Toyota reveals new petrol engine, rumoured for Celica and MR2
There’s a new four-cylinder engine in development from Toyota, and the high-performance turbocharged version could be destined for new versions of both Celica and MR2 models – according to new reports out of Japan.
Japanese car giant Toyota has unveiled a new family of petrol four-cylinder engines which are smaller, more efficient, and more powerful, the company claims – and they could be coming to a pair of all-new sports cars.
In a video posted on YouTube by Toyota Times – the car maker’s in-house publication – Toyota engineers showed off a new four-cylinder petrol engine available in both 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre displacements.
While the smaller version will be available both naturally aspirated and turbocharged, the larger 2.0-litre engine will only be available with a turbo.
First shown at the recent joint press conference between Toyota, Mazda, and Subaru, the video features a preview of the engine in a future production car prototype – possibly the next-generation Lexus IS sedan – and provides the viewer with an example of the noise and performance.
Prior to the engines being shown to the public, Japanese publication Best Car – known for obtaining insider information on Toyota’s future products – reported both the Celica and MR2 sports cars were being developed with new-generation 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engines.
MORE: Toyota chairman drops biggest hint at Celica revival
Rumours of the pair’s revival surfaced approximately two years ago – however, earlier unconfirmed reports suggested they would adopt the same 1.6-litre turbo three-cylinder engine found in the GR Yaris and GR Corolla.
“I’m not just saying this because we’re at a rally event, but Kankkunen is Mr Celica. He was champion four times in the Celica,” Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda told the Toyota Times in October 2023, during an event with multiple World Rally Champion Juha Kunkkunen.
“Now you can all have a think about why I’m using Kankkunen so much. See if you can guess!”
In May 2023, Mr Toyoda admitted his love of the Celica nameplate – which ended production in 2006 – while CEO Koji Sato responded by admitting “I want to revive the Celica”.
Best Car has long suggested an MR2 was in development, with the model potentially being Toyota’s ‘last hurrah’ for non-hybrid, petrol-powered performance cars.
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