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Toyota’s 2027 WRC Prototype Spotted Testing in Portugal as Gazoo Racing Confirms Running

Speculation about a Celica road link remains unconfirmed.

Overview

  • Images and video from a gravel test in Portugal show a camouflaged two-door Toyota rally prototype with proportions unlike the current GR Yaris Rally1 and the GR Corolla ARA car.
  • Toyota Gazoo Racing technical director Tom Fowler says the prototype met its 2026 start target and has completed more than 2,000 km of development running.
  • The 2027 WRC rules target lower costs and shared parts, with a €345,000 cost cap, roughly 300 hp from ICE-only powertrains at launch, a spaceframe chassis, and Rally2 component commonality.
  • The coupe bodywork has prompted talk of a Celica revival, but outlets note that WRC spaceframe rules allow road-car styling to be applied without confirming a direct production tie or identical layout.
  • Beyond Toyota, Belgium’s Project Rally One is the only other constructor publicly developing a car to the 2027 regulations.