Toyota’s Busy Revival Schedule
Toyota’s performance division has plenty on its plate. A new GR Supra is already in development, signaling that the company’s halo sports car will not stay static for long. Other iconic nameplates, including the Celica and MR2, are also being prepared for a comeback, each targeting a different segment of the enthusiast market.
Against that backdrop, another familiar badge is being dusted off. The Starlet, once a popular compact hatchback, is poised for a comeback. While the name resurfaced in specific markets through a Suzuki-based crossover, leaked details from Japan indicate that a fully Toyota-engineered version is finally on the way.
The Rumor Mill Keeps on Churning
The latest information comes from Japan’s Best Car magazine (read: take the following information with a pinch of salt), which has been tracking the project since 2024 and recently shared updated technical data. The upcoming hatchback, tentatively called the GR Starlet, is designed as the production base for the World Rally Championship’s Rally 4 category.
According to the publication, power will come from a 1.3-liter three-cylinder turbo engine derived from the 1.6-liter G16E-GTS used in the GR Corolla and GR Yaris. Output is pegged at about 133 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, sent to the front wheels. A six-speed manual gearbox is expected, though an eight-speed direct automatic is under consideration.
The car is reportedly based on Toyota’s GA-B platform, featuring a strut front suspension and a torsion-beam rear setup. At roughly 151.6 inches long and weighing about 2,160 pounds, the Starlet should be small and light enough to satisfy Rally 4 regulations while carrying a clear link to Toyota’s established GR performance hardware.
Toyota is Targeting An October 2027 Debut
The returning Starlet is reportedly limited to 2,500 units to meet the homologation requirements for the rally class. Pricing in Japan is estimated to be between $17,000 and $19,000, based on current exchange rates. Unlike the GR Yaris, there is no indication of a regular catalog version, which means the initial release will focus on a competition-oriented specification.
Toyota is allegedly targeting an October 2027 launch, later than previously expected. According to the report, the delay is due to the crowded workload of Toyota’s GR department. Should the schedule hold, the Starlet would be eligible for its first WRC appearance in the 2028 season.
Again, these are unverified bits of information, so we implore you to take them with a healthy dose of skepticism. We’ll continue to keep our ears to the ground for the latest developments.
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