Toyota is reportedly preparing to reintroduce the beloved Starlet, an iconic nameplate, as a compact and potent rally hatchback in 2027. This vehicle, potentially dubbed the GR Starlet, is intended to serve as a homologation model for the World Rally Championship's Rally 4 class. It is expected to inherit DNA from its high-performance siblings, the GR Corolla and GR Yaris, featuring a downsized 1.3-liter turbocharged engine. With a targeted production of just 2,500 units, this lightweight, front-wheel-drive machine aims to deliver an exhilarating driving experience for a new generation of enthusiasts, with an estimated price in Japan ranging from $17,000 to $19,000.
Toyota Starlet's Rally-Ready Revival Planned for October 2027
In a move set to excite motorsports enthusiasts, sources from Japan indicate that Toyota's performance division is busy resurrecting the classic Starlet nameplate. This new iteration, tentatively named the GR Starlet, is being engineered from the ground up as a production base for the demanding Rally 4 category of the World Rally Championship. Scheduled for an unveiling in October 2027, the vehicle will draw its powertrain inspiration from the acclaimed GR Corolla and GR Yaris, specifically a 1.3-liter three-cylinder turbo engine. This powerplant is projected to generate approximately 133 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, channeled to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission, with the possibility of an eight-speed automatic option. The GR Starlet will utilize Toyota's GA-B platform, featuring a strut front suspension and a torsion-beam rear, contributing to its compact dimensions (approximately 151.6 inches in length) and a svelte curb weight of around 2,160 pounds. To meet the stringent homologation requirements for rally racing, production will be capped at 2,500 units, suggesting a highly exclusive and competition-focused initial release. While the launch timeline has shifted slightly due to the GR department's extensive workload, the anticipated debut in late 2027 positions the GR Starlet for its potential WRC debut in the 2028 season.
The potential return of the Toyota Starlet as a rally-inspired hot hatch is incredibly exciting. It signifies Toyota's continued commitment to performance and its rich rallying heritage, following in the footsteps of successful models like the GR Yaris and GR Corolla. The focus on a lightweight, driver-centric machine with a limited production run not only caters to a niche enthusiast market but also ensures its exclusivity and appeal. While currently based on unconfirmed reports, this news offers a tantalizing glimpse into a future where affordable, fun-to-drive performance cars with genuine motorsport connections continue to thrive. It’s a reminder that amidst the shift towards electrification, there's still a vibrant space for exhilarating internal combustion engines and the thrill of competitive driving.