I am incredibly excited to share an in-depth look at my latest automotive illustrations, commissioned by MotorTrend to visualize the highly anticipated return of the 2028 Toyota Celica.
Bringing this legendary nameplate into the modern era was a dream project that required a careful balancing act. The goal was to push the boundaries of Toyota's current Gazoo Racing styling language while honoring the rich, rally-bred heritage that made the Celica a global icon.
Channeling the 1990s GT-Four
To capture the nostalgic magic of the Celica lineage, I deliberately channeled the organic, muscular proportions of the 1990s ST205 Celica GT-Four. Rather than relying on overly angular, boxy lines, the design leans into curvaceous rear haunches and deeply contoured side skirts. This approach gives the car a wide, planted stance that visually anchors it to the pavement, echoing the sweeping, aerodynamic silhouettes that defined nineties sports cars. Bridging the gap between those classic, flowing shapes and cutting-edge contemporary automotive design was a fantastic challenge.
Form Follows Function: The MR-2 Connection
The aggressive front fascia is not just an aesthetic choice; it is directly driven by the anticipated mechanics beneath the sheet metal. Industry intel suggests this new Celica will share a potent, next-generation turbocharged engine with Toyota's upcoming MR-2 revival. Providing adequate cooling for that shared, high-performance powerplant dictated a front end that looks as predatory as it is functional. The heavily sculpted hood features prominent venting, while the gaping lower grille and functional aerodynamic splitters ensure maximum airflow to the engine bay.
Sculpting a Modern Gazoo Racing Identity
To firmly plant the design in the future, the nostalgic elements are contrasted by a razor-sharp, ultra-slim LED lighting signature. This setup gives the front end a piercing gaze while serving as a subtle, modernized nod to the classic quad-headlight arrangement of its predecessors. Moving along the profile, the sweeping roofline tapers seamlessly into a taut tail section. I designed the rear to visually widen the car, completing the aggressive aesthetic with a prominent integrated diffuser to manage underbody airflow.
The final result is a silhouette that captures the visceral, high-performance spirit of a true modern Celica Sport.
You can read the full breakdown of the rumors, specs, and context for these design choices in my feature over at MotorTrend.
