This article includes renderings of an eighth-generation Toyota Celica created by independent designer Alexis Poncelet, who is neither related to nor endorsed by Toyota.
There might not be any space for a modern-day Celica to slot between the GR86 and the GR Supra sportscars in Toyota’s current lineup, but fans of the nameplate have been dreaming about a new generation for years. One of them is professional automotive designer Alexis Poncelet, who envisioned a new Celica, blessing it with the widebody treatment.
Alexis Poncelet works for Chinese automaker GAC, but creates some interesting projects in his free time, which he usually shares with his followers on Instagram. The latest example is the pictured Celica T250 – a project that has been sitting in his archives for a while. Lately, he decided to revisit it, adding with visual upgrades inspired by the Japanese tuner Esprit Suzuka.
See Also: Someone Built A Mid-Engine Roadster Version Of The Last Toyota Celica
The 3D model looks longer, wider and lower than any Toyota Celica from the past. It does however incorporate familiar features, including the greenhouse and the surfacing which looks like an evolution of the seventh-gen Celica (1999-2006).
The ultra-wide front and rear fenders are combined with a massive carbon-fiber splitter, extended side sills, and side-mounted exhaust tips. The rear end looks quite dark with Genesis-style horizontally-mounted LED taillights, a fixed rear wing and an equally large diffuser. As a bonus, Poncelet created a “Bosozoku” version of the digital concept, following the lines of the fictional character Wingo from the movie Cars.
The racecar-style Celica concept might never escape the digital world, but Toyota keeps on updating the trademark of the historic nameplate, giving us hope we might see a new version of this affordable sportscar some time in the future.
Renderings by Alexis Poncelet
