Being a die hard FJC owner for over 10 years, I am very excited about the mini Land Cruiser. But objectively speaking, it probably wont sell well in North America. There will be a lot of people SAYING how much they love it and want one, but few will actually buy and own one, just like what happened to the original FJ Cruiser.
Original FJ suffered from not having a roll down rear window. Sitting in the back was like sitting in the back seat of a non-Crew Cab pickup. Thing is I will not buy hybrid nor digital gauge cluster. And I do not want a huge tablet on the dash. If he is correct that it will not be hybrid and I can buy one in Philippines, then I might continue looking into how to hack it to remove the digital crap from the dash.
Instead of an LFA 2, for the money and resale value, I would think a Porsche GT3 would be better. Plus, with a Porsche, you can custom order what you want from the Zuffenhausen plant in Germany.
I'm kind of disappointed that Toyota won't offer both Celica and MR2, but I'm glad they are at least producing something in this category. My first car I bought with my own money was a 92 Celica GT, and later I owned a 91 MR2, so I have a soft spot for both models. I guess it doesn't make business sense for Toyota to have so many sports cars competing with each other, but they certainly don't mind overlapping their SUV lineup.
I had two 1976 Celica liftbacks (one in high school and one at university). Both were stolen. I do not think people with families want 2-door liftbacks though. Tiny market?
Yes, that's because there's a difference, unlike sports cars, SUVs sell like hot cakes, who cares if they overlap, offer more variety and reap the dividends, there are no dividends on sports cars now.
My first new car was a 1980 Toyota Celica GT Liftback. Put 300,000 miles on it. Gave it to our family gardener. Car went to Central America to be used on a farm to bring chow to the workers. Interesting. Now to find garage space 🤣
"M"id engine "R"ear wheel drive "2" seater. Both monikers kinda betray their roots with the rumors. But it never made sense unless vastly different chassis tech to slap 2 of these brand new cars with the same drivetrain and engine. Only major difference being the engine placement and # of seats. They'll end up with 4 (or more) cars on the same not so great GR Four system with either the G16e or this 2L 4cyl. And rumor has the Supra on the same 2L just with RWD. It's all too similar to waste the resources on this many models.
@@Vermonstered Ok, an MR2 with Celica "Face Lift" and "Butt Lift"........So you can tell her to her face and behind her back that she is a Celica, but deep down inside she is a "Mr. 2 ." Clear as Mud.
it will be sad if the celica and mr2 will merge; I was really hoping that the celica could be a coupe version of the GR yaris and the mr2 would be its own thing. Combining them leaves me a little bit meh; I'm not really sure about the continuation of the gr86 as, historically speaking, the celica and '86 never overlap each other..nor so the mr2; IMO, the new mr2 should be its own cayman competitor and the celica, its global platform gr4 coupe. Gr86 as well as supra should take a brake for a while(like a decade or so)🤷🏻.
They should just roll the 86 moniker under Corolla again and combine the Celica and Supra again. That way you can have a MR2, Celica, GR/86 Corolla all out at the same time like before without the marketing issues
Merging the Celica and the MR2 is just the best. That looks like a flagship, I don't care a out the GR GT3, LFR, Starlet, whatever, I don't care man, even an A100/MK6 Supra I don't care. This Mid-engined AWD Celica MR2 fusion looks like a flagship. I am so very excited for it. A GR 86 and GR Celica would be a killer garage. Plus, there's something about the car whose name means "Celestial" being an Mid-engine AWD, Manual car that just makes sense. :)
David, Thanks for working overtime on Christmas Day to bring us the latest news from "Best Car". If the Crown Estate is not yet on sale in Japan, does that mean they are jealous of our Signia? 🤔
It's a little stressful but good stress! It's like your good football team on a win streak, a few games away from homefield advantage, but one of the best teams in the league is coming into town! 😅 A stress you're surely glad to have than the alternative! 😂 But hey, least they got us anxiously taking! Better than I can say for my poor Nissan! 🤣 Thanks and awesome content, as always! ✌🏽❤️✊🏾💯
Toyota should just roll the Celica and Supra back together, reintroduce the MR2, and figure out how to roll the 86 moniker back under the Corolla as a Si type fighter. That way they stop messing with their own lineup and diluting things.
