History
In 2000, Toyota began production of the seventh generation Celica. It was very close to the XYR concept with the exception of the front bumper and rear spoiler. The 2000 Celica was an element of Toyota Project Genesis, an effort to bring younger buyers to the marque in the United States.
The new Celica was styled at Calty Design Research, Inc., in Newport Beach, Calif. The cab-forward design featured a high-fashion look with Indy-car design elements. Sharp-edged panels, dramatic plunging curves, a tall tail and a radically lowered front fascia were stark contrasts compared to past models. The new Celica was shorter in length, but longer in wheelbase with greatly reduced front- and rear-overhangs.
This Celica came in two trim levels, the GT powered by an economical 1.8 L 4-cylinder 140 hp engine and the GT-S powered by a higher-performance 1.8 L 4-cylinder 180 hp version, co-developed with Yamaha. Both of these engines featured Toyota’s signature VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence) system, which continuously varies the camshaft timing. The GT-S had a more aggressive system called the VVTL-i (Variable Valve Timing with Lift and Intelligence), which is similar to the VVT-i except until 6200 rpm, when valve lift is increased a fraction further to provide an abrupt increase in power, accounting for the 40 hp difference. The GT was available in both a 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic and the GT-S was available with a close-ratio 6-speed manual and a 4-speed manumatic.
In 2001, Honda released its Integra replacement, the Acura RSX, for the 2002 model year with a 2.0 L 4-cylinder 200 hp engine, which competed directly with the Celica.
In 2002 Toyota also made some changes on the Celica GT-S, with the revs being limited to 7800 rpm, down from 8350 rpm on the original 7th generation.
In 2003 the Celica received a face lift, with a revised front bumper, revised tail lights, and the addition of several new colors to the lineup. The GT-S was also now equipped with a drive-by-wire throttle body in the manual transmission model. Throttle drive-by-wire, while shortening throttle response, comprimises the ability to use an aftermarket ECU, thus limiting tuning potential.
In July 2004, Toyota announced the Celica (as well as the MR2) would be discontinued in the United States at the end of the 2005 model year because of increasing competition and lack of sales.
The last Celica was rolled off production line on April 21, 2006.
In 2000, Toyota began production of the seventh generation Celica. It was very close to the XYR concept with the exception of the front bumper and rear spoiler. The 2000 Celica was an element of Toyota Project Genesis, an effort to bring younger buyers to the marque in the United States.
The new Celica was styled at Calty Design Research, Inc., in Newport Beach, Calif. The cab-forward design featured a high-fashion look with Indy-car design elements. Sharp-edged panels, dramatic plunging curves, a tall tail and a radically lowered front fascia were stark contrasts compared to past models. The new Celica was shorter in length, but longer in wheelbase with greatly reduced front- and rear-overhangs.
This Celica came in two trim levels, the GT powered by an economical 1.8 L 4-cylinder 140 hp engine and the GT-S powered by a higher-performance 1.8 L 4-cylinder 180 hp version, co-developed with Yamaha. Both of these engines featured Toyota’s signature VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence) system, which continuously varies the camshaft timing. The GT-S had a more aggressive system called the VVTL-i (Variable Valve Timing with Lift and Intelligence), which is similar to the VVT-i except until 6200 rpm, when valve lift is increased a fraction further to provide an abrupt increase in power, accounting for the 40 hp difference. The GT was available in both a 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic and the GT-S was available with a close-ratio 6-speed manual and a 4-speed manumatic.
In 2001, Honda released its Integra replacement, the Acura RSX, for the 2002 model year with a 2.0 L 4-cylinder 200 hp engine, which competed directly with the Celica.
In 2002 Toyota also made some changes on the Celica GT-S, with the revs being limited to 7800 rpm, down from 8350 rpm on the original 7th generation.
In 2003 the Celica received a face lift, with a revised front bumper, revised tail lights, and the addition of several new colors to the lineup. The GT-S was also now equipped with a drive-by-wire throttle body in the manual transmission model. Throttle drive-by-wire, while shortening throttle response, comprimises the ability to use an aftermarket ECU, thus limiting tuning potential.
In July 2004, Toyota announced the Celica (as well as the MR2) would be discontinued in the United States at the end of the 2005 model year because of increasing competition and lack of sales.
The last Celica was rolled off production line on April 21, 2006.
Engine Specifications
- 1ZZ-FED, 1.8L, fuel injected, DOHC, VVT-i
- 2ZZ-GE, 1.8L, fuel injected. DOHC, VVTL-i
Car Specifications
Wheelbase - 99.4 Inches
Length - 171.9 Inches (Hatch) - 173.6 (Others)
Width - 65.5 Inches - 67.3 Inches
Height - 49.8 Inches
Weight - 2,455 lb - 2,760 lb
Turning Diameter - 35.4 ft
Gas Tank - 15.9 Gal
Brake Disc Front/Rear - 9.6” / 7.9” (GT-S: 10.2"/10.6")