Toyota’s long-rumored Celica revival is starting to sound a lot more real, and a lot more modern, than many enthusiasts may have expected. According to a new report out of the UK, the reborn coupe will reportedly wear the name Celica Sport, bringing back one of Toyota’s most recognizable performance badges with all-wheel drive and some form of hybrid assistance. For anyone hoping Toyota would simply recreate the old formula with a lightweight gas-only coupe, this latest twist suggests the company is aiming for something that balances nostalgia with the realities of where performance cars are headed next.

What makes this especially interesting is the reported powertrain direction. The upcoming car is said to use Toyota’s new 2.0-liter four-cylinder, and the electrified component is apparently still being sorted out. Autocar says Gazoo Racing marketing manager Mikio Hayashi confirmed that Toyota has not yet finalized whether the setup will be a conventional hybrid or a plug-in hybrid. Either way, the implication is clear: if the new Celica Sport is going to make it to market globally, especially in emissions-conscious regions, some level of electrification may be the price of admission. That may disappoint purists at first, but it could also end up being the move that keeps a proper Toyota sports coupe alive in today’s market.

The all-wheel-drive piece is hardly surprising, especially given the camouflaged rally-style prototype Toyota has been testing in public view. That detail alone adds some real intrigue because it hints that this will be more than just a stylish throwback. If Toyota truly leans into the Celica’s all-weather, turbocharged heritage, there is a chance this thing could land with the kind of real enthusiast credibility that modern buyers still crave. The name Celica carries weight, but it also carries expectations, and Toyota seems to know that slapping the badge on just anything would not go over well.

At this stage, plenty remains up in the air, but the bigger takeaway is that Toyota appears serious about giving its next sports coupe a distinct identity. A hybridized, all-wheel-drive Celica Sport may not be the exact fantasy some fans had in mind, but it could be the most realistic way to bring the name back with genuine performance intent. If Toyota gets the styling right, keeps the weight under control, and makes sure the driving experience still feels alive, this could end up being one of the most fascinating performance car stories to watch over the next couple of years.