Sorry, this isn’t a Celica, it is an MR2. They did both name brands wrong by this. How about making a practical and economical sporty car like the Celica has mostly been? While this MR2 “Celica” sounds powerful and exciting, the high price and limited utility (strictly 2 seater sports car), as well as most likely low production will be nothing more than a brand booster.
Maybe they decided there is no market for 2-door liftback. Families do not like to squeeze into something like that anymore. So they figure just get the 86. Maybe they will put the new 2.0L-T in the 86? I had two 1976 Celica liftbacks (both got stolen). It was a great vehicle for high school and university but doubt I would buy one now at age 59 with kids. Personally I would much prefer to see them compete with the Honda Type R and WRX, with an AWD 4-door liftback. I would buy that in a heartbeat if not hybrid.
If this is true, this will not be a true successor to the Celica formula. Just a use of the name. In my opinion, a Celica-Supra revival for the mk6 Supra in addition to an MR2 would make more sense.
A part of me wonders if the rumors of a IMV based LC mini were actually talking about out the Rangga. Ever since the launch of the Rangga, I’ve been more hopeful that the LC mini will be TNGA based. That being said, if it’s is IMV based, I’d bet on it having the same exact IMV chassis as the Fortuner.
Up late on Christmas to bring us content! That’s why you’re one of the best! Any news on a Lexus ES EV? Or any Lexus sedan EV in the next 2 years? I’m leaning towards the BMW i5 if not.
And there’s no 2025 RC with only 6 days left in the year so could it be discontinued or could they have a final edition just like the GS in 2020 which is why the 2025 MY is taking so long
I am relieved to know the new FJ is not the Hilux Champ SUV as is being reported in some spaces. Besides that, does any one believe that the C pillar will not make to production?
Hoping that FJ is going to be real and that it arrives to South America. The 250 is utterly expensive (should be at most 75% of what they're asking for it!) considering its engine, interior materials and lack of sensors in its front (some say it's not even soldered but fixed with structural glue, but don't quote me on that). And yes, it's a bit too large too
Toyota needs to focus on the Tundra and Tacoma engines and transmissions and smooth out those turbo 4 banger engines and transmissions before they jump into sport cars. If Toyota will not fix the new Tundra's engine, they should seriously consider exiting the truck market like Nissan
All they need is to come out with this, call it MR2. And change the GR86 name to Celica. As for the MR2, I think they should keep it rear wheel drive. Make the Celica available in AWD. And most importantly, keep it affordable.
@@miketwotwenty for marketing and heritage reasons no they should axe the 86 or bring it back to the Corolla nameplate. Every Toyota enthusiast knew this would end up being an issue eventually. Toyota likes making the same car over and over again and giving it different names.
No. They are doing the right thing. May I remind you the Celica was FWD through most of its life? It doesn't make sense to have a nameplate known for RWD prowess like 86 be switched to a Celica. This, however, a Mid-engine AWD does make sense because the Celica did have some AWD versions in the past.
@@Bmontepeque11it does make sense because now you can combine different aspects of its lineage. Rwd and AWD options. GR86 is great but it was always a roundabout throwback to the 1st gen Celica anyways
I love it, but really think that there won’t be a Supra as a separate model. Maybe the Celica Supra is making a return. No matter what, a 400 hp turbo 4 AWD mid engine Toyota is just amazing!
I understand everything now days is focused on higher end cars with all the bells and whistles. Are we forgetting that the majority of us need basic and reliable cars and trucks? I desperately need a work truck, but at the prices of a new Tacoma I consider that a luxury truck. When is Toyota considering to make a work truck for us poor people?
Lexus as a brand that stood for Pursuit of Perfection is long gone I see. With the death of 2UR-GSE, and RC F the end is near. This LFR or whatever is not naturally aspirated and it has electric component on top, no soul. The original LFA is already sky high. Look at SLS AMG that's how you do a Viper style design. This one looks too sharp and not smooth like the LFA, RCF, LC. Chaotic style I would say. This is why RC F 2025 has not been announced yet, I bet it's going away. The last true F car. I really have one doubt though, what will happen to Lexus F. Yaguchi has retired in 2020 with the end of GS F and RC F has been downgraded since 2022 MY and without any Emotional factor in the F, I can assume its also will be gone. Lexus will also probably axe F-Sport in the future of EV only BS that they have for 2035.
