G'day and welcome to Lounge News. It's been a quieter week for big reveals, but there's plenty here for us: a legendary Toyota nameplate is back in the forests, McLaren has given its next supercar a name, and there's a limited-run Hyundai N built for Aussie buyers. Plus a recall Lotus owners need to know about. Grab a coffee and let's get into it.
1. The Celica is back, in the WRC for now
Toyota has confirmed the Celica name will return in the 2027 World Rally Championship as the GR Celica Rally1. It'll be run by a new Toyota Racing team, with the GR Yaris Rally1 continuing under the Gazoo Racing banner. Both cars are built to the WRC's new 2027 rules. Toyota hasn't confirmed a road-going Celica, but this adds weight to reports of a production sports car, possibly mid-engined, built around Toyota's new 2.0-litre turbo four. Toyota has suggested that engine could make 300–340kW in performance applications. There's no word on Australian plans yet, but GR Yaris and GR Corolla sales here show there's real appetite.
Anyone who grew up with the GT-Four on rally posters will feel this one. If the road car shows up with that rally DNA and a sensible price, it could be the most exciting Toyota in years.
Source: CarExpert – New Toyota Celica rally car confirmed · DirtFish – Toyota unveils two teams for WRC 2027 · Motor1 – New Toyota Celica confirmed for WRC
2. McLaren names its next supercar: the McL 820
The McL 820 name was revealed on a kiwi sculpture in London’s Covent Garden. Image: McLaren Automotive
McLaren has revealed that its next series-production supercar will be called the McL 820. It arrives in 2027 and kicks off a new naming structure that links the road cars to the McLaren F1 and endurance racers. In true McLaren fashion, the name appeared on a kiwi-shaped sculpture in London. McLaren says the number reflects the car's 820PS output, about 603kW. It's widely expected to effectively replace the 750S. McLaren also says it's now designing and developing its own engines in-house for the first time. Australian timing and pricing are still to come.
A big jump in power is nice, but what I want to know is whether McLaren keeps the steering feel and ride that make its cars so special. The in-house engine is the story to watch.
Source: McLaren – McL 820 announcement · Auto Express – New McLaren McL 820 · Motor1 – McLaren’s next supercar officially has a name
3. Hyundai i30 Sedan N Monochrome priced: 200 cars for Australia
The i30 Sedan N Monochrome in Abyss Black and Performance Blue. Image: Hyundai Motor Company Australia
Hyundai Australia has priced its stealthy i30 Sedan N Monochrome from $60,500 before on-roads, the same for the six-speed manual and eight-speed DCT. That's $5000 more than the Sedan N Premium it's based on. Only 200 are coming, and about 30 will be manuals. There's no extra grunt (it's still 206kW and 392Nm from the 2.0-litre turbo), but you get black forged 19-inch wheels, black calipers, darker exterior trim, a carbon spoiler and mirror caps, and Alcantara on the wheel and shifter. It's effectively a run-out for the current Sedan N, and it lands in showrooms this month.
Thirty manuals for the whole country is tiny. If you want a three-pedal Sedan N to keep, I'd be talking to a dealer this week.
Source: CarExpert – 2027 Hyundai i30 Sedan N Monochrome pricing · CarSauce – i30 Sedan N Monochrome price and specs
4. Report: GM scraps Corvette electric SUV and sedan
The current C8 Corvette range, with the Z06 front and centre. Illustration only. Image: General Motors Specialty Vehicles
According to a GM Authority report, General Motors has dropped plans for a Corvette sub-brand that would have added an electric SUV and a four-door electric sedan aimed at the Porsche Taycan. The plans date back to 2022, and slowing EV sales are the likely reason. GM's US EV sales fell 62.1 per cent year on year in the third quarter. GM hasn't confirmed or denied it. For Australia, it means GMSV's Corvette range stays a two-door sports car story. CarExpert notes GMSV is yet to confirm the new 6.7-litre V8 and Grand Sport models for local showrooms.
I'm relieved. The Corvette name means a low, loud two-door, and I'd rather GM put its effort into getting the Grand Sport here in right-hand drive.
Source: CarExpert – Chevrolet Corvette SUV, sedan plans scrapped (report)
5. In case you missed it: 114 Lotus Elises recalled in Australia
This one landed just before our window, but owners should hear about it. Lotus has recalled 114 Elise sports cars built between 2014 and 2021. A manufacturing defect may deform the impeller in the low-pressure fuel pump, so it rubs against the casing and stops working. That can stall the engine and cause a sudden loss of drive, which raises the risk of a crash. A Lotus dealer will contact affected owners to book a free repair. The recall number is REC-006751, and you can check it on vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
An Elise is a car you want to trust on a fast back road. If yours was built from 2014 on, don't wait for the letter. Ring your dealer and check the VIN.
Source: Australian Government Vehicle Recalls – REC-006751 · CarExpert – Lotus Elise recalled
That's your Lounge News for the week. If you're after something to watch with your next coffee, check out the latest video review at performancecarlounge.com.au/reviews, and never miss one by subscribing at performancecarlounge.com.au/subscribe. See you in the Lounge.