Which Toyota Sportscar will be next? The Celica or the MR2?

This year we’re seeing the revival of one of Toyota’s classic sports cars, the Orlando Toyota Supra. However, if you were a die-hard Supra fan back in the day, you’ll know that it’s been about sixteen years since Toyota last had a high-performance sportscar on its production line. While we at Toyota of Orlando have loved seeing commuter vehicles and SUVs continue to evolve, we’ve missed the feeling of speed and adrenaline behind a gas pedal and a sleekly designed Toyota sportscar. With the successful return of the Supra, you’re probably wondering, what’s coming next? For die-hard Toyota fans, the choices seem obvious, it’s either the Celica or the MR2. These vehicles are iconic classics and Toyota of Orlando is going to walk you through their histories. Which do you think Toyota will bring back first?

A brief history of the Toyota Celica

Named after the Latin term coelica, meaning heavenly or celestial, the Orlando Toyota Celica was in production from 1970 to 2006. It was produced with different 4-cylinder engine variations and was the stepping stone for several popular Toyota models (think the Camry and legendary Toyota sportscar, the Supra).

• The Toyota Celica was first introduced in 1970 at the Tokyo Motor Show as the North American response to the Ford Mustang. It used a 1.4-1.6L 4-cylinder engine with either a 4 or 5 speed manual transmission.
• The Toyota sportscar Celica was available as either a two-door coupe or three-door liftback until 1980 with the introduction of the Celica Camry.
• Before 1985, the Orlando Toyota Celica was a rear-wheel drive sportscar. But, 1985 brought with it a Celica designed using a new four-cylinder engine, new platform underpinning, and drivetrain.
• The fifth generation (1989 – 1993) saw the use of more rounded body designs and even a convertible submodel.
• The Celica XX (produced in 1978) was the first introduction of the Toyota Supra and it eventually evolved into its own vehicle.

A brief history of the Toyota MR2

Designed to be a fun-to-drive, sporty, and economical vehicle, the MR2 has been an Orlando Toyota sportscar fan favorite for quite some time. It’s Toyota’s first mid-engined production car. In fact, MR2 stands for either “mid-ship, run-about, 2-seater” or “mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2-seater.”

• The first Toyota sportscar MR2 was introduced in 1984 with a 1.5 and 1.6L inline-four engine.
• In 1989, the MR2 saw a redesign with a more rounded and elongated body design. The engine was upgraded to a 2.0 or 2.2L inline-four with optional turbo. The cabin was also made more spacious with luxury accessory options.
• The third generation of the MR2 saw a name change in North America to the “Spyder” and the addition of a convertible top.
• In 2004, Toyota announced the end of both the MR2 and Celica due to declining sales. Fortunately, that may not be the end of these popular Toyota sportscars.

Shop Toyota sportscars at Toyota of Orlando

Until the arrival of the Supra and the next great Toyota sportscar, you can still shop sporty new Toyota models, like the Toyota 86, at Toyota of Orlando! Check out our inventory online or in-person at 3575 Vineland Road.