Surprising to hear as I expected the new Celica product to still be a FWD based coupe like before , that seemed more likely to be a volume seller. Suppose MR2 concept had more value as a marketing piece then selling a Prelude competitor 🤷
As the owner of many Celicas and MR2s (and MANY other Toyota's including a S800 and a GR Corolla), yuck. Price will matter too. Nobody wants another $60k niche 2-seater. The former concept might work on a shortened Camry platform with FWD and call it a Celica. An all new platform makes no sense. Baby LC to compete with the Maverick makes good sense (but again, price matters!). LFA2 is both ugly and makes no sense, like he first one. The upcoming RAV4 and Highlander will be a big step forward though - at least if the concepts they showed us in person are the real deal.
All I want is for Toyota to bring over the gorgeous Crown Sport to the US and Canada, hear me out though, I'd like a base trim with water repellent cloth seats and 18 inch wheels
Americans won't buy anything other than a huge SUV. If Toyota sold Celica SUV then people would buy it. Americans forced even the likes of Porsche and Betley sell SUVs.
Besides the name, what difference would you envision relative to the GT86? Remember, 'entry level', you can't expect the moon. No idea why you folks want to reintroduce models simply to dilute the offering and make worse cars (instead of pooled resources on a few unique and district models that fill a niche, you rehash them with basically no differentiation)
A rear drive normal aspirated Celica is not watered down, it is a enhanced driving experience that I enjoy and would buy . People that want toys can have those too
Very ugly the new Celica. Not at all interested. Yuk. 🤮 Toyota has horrible styling lately. Hate everything they produce. The new LFA is nice but I will not buy any hybrid nor EV. The new FJ is nice if I can get it in Philippines, but again I will not buy hybrid, EV nor digital gauge cluster. So maybe I can only refurbish old vehicles from now on. New car sales will continue to plummet as they refuse to produce the vehicles we want at the prices we want without all the high tech gadgetry we do not want. The OEMs are going to go bankrupt if they continue this nonsense. If he is correct that the FJ will not be hybrid and I can buy one in Philippines, then I might continue looking into how to hack it to remove the digital crap from the dash.
Toyota has so many engine and transmission problems until they are going away like GM. They should first fix the Tundra and Tacoma engine and transmission issues before jumping into another project
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
Being a die hard FJC owner for over 10 years, I am very excited about the mini Land Cruiser. But objectively speaking, it probably wont sell well in North America. There will be a lot of people SAYING how much they love it and want one, but few will actually buy and own one, just like what happened to the original FJ Cruiser.
Original FJ suffered from not having a roll down rear window. Sitting in the back was like sitting in the back seat of a non-Crew Cab pickup. Thing is I will not buy hybrid nor digital gauge cluster. And I do not want a huge tablet on the dash. If he is correct that it will not be hybrid and I can buy one in Philippines, then I might continue looking into how to hack it to remove the digital crap from the dash.
If we don’t get that baby land cruiser here in the U.S. that will be a big mistake!
Merry Christmas David to you and your family and Happy New Year!
Happy Birthday Jesus!
Merry Christmas, David! Wish you tons of success in 2025!
Instead of an LFA 2, for the money and resale value, I would think a Porsche GT3 would be better. Plus, with a Porsche, you can custom order what you want from the Zuffenhausen plant in Germany.
I'm kind of disappointed that Toyota won't offer both Celica and MR2, but I'm glad they are at least producing something in this category. My first car I bought with my own money was a 92 Celica GT, and later I owned a 91 MR2, so I have a soft spot for both models. I guess it doesn't make business sense for Toyota to have so many sports cars competing with each other, but they certainly don't mind overlapping their SUV lineup.
I had two 1976 Celica liftbacks (one in high school and one at university). Both were stolen. I do not think people with families want 2-door liftbacks though. Tiny market?
Yes, that's because there's a difference, unlike sports cars, SUVs sell like hot cakes, who cares if they overlap, offer more variety and reap the dividends, there are no dividends on sports cars now.
