us a few hints about the design of the reborn Celica, but its wild aero and dedicated chassis have probably significantly altered its proportions. Hopefully, Gazoo Racing will formally unveil the rally car in the near future. As for the roadgoing model, we wouldn’t be surprised if Toyota gave us a preview with a near-production concept in early or mid-2027.
— PABLO GONZALEZ (@PABLOGGPRIEGUE) September 29, 2026
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