I want that FJ
They should put the LFA motor in the 500 LC
Anything on the next-gen RAV4?
My first new car was a 1980 Toyota Celica GT Liftback. Put 300,000 miles on it. Gave it to our family gardener. Car went to Central America to be used on a farm to bring chow to the workers. Interesting. Now to find garage space 🤣
Well thats interesting… a whole reinterpretation of what celica is
Yeah but I’m kinda disappointed I wanted to see at least a sportier almost Camry sized awd coupe!
@@miketwotwentylol what?!
@@miketwotwentyo cmon, the current Camry sedan is so low and slung - with worse rear seat headroom its practically a coupe at this point 😂
@@2URLexNah I’m a Mike sympathizer I also wanted a luxury sports coupe but ill take it cause this looks mad cool
@@HaiRune the RC300 is a sporty coupe with an awd option lol
If it is midengined and a two seater, it should be "named" MR2, NOT Celica.
I think Best Car is throwing everything at the wall to make sure something sticks. Other then the GRC they don’t always get things right
"M"id engine "R"ear wheel drive "2" seater. Both monikers kinda betray their roots with the rumors. But it never made sense unless vastly different chassis tech to slap 2 of these brand new cars with the same drivetrain and engine. Only major difference being the engine placement and # of seats. They'll end up with 4 (or more) cars on the same not so great GR Four system with either the G16e or this 2L 4cyl. And rumor has the Supra on the same 2L just with RWD. It's all too similar to waste the resources on this many models.
@@Vermonstered Ok, an MR2 with Celica "Face Lift" and "Butt Lift"........So you can tell her to her face and behind her back that she is a Celica, but deep down inside she is a "Mr. 2 ." Clear as Mud.
@@Vermonstered it also means Midship Runabout 2 seater. Per Toyota it was either or
@@VermonsteredIt's actually "Midship Runabout 2 seater". RWD was never a part of the name.
I always appreciate updates on the mini land cruiser. I'm not holding my breath that it will come to the us.
Move to SE Asia. Much better place to live anyway.
Will the Starlet essentially replace the GR Yaris by the specs of 2 door 4wd hatch back?
it will be sad if the celica and mr2 will merge; I was really hoping that the celica could be a coupe version of the GR yaris and the mr2 would be its own thing. Combining them leaves me a little bit meh; I'm not really sure about the continuation of the gr86 as, historically speaking, the celica and '86 never overlap each other..nor so the mr2; IMO, the new mr2 should be its own cayman competitor and the celica, its global platform gr4 coupe. Gr86 as well as supra should take a brake for a while(like a decade or so)🤷🏻.
They should just roll the 86 moniker under Corolla again and combine the Celica and Supra again. That way you can have a MR2, Celica, GR/86 Corolla all out at the same time like before without the marketing issues
@@MaddNomad1015100% that; you are perfectly right in your assertion!
@@MaddNomad1015100%!
Merging the Celica and the MR2 is just the best. That looks like a flagship, I don't care a out the GR GT3, LFR, Starlet, whatever, I don't care man, even an A100/MK6 Supra I don't care.
This Mid-engined AWD Celica MR2 fusion looks like a flagship. I am so very excited for it. A GR 86 and GR Celica would be a killer garage.
Plus, there's something about the car whose name means "Celestial" being an Mid-engine AWD, Manual car that just makes sense. :)
David, Thanks for working overtime on Christmas Day to bring us the latest news from "Best Car". If the Crown Estate is not yet on sale in Japan, does that mean they are jealous
of our Signia? 🤔
It's a little stressful but good stress! It's like your good football team on a win streak, a few games away from homefield advantage, but one of the best teams in the league is coming into town! 😅
A stress you're surely glad to have than the alternative! 😂
But hey, least they got us anxiously taking! Better than I can say for my poor Nissan! 🤣
Thanks and awesome content, as always! ✌🏽❤️✊🏾💯
PLEASE 🙏 any news for the new Swift Sport?!?
It would definitely be too expensive and unrealistic. The Celica would be fine with being a little higher up the GR86.
Toyota should just roll the Celica and Supra back together, reintroduce the MR2, and figure out how to roll the 86 moniker back under the Corolla as a Si type fighter. That way they stop messing with their own lineup and diluting things.
With a V8T I find it hard to not see it as an AMG GT instead of a LFA sucesor
Sorry, this isn’t a Celica, it is an MR2. They did both name brands wrong by this. How about making a practical and economical sporty car like the Celica has mostly been? While this MR2 “Celica” sounds powerful and exciting, the high price and limited utility (strictly 2 seater sports car), as well as most likely low production will be nothing more than a brand booster.
Maybe they decided there is no market for 2-door liftback. Families do not like to squeeze into something like that anymore. So they figure just get the 86. Maybe they will put the new 2.0L-T in the 86? I had two 1976 Celica liftbacks (both got stolen). It was a great vehicle for high school and university but doubt I would buy one now at age 59 with kids. Personally I would much prefer to see them compete with the Honda Type R and WRX, with an AWD 4-door liftback. I would buy that in a heartbeat if not hybrid.
If this is true, this will not be a true successor to the Celica formula. Just a use of the name. In my opinion, a Celica-Supra revival for the mk6 Supra in addition to an MR2 would make more sense.
A part of me wonders if the rumors of a IMV based LC mini were actually talking about out the Rangga. Ever since the launch of the Rangga, I’ve been more hopeful that the LC mini will be TNGA based. That being said, if it’s is IMV based, I’d bet on it having the same exact IMV chassis as the Fortuner.
I’m fully expecting the celica to be the price of the Supra or less.
Can I request that you do reviews on Teslas. I highly value your experience, charisma, and wisdom. Thank you and have a wonder year.
I hope every rumor is wrong and that new sports car replaces the lc500 and only 100k or less
David…still nothing on the upcoming RAV4? So much secrecy for a model that is imminent!
David the MR2 will go electric via FT-Se concept.
Up late on Christmas to bring us content! That’s why you’re one of the best!
Any news on a Lexus ES EV? Or any Lexus sedan EV in the next 2 years? I’m leaning towards the BMW i5 if not.
And there’s no 2025 RC with only 6 days left in the year so could it be discontinued or could they have a final edition just like the GS in 2020 which is why the 2025 MY is taking so long
@ sorry what’s the 2025 MY? Is that a new sedan model for Lexus that’s coming?
@@capitalexoticsI believe MY = Model Year
UAF 😢😢😢
I am relieved to know the new FJ is not the Hilux Champ SUV as is being reported in some spaces. Besides that, does any one believe that the C pillar will not make to production?
Hoping that FJ is going to be real and that it arrives to South America. The 250 is utterly expensive (should be at most 75% of what they're asking for it!) considering its engine, interior materials and lack of sensors in its front (some say it's not even soldered but fixed with structural glue, but don't quote me on that).
And yes, it's a bit too large too
So it would be super car ?
AWD version = Celica?
RWD version = MR2?
Toyota needs to focus on the Tundra and Tacoma engines and transmissions and smooth out those turbo 4 banger engines and transmissions before they jump into sport cars. If Toyota will not fix the new Tundra's engine, they should seriously consider exiting the truck market like Nissan
Hey David!
Toyota should make the FJ a two door. They have plenty of four door models make something different.
6:26 Regarding pricing, David do you think their goal is to price this somewhere in between the GR86 and Supra?
I hope it can fit my tall torso
All they need is to come out with this, call it MR2. And change the GR86 name to Celica. As for the MR2, I think they should keep it rear wheel drive. Make the Celica available in AWD.
And most importantly, keep it affordable.
No keep the gr86 the 86 a na car and they should make a almost Camry sized coupe but sportier with awd called the celica!
@@miketwotwenty for marketing and heritage reasons no they should axe the 86 or bring it back to the Corolla nameplate.
Every Toyota enthusiast knew this would end up being an issue eventually. Toyota likes making the same car over and over again and giving it different names.
Dealers will make sure it’s not affordable.
No. They are doing the right thing. May I remind you the Celica was FWD through most of its life? It doesn't make sense to have a nameplate known for RWD prowess like 86 be switched to a Celica.
This, however, a Mid-engine AWD does make sense because the Celica did have some AWD versions in the past.
@@Bmontepeque11it does make sense because now you can combine different aspects of its lineage. Rwd and AWD options. GR86 is great but it was always a roundabout throwback to the 1st gen Celica anyways
Rather buy the original old ones -more reliability, simplier and probably less costly overall
Hopefully the production version of the Celica will look better…those billet grills already look dated.
I love it, but really think that there won’t be a Supra as a separate model. Maybe the Celica Supra is making a return. No matter what, a 400 hp turbo 4 AWD mid engine Toyota is just amazing!
I understand everything now days is focused on higher end cars with all the bells and whistles. Are we forgetting that the majority of us need basic and reliable cars and trucks? I desperately need a work truck, but at the prices of a new Tacoma I consider that a luxury truck. When is Toyota considering to make a work truck for us poor people?
I think Australia sold 6 FJ's in the time they were here petrol motor didn't help.
Lexus as a brand that stood for Pursuit of Perfection is long gone I see. With the death of 2UR-GSE, and RC F the end is near. This LFR or whatever is not naturally aspirated and it has electric component on top, no soul. The original LFA is already sky high. Look at SLS AMG that's how you do a Viper style design. This one looks too sharp and not smooth like the LFA, RCF, LC. Chaotic style I would say. This is why RC F 2025 has not been announced yet, I bet it's going away. The last true F car. I really have one doubt though, what will happen to Lexus F. Yaguchi has retired in 2020 with the end of GS F and RC F has been downgraded since 2022 MY and without any Emotional factor in the F, I can assume its also will be gone. Lexus will also probably axe F-Sport in the future of EV only BS that they have for 2035.
Buy one then , while you can
If Toyota is merging MR2 and Celica, im expecting 1,000HP for this
😂😂😂
I love it. Take my money Toyota 😅
Surprising to hear as I expected the new Celica product to still be a FWD based coupe like before , that seemed more likely to be a volume seller. Suppose MR2 concept had more value as a marketing piece then selling a Prelude competitor 🤷
Why have celica and Supra?
👍👍
As the owner of many Celicas and MR2s (and MANY other Toyota's including a S800 and a GR Corolla), yuck. Price will matter too. Nobody wants another $60k niche 2-seater. The former concept might work on a shortened Camry platform with FWD and call it a Celica. An all new platform makes no sense. Baby LC to compete with the Maverick makes good sense (but again, price matters!). LFA2 is both ugly and makes no sense, like he first one. The upcoming RAV4 and Highlander will be a big step forward though - at least if the concepts they showed us in person are the real deal.
Nice but priced out of range
All I want is for Toyota to bring over the gorgeous Crown Sport to the US and Canada, hear me out though, I'd like a base trim with water repellent cloth seats and 18 inch wheels
Americans won't buy anything other than a huge SUV. If Toyota sold Celica SUV then people would buy it. Americans forced even the likes of Porsche and Betley sell SUVs.
I'd love to see an entry level normally aspirated rear wheel drive Celica
Besides the name, what difference would you envision relative to the GT86? Remember, 'entry level', you can't expect the moon. No idea why you folks want to reintroduce models simply to dilute the offering and make worse cars (instead of pooled resources on a few unique and district models that fill a niche, you rehash them with basically no differentiation)
A rear drive normal aspirated Celica is not watered down, it is a enhanced driving experience that I enjoy and would buy . People that want toys can have those too
@@casf6857 🤦 Basically a GT86 which was my point.
Very ugly the new Celica. Not at all interested. Yuk. 🤮 Toyota has horrible styling lately. Hate everything they produce. The new LFA is nice but I will not buy any hybrid nor EV. The new FJ is nice if I can get it in Philippines, but again I will not buy hybrid, EV nor digital gauge cluster. So maybe I can only refurbish old vehicles from now on. New car sales will continue to plummet as they refuse to produce the vehicles we want at the prices we want without all the high tech gadgetry we do not want. The OEMs are going to go bankrupt if they continue this nonsense. If he is correct that the FJ will not be hybrid and I can buy one in Philippines, then I might continue looking into how to hack it to remove the digital crap from the dash.
Toyota has so many engine and transmission problems until they are going away like GM. They should first fix the Tundra and Tacoma engine and transmission issues before jumping into another project
🚘👍
Turbo4 sucks
Not for jdm cars or tuner